Specialty Gifts Business Plan


Specialty Gifts Business Plan


Pink Lady Bug Designs LLC (“PLBD”) is a provider for high-quality, uniquely crafted chocolates. Gift baskets and other fine products are sold in order to raise awareness and fund women’s health.

  • We are a newly incorporated company and need equity and loans to help us raise capital.
  • We plan to double our sales in Year Two; we will triple our Year Two sales by Year Three, and we will have a healthy cash position.
  • We will donate 50% of our after-tax profits to Women’s health programs.
  • Our business strategy is maximize cash flow by minimising overhead and capital costs and maximizing returns.

Pink Lady Bug Designs was created to market the designs and concepts of Linda Herter. Linda Herter has been involved in merchandising since the 1970’s. She was also informed by an Internet company that it was closing its doors that Linda was no longer employed. Linda realized that there was opportunity in all kinds of difficulties and she decided to put her professional and creative skills to work to create a company that would make the most of them. The company has two major goals: to raise funds for breast-cancer awareness and to help women who cannot afford it. We desire that Linda’s story will be an example of hope and inspiration for others who might face similar problems.

The Pink Lady Bug Designs business strategy bundles many features and critical factors that will be key to our success:

  • Delivering the Pink Lady Bug tale
  • We offer only the highest quality products.
  • Half of the after-tax profits will be donated to women’s health causes
  • Being the first to launch a product with minimal competition.
  • Partnering up with a celebrity spokesperson
  • Establishing alliances of suppliers and vendors for fine products.
  • Customers who are emotional about buying a product that supports an cause should consider selling it.
  • We have a potential market of 20-30 millions people in the United States. This group includes all 2 million breast- and ovarian cancer patients who have died in the past ten years.
  • The acceptance of our ideas by potential customers has been overwhelming.
  • Endorsements by large organisations, such as American Cancer Society, Breast- and Cervical Cancer Programme (BCCP), etc.
  • Forging two-way relationships with the American Cancer Society, BCCP and other websites.

Pink Lady Bug Designs’ strength is in the talent and experience of all the principals. This is fueled by a uncompromising conviction that Pink Lady Bug Designs will help to prevent and cure life-threatening diseases for women. We are also aware of our weakness in the areas of national marketing, distribution and sales. We recognize this and are working to create synergistic partnerships with individuals and companies that can provide guidance and advice for the launch of our products national.

Our team needs members who have the ability to contribute their skills and help us achieve our goals. Jim Herter is the Bigname University Food Services Department’s Business and Facilities Manager for the past 13 years. His primary duties are the planning and facilitating of a $31 million budget, oversight of the department’s business and accounting staff, and conducting management training in the areas of financial analysis and planning. Jim will serve as the vice president and Controller lending his financial planning skills.

Brian Egendoerfer, currently the Manager of Web Development Services at Bigname University, is Brian Egendoerfer. Mr. Egendoerfer was Director of Alumni Information Technology for the University’s Alumni Association for six years. Brian’s skills are key to the maintenance our Web pages.

Our organization has received additional support from the Advisory Board which includes key support persons who provide guidance and insight. Dr. Craig Sponseller is a Saint Louis University School of Medicine clinical researcher in Hepatology, Transplant Hepatology. He is closely involved in the Cancer Center, which specializes in liver cancer management and other types. Dr. Sponseller travelled with Naomi Judd on her lecture tour, “An Evening With Naomi Judd”, to educate the public about hepatitis.

His deep understanding of the medical field and involvement in charity and philanthropic events are unmatched.

George Friend, M.D. and F.A.C.S, graduated from Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri. He has been in practice in South Bend since 1971. From 1972 through 1990, he was Director at Memorial Hospital as well as St. Joseph’s Medical Center. He is currently Medical Director of Breast Care Services at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. Dr. Friend will bring a wealth of experience to the table in both the local and national breast care and pharmaceutical communities.

Castles Sport, a high-end apparel manufacturer for alumni, is headed by Karen Castles Gray of Atlanta, Georgia. Castles Sport has a license with more than 40 universities across the United States. Last year, Castles Sport generated over $3,000,000 in revenue. Karen’s experiences and advice with merchandising on a national level will be very instrumental to our national sales strategy.

Phase one of our marketing plan will concentrate on selling high-quality chocolates. Due to our research and previous sales, our products are already in high demand from fund-raising groups as favors at various functions. We chose a high-quality product with broad appeal. This popularity has been born out in the increasing demand for upscale chocolates. Customers who want to support our cause or simply enjoy high-quality chocolates will love our products

Because our expertise lies in merchandising, not production, we have entered into an agreement with Bissinger’s French Confectioners of St. Louis, Missouri to produce our chocolates. The Bissinger family created their exquisite delicacies in Paris, France, 17-century. Bissinger’s will handle all product fulfillment and orders. We no longer need to invest in capital or manage logistics. Bissinger’s economies-of-scale for packaging and printing as well as their established product ordering system on the Web will be available to us.

The company’s principals have provided loans to finance all of its development and operational capital. In order to further the company’s objectives, we will need to secure loans and investments for Phase One. Funding will be used to fund legal and accounting costs, stationery and office supplies as well marketing and promotion consultants. Research and development and page development are also possible. One personal computer will also be purchased with cable modem capabilities. To maintain a positive cash balance, the remainder of the funds will be held in cash.

We are offering three $20,000 memberships with principal and interest to be paid in years three, four, and five. With a large cash balance projected for Fiscal Year 3, we are certain that we will repay our equity shareholders by Year 5.

1.1 Objectives

  • To establish a substantial cash reserve by the end year three.
  • Our goal is to contribute $100,000 in our third year of service to not-for profit organizations that support women’s initiatives and organizations.
  • To double sales by year three
  • To repay any equity investments or loans by the end year three.

1.2 Mission

Pink Lady Bug Designs’ goal is to become the most prominent provider of high quality products on the market, in order to raise funds to support women’s health programs. We will reach our goal by:

  • Establishing strategic alliances and partnerships with organizations and companies that share our vision.
  • Conducting business ethically, fairly and honestly
  • Treating our employees with dignity and respect.

Success keys 1.3


  • Telling the Pink Lady Bug story.
  • Secure enough start-up capital for the marketing plan, administrative expenses, and operating costs for six to twelve month.
  • Establishing a competitive edge by being first to market for our products and following-up with a strong national advertising strategy.
  • Securing celebrity spokesperson/major sponsor for the product.
  • Controlling cash flows and finances by keeping capital- and operating-costs low

Home Accessories and Gifts Business Plan


Home Accessories and Gifts Business Plan


Dan Carithers from Atlanta is one of the most respected interior designers in the country. He said, “If I had $500,000 to buy a room, I’d spend $400,000 on accessories.” . . An accessory is what makes a person unique. They are essential in decorating. . . Accessories are what create that feeling of ‘#8220’ I’m home’?8221? Source: Atlanta Magazine Shops, Fall 2001

The Scarlet Tassel, a new retail store that sells eclectic home accessories and gifts, is an idea. It is a start up business offering unique home accessories and gifts for consumers who want to create an environment where they feel at home. The Scarlet Tassel will be opening in Sandy Springs/Lower Roswell, Georgia. It caters to middle- and upper-class customers who are looking for unique expressions of their individual style and personality beyond what is offered by national gift chains and home accessory stores. Unparalleled customer service, quality, and value will enhance the customer experience. In Year Two, The Scarlet Tassel will develop its online presence at www.thescarlettassel.com. The Scarlet Tassel will transition to e-commerce in Year Three. It will ship directly to its customers online. The Web will be an extension of the store concept – a virtual business card and portfolio for the company – its online “home.”

The Scarlet Tassel expects to grow at a steady rate of total revenue for year one. Year Two will develop services and marketing plans, in addition to the Web presence, so that a 30% growth rate is realized. Year three expectations are for further growth through e-commerce development and consumer awareness. Owners feel these expectations are achievable and realistic.

Shelly Dozier McKee and Deirdre Stab bring together 36 years’ experience to the venture. This expertise includes merchandising as well marketing, buying, forecasting, operations, and import sourcing. Scarlet Tassel, Inc., is an S-corporation. Deirdre and Shelly each have a 50% share of the business and equity investment. The Scarlet Tassel’s realization is possible with additional funding.

1.1 Mission

Mission Statement of Company

The Scarlet Tassel, a celebration of the home is a store for quality- and style-conscious consumers. We offer unique, eclectic, and affordable home accents, gifts, and we plan to earn a fair return on our investment to support continued growth and increased community involvement.

Customer Creed

The Scarlet Tassel will show you how to express yourself inside your home. We are confident that you will trust us with your home’s personalization and pricing needs.

Employee pledge

Our employees will enjoy a friendly, fair, and creative work environment, which respects diversity, new ideas, and hard work.

Success Keys 1.2

These are the key factors that will ensure the company’s success:

  • You should sell products that deliver quality and value while also allowing the customer to express their personal style.
  • Provide customized services such as in-store workshops, personalized promotions and other custom services so customers can continue to buy and refer.
  • COMMUNICATE directly with your customer base via print magazine advertising, postcard mails, or through our website.
  • ESTABLISH a welcoming, visible and accessible storefront and website that positions us as the top choice for products and services in the market and beyond.
  • ENSURE through daily management practices the values of The Scarlet Tassel’s mission are followed so that a successful and growth-oriented business is developed and maintained.

1.3 Objectives

  • Aim for a minimum direct cost of sales of 45%, and a minimum gross margin of 55%.
  • Keep operating expenses equal to or lower than the plan.
  • In Year 1, generate total revenue of $626,000
  • Develop an Internet presence in Year Two.
  • Turn your Internet presence into ecommerce in Year Three
  • You can achieve an annual growth rate in the second year of around 30%
  • Realize an annual growth rate of approximately 20% in Year Three.


Gifts and Collectibles Retail Shop Business Plan


Gifts and Collectibles Retail Shop Business Plan


Classique Gifts Etc. is a start-up retail store offering fine gifts, collectible dolls and doll accessories. The store will be located in Lexington, Kentucky, catering to the middle- and upper-class consumers who look beyond the congested retail malls for the special shopping experience. A wide selection of high-quality products will be available. The customer will also enjoy knowledgeable and friendly service in an uncongested area.

This business plan is prepared to obtain financing in the amount of $50,000 to purchase inventory and to help cover expenses in the first year of operations. We are also asking for a credit line of $10,000 to be used as necessary in low cash flow periods. Brenda and Charles Gajdik will jointly own and manage the store. They will contribute $40,000 to equity as an investment. This money can be used to finance start-up and equipment purchases as well operating capital.

The Lexington business is similar to the one in this plan, so the sales forecasts were very conservative. Brenda has evaluated the strengths of this store and believes it could be improved.

1.1 Objectives

  • To develop Classique Gifts Etc. Central Kentucky’s leading gift retail store.
  • For the first year, to maintain and increase your gross profit margin of at least 40%.
  • Personal customer service and marketing will help you to reach 4,000 customers within the second calendar year.
  • To earn a substantial profit by Year 3.

1.2 Mission

Classique Gifts Etc. will operate a gift store that sells high-end gifts, collectible dolls and accessories. We will provide quality products from trusted suppliers, and offer friendly customer service.

1.3 Keys for Success

To succeed in this business we must:

  • Get the best products for the customer and sell them at the highest quality.
  • Offer friendly customer service
  • Good vendor/supplier relationships will allow for quick shipment.
  • Advertising and promotion of our store are essential to capitalize on the current Christmas shopping season.
  • Continuously review our inventory and sales and adjust our inventory levels based on detailed records.


Home, Garden Gifts Online Business Plan


Home, Garden Gifts Online Business Plan


J-J Enterprises is owned by E. Jane Prenuer and her husband, John A. Prenuer. While primarily operating the Web store, Country Crockery at www.countrycrockery.com, the owners are also vendors at consumer gift shows, home and garden expositions, summer fairs and festivals; these events help us to promote the Web store. Despite the slow recovery in the national economy, online purchases and visits increased dramatically by the third season.

The owners of J-J Enterprises believe that continued growth of the business can be accomplished with:

  1. Major revamping of the Webstore (currently in progress) and increased promotional opportunities.
  2. Sponsoring special community events, and fund-raising for local organizations
  3. Renovation of an existing building for safe storage and efficient packing and shipping.
  4. Increasing the number/events targeted at upscale consumers.
  5. Buy seasonal and regularly-stocked inventory in larger quantities to obtain better price breaks

While the sales growth has been anticipated and welcomed, it has come a little late for financial recovery of debts incurred to reach this point. We need financing to fix our existing storage space (our barn), pay off outstanding debts, release credit lines for product purchases, and make advance payments required for space rentals at markets, festivals, and other events. Finance will allow us to seize opportunities to purchase and sell “ground floor” products before they are made available by other vendors on the circuit.

Young people are not able to find skilled jobs in the local community. High school students are expected to be employed for packing, shipping, stocking, and other business-related activities. Our experience and education can be beneficial to these students. We hope to be role models to them, encouraging them towards further education and pursuing their entrepreneurial ambitions. In addition, we will sponsor special events (e.g. Summerfest,â#8221; 4 th Of July activities) as well as fund raisers for local charities (schools and churches, etc.).

Our main suppliers make in America so our sales contribute to American jobs. We continue to seek out and direct-buy American-made products that we can offer at reasonable prices and receive a fair profit. We also have the potential resources to procure high-quality and easily sold merchandise for fundraisers if we have sufficient funding.

We are looking for $40,000 long-term loans to help finance the renovation of the barn and restore it to its original use as a warehouse. Also, to maintain positive cash balances over the period we are working on the renovation.

1.1 Mission

Company Mission

Country Crockery is about celebrating the home. Our mission is simple: to create unique and affordable home accents, gifts and gifts that will appeal to the stylish and quality-conscious consumer. Our products will be available online as well at many festivals and shows.

Customer Creed

Country Crockery is proud of its customer service and good communication. We guarantee satisfaction with all our customers’ purchases.

Employee Pledge

Employees will feel valued and respected in an environment that encourages hard work and provides training opportunities in a variety business activities.

1.2 Objectives

  1. Continue to provide unique quality home and gift products at reasonable prices on the Internet and at consumer home/gift shows;
  2. Minimum total revenue of $125,000 at the end of year 1
  3. In order to attract more customers, you need to grow and maintain your web store.
  4. In the second year, you can expect an increase of around 45%
  5. Realize an annual growth of approximately 20% in year three and each year thereafter;
  6. You can build a following by attending a set of road shows that run 24-36 times per year.
  7. Find additional quality products to add to our product range.

1.3 Keys to Success

These factors will make the company’s greatest success possible.

  • Home-based services that minimize overheads and maximize profit margins.
  • The products should be of high quality and provide value for the consumer, while also allowing consumers to express their personal style.
  • Spoontiques Pin Art, Ear Art, and other discontinued products can be obtained by customer service. Customers are also encouraged to make repeat purchases and refer others.
  • Email and postcard mail communications with our customer base.
  • A visible, accessible and welcoming Web store to position us as the preferred choice for our products and services within the marketplace on the Internet and local communities in our 4-state region.
  • It is important to practice daily management tactics in order to develop and sustain a business that is growth-oriented and profitable.
  • Gifts, Novelties, Souvenir Business Plan


    Gifts, Novelties, Souvenir Business Plan


    The “Gift Shop” at Avant-Garde Building has long offered a wide range of novelties and stationary inside one of the most prestigious landmark buildings in Jakarta, Indonesia. Customers of the Avant-Garde Building’s Gift Shop were primarily tenants. The new venture, “PT. Avant-Garde Shop, in a joint operation to PT. ABC Company Indonesia. We intend to broaden our customer base, not only by targeting tenants, but also neighbours and visitors to Avantgarde Building. The grand opening is slated for December 9th. Our main priority at PT. ABC Company has one goal: to remodel the existing outlet so that it can be used as an official store for professionals, who are the main focus of our marketing program. [NOTE: *PT stands for Indonesian Perseroan Terbatas and is a shorthand for Limited Company.

    This business plan lays out our strategy for re-positioning the “Gift Shop” from “just-another-store” to the “Official Store of Avant-Garde.” This plan will detail services to be provided by ABC Company in the joint operation, along with the implementation milestones for each step. ABC Company will give strategic recommendations on how to increase the traffic and image for the retail facility by renaming, image overhauling, remodeling of interior and merchandise resources planning.


    The Market

    Avant-Garde Building hosts approximately 100 offices. Avant-Garde Building attracts roughly 1,000 people daily. Avant-Garde Shop identifies three distinct market segments.

    The primary target customers are approximately 1,500 Tenants who are white-collar workers earning high disposable incomes. The area’s office community, which often visits the Avant-Garde Building during lunch hours to catch up with colleagues or friends, are our secondary target customers. Both of these groups are known to be willing to purchase from retail stores in the Avant-Garde structure. Its location on the Mezzanine just above the ground-floor eating area is ideal for catching their attention.

    The Avant-Garde Shop’s final target customers are tourists and Jakarta Metro residents who visit the Avant-Garde Building as a way to feel glamorous and be part of Indonesia’s modern economy.


    Strategy

    PT. Avant-Garde Shop will build on the Avant-Garde Building’s existing brand-name and image to create a powerful brand that reflects power and modernity as well as wealth and global sophistication. We will increase the retail space through a new design. In addition, we will supplement retail sales by selling catalogs and web orders. It is important to remember that we do not sell merchandise. Instead, we are selling a company and an image, the New Indonesia.

    All amounts are shown in the plan in Indonesian Rupiahs (IDR), also abbreviated as Rp.

    1.1 Objectives

    Avant-Garde Shop aims to achieve two things. These lofty goals are achievable, but they are not impossible. By developing and tracking progress toward the goals, the organization will push everyone both from PT. Avant-Garde & PT. ABC Company will perform at its best.

    1. The current Avant-Garde Gift Shop will be repositioned as the Official Avant-Garde Store. This will be done through the re-modeling and implementation of various marketing programs. These programs will generate more revenue for Avant-Garde and increase its overall equity.
    2. To achieve a modest profit of Rp. 1,801,000 by the second year and Rp. 6,807,000 in the third year.
    3. To make a profit of Rp. 90,299,000 in year one and Rp. 95,717,000 by year two and Rp. 101,460,000 for year three.

    1.2 Mission

    Avant-Garde Shop specializes in the retail sale of novelty items of different product mixes. However, the Avant-Garde Shop will focus on the sale of official Avant-Garde merchandise. The store will offer a complete selection of accessories, stationary, and apparel as well as other lifestyle-related novelty items.

    Our goal in ABC Company is to be the sole supplier to those official merchandise of Avant-Garde. To be able to position Avant-GardeShop, we must follow the theme that corresponds to the lifestyle of the target customers.

    1.3 Keys of Success

    Avant-Garde Shop must ensure that all aspects are important to their customers for success in the retail merchandising industry.

    • A variety of mix and match merchandise to best suit their white collar target customers.
    • Customer service excellence in a professional atmosphere.
    • Advertise and promote our store in areas where our target customers will know about it. We do this by using point-of-sales (banners and leaflets, flyers), our website, and any other marketing medium to encourage people to visit the location.
    • We must constantly review our inventory and sales, and adjust our inventory levels accordingly.