Subject: buckstore dollar stores

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for your email. I have answered your questions one by one (which are very good questions by the way). See below and call me please when you have a free moment so we can answer any more questions you may have too. We are actually in PA next week doing a small store in Lebanon PA.

Do you have any locations in mind in Trooper already ? or you need help looking for a suitable location. We can help either way. Anyhow, to answer your questions…

1. on average, how long until you see profits? or know if what you’ve done is the right thing to do in the right location?

The answer is location, location, location. To determine how much sales will be we must first determine a) rent amount b) size of the store c) foot and car traffic. On average (of 1200 stores that we are in touch with) AVERAGE SALES are approximately $200 per square foot per year. That is taking all sizes low traffic and high traffic (nationwide average). From that amount you must deduct expenses and that gives you your net profit after sales. We do a full sales projection sheet before people start and we know the expenses they will have so you can see the numbers before signing any leases on a location.

2. What other costs will I have?

We have an itemized list on our Expense sheet that comes with the Sales Projection sheet and the business plan. Costs involved just so you know are RENT, MERCHANDISE, EMPLOYEES, TAXES, ELECTRIC, PHONE, ETC ETC, we have some sample expense sheets on our sales projections section on our website.

3. After the initial merchandise, how much will I typically pay for merchandise per piece? and do I go through you, or who else would I get it from? and do you have a list of suppliers and what they offer?

Merchandise unit costs vary, a gallon of bleach does not cost the same as a greeting card for example ! items are from 10 cents to 75 cents. Average cost per item could be 50 to 60 cents depending on what sells and what you order. The main issue is “how many items did I sell per customer ?” and YES, we work together with 42 of the leading warehouses in the country and we give you a list and full catalogs from everyone before you even start ordering.

4. Can I make the purchase from you, get help finding the right location, then basically you do EVERYTHING else to get the store up & running?

YES.

5. There is a separate price listed for your POS system, is this already included in your price along with the credit card integration?

YES.

6. For example, if I plan to open a 2,000 sq ft store, how many employees would need to be hired & when does that process start? can you please go into detail?

2000 sq ft depends on the traffic of people you will have in the store. Typically a busy 2000 sq ft store has 3 full time employees and 1 to 2 additional part timers.

7. Do you have any payroll processing information? or how do I find out about that?

Its integrated with the POS system and you can also get your own company and have the POS track the hours, etc.

8. How much money do I need in FULL to start? How much do I plan to sell (get back) to put back into the business? How do I figure all of this out?

We have all costs listed on AVERAGE COSTS. To figure out the sales, money to put back in, etc we have a FULL BUSINESS PLAN available, which includes demographic reports, sales break even analysis, etc. also see BUSINESS PLANS.

9. What’s the best way to pay for business items? business checking account? Business credit card?

Business credit and debit card is what most stores use.

10. What should I make the hours of operation? Just match the stores in the area?

YES, but what we call “the anchor of the area” i.e. the supermarket in your strip mall, the Walmart, the BIG GUY THERE.

11. Do you provide any outdoor signage?

We provide all indoor signs, complete surveillance camera security system, etc. BUT Because outdoor signs require a local permit and local signmaker in most cases (especially the northeast usa), we prefer to help you find a local LICENSED sign maker that can get the permits in PA.

12. Do the shopping carts/baskets come with my store name on them?

We provide shopping carts, baskets, and kartwheels with your equipment. Names can be affixed too as you requested as long as they dont have special logos or colors required, that would be a bit extra.

Regards,

MW

Buckstore Inc.