A major key to success in retail is finding the right location. Buckstore, Inc. works side by side with the store owner and with a large nationwide network of commercial real estate professionals who assist you in identifying suitable locations. RPI Commercial Inc. as a full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm works in cooperation with Buckstore and a national network of real estate professionals which brings rapid results.

This collaboration provides services which includes assessing potential locations, assisting in site selection, negotiations for your lease and its terms, and any other details relating to renting or owning your store.

No. We offer solutions which include: finding your location; negotiating your lease; designing your layout (click here); furnishing the interior of your store with all necessary fixtures; opening inventory; cash counters; cash registers, etc.

If you wish to do some or all of the labor yourself, we can provide you with complete "Do it Yourself" instructions of how to setup the store at no cost. This would include free store layout, free product plan-o-grams, fixtures at cost from the manufacturer, and all necessary consultation at no cost.

Email from Customer with answers February 15, 2006

Good Morning Philip,

Sorry I missed your phone call when you called. I am still interested in the Dollar Store Business. Some of my questions are listed below until I get the opportunity to speak with you.

1. What is included in your store package?
2. Will you negotiate with the store owner on my behalf in getting the best lease for his property?
3. Will you create a business plan for the store that can be used to get grants and do you help in getting grants for this business?
4. How long will it take to get started?
5. A new mall is being built at ABCD Road and ZYXW, off highway 50 in Maryland. Will you consider a location that I find interesting or do you help in finding the location for the new store owner? (I would like to have a small store but not sure of the size.)
6. Will there be training and who will provide this training and is there a cost?
7. Will I need a business license a permit and will you help in obtaining them?
8. What legal aspects do I need to consider?
9. What about zoning laws will you look into that, Will this be a form of corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship, do I need a lawyer to answer these questions or is it my choice?
10. How do I set wage levels?
11. Money:
How much money will I need to start the business?
How much money will I need to stay in this business?
How much money do you require for your assistance?
12. Will I have to sign a contract with you stating that I must buy directly from your company and no other company the materials needed for the
13. Do I need a merchandise plan to help determine the amount of inventory needed to control purchases?
14. Will I have to pay you a % of the profits?
Philip, you can reach me at home after 6:00pm on Monday-Wednesday and weekends or you can send information to my home address listed below. Please leave a message if I am not available if you call. Please use my home e-mail for a response if you prefer

Thank you,

XXXXX  in MD

Email Reply

Hi XXXXX,
Sorry that we missed each other. I will try to respond to your questions in order:

1) Our complete store package includes everything you need:
a) Site location and lease negotiation
b) Store layouts, Planograms and buildout
c) Full Inventory
d) POS – Point of Sale equipment + solutions
e) On-site Training
f) Continuous support

2) Yes, we will help you find the best location for your store and negotiate your lease. We have licensed commercial real estate professionals on staff.
3) Yes, we will create business plans for you which may be needed to help secure your space or acquire financing. As far as grants are concerned, you should contact your local, state and federal representatives to find out what grants may be available to you in your area.
4) Usually the most time consuming part of the process is finding a good location and negotiating your lease. This is the one area that you don’t want to rush as it is the most important. Conservatively, this process takes between one to three months. Once your location is secured, it takes between three to four weeks to get your store set up completely.
5) As previously mentioned, we will help evaluate any location that you desire and help you find the best location(s) in your targeted area.
6) We provide training at no cost. Our customers can contact us any time they feel if they need for more training or consultation.
7) When you lease a retail space, you have to pay an occupancy tax to the city or county. This occupancy tax or permit is referred to as a “Business license” in some areas. It is very easy to obtain and should not be confused with actual business licenses such as real estate licenses or nursing licenses which require state certification.
8) You should have your attorney examine your lease before signing. You may also use his services to incorporate your business.
9) All shopping centers are located in commercially zoned areas.
10) Wage levels vary from one area to another. We can advise you as to what you may expect to pay for managerial or clerical help.
11) Our website www.buckstore.com covers the costs of opening a store in detail. We breakdown all of the basic costs there for various size stores. Besides the set up costs you will also need operating capital to cover your rent, security, utility and telephone deposits and any other miscellaneous expenses that you may have in the early weeks of your store. We can advise you on these costs (we do a complete Sales Projection) when we help prepare your store business plan for your specific location.
12) We are direct importers and wholesalers of dollar store merchandise. You are not obliged to buy from us.
13) We provide you with a state of the art Inventory Control (POS) system which makes ordering and re-ordering simple and effective. It enables you to constantly be able to improve your stores performance on the fly.
14) We do NOT collect any royalties whatsoever.

To summarize, Buckstore offers you a complete turnkey store package at cost price. Our services should not be confused with the numerous telemarketing companies that have been formed over the years that will offer you a store at much higher prices, with much less inventory and negligible, if any, customer service. We enable you to get your merchandise direct from the warehouse. Pennies count in this business. The savings you get from dealing with us can possibly be difference of your store making a comfortable living or not making any money at all.

Please feel free to call me any time you like during business hours and I will be happy to answer any other question that you may have.

Regards,
Philip Storch
Buckstore, Inc