FRANCHISING

1. A modern, well equipped store - APCO pays most of the higher fixed costs of the store including Electricity, Gas, Rates, Store fit out, etc. This provides Franchisees with a high level of protection against fixed costs that cannot be matched by most companies. The equipment supplied includes everything, from the external fuel pump/forecourt facilities, to inside your store including air conditioning, shelving, computer registers, refrigerated display and extensive takeaway food bar equipment. APCO owns and maintains all this equipment. You are simply responsible for ongoing minor maintenance and care of the premises and its equipment.

2. Training - Before taking on an APCO EASY SHOP store you will undertake a comprehensive 6-12 week "hands-on" training course at our managed corporate store. Training will include actual in-store experience in operating an APCO EASY SHOP - the only way to learn! The training will teach you all the techniques and procedures essential to the successful operation of an APCO EASY SHOP and guide you to develop your business plan.

3. Ongoing Business Support - From the outset you will have direct access to APCO's support team dedicated to helping you establish and then manage your APCO EASY SHOP store. The ongoing link between you and APCO will help you to monitor and develop your individual business. Analysis of store trading performance, operating expenses, product ranging and merchandising, implementation of promotional programs, are just a few of the areas where support is provided. Regular meetings with the entire APCO team are an essential part of our system for monitoring and developing the future directions of the business.

4. Merchandise Assistance - APCO provides lists of recommended suppliers and merchandise criteria to help you choose the right range of products for your store. APCO also has a range of proprietory products (oils, confectionery, etc) that must be ranged in all stores. The supplier's discount and credit terms arranged by APCO for its Franchisees are undoubtedly amongst the best available in this industry.

5. Promotional Support - A regular promotional program is developed and provided to stores with various forms of advertising support to stimulate additional sales and profits.

6. Retail Management System - Every APCO EASY SHOP is installed with a totally automated retail system, fully integrated to the till, console, barcode scanner and back office. The system provides ease of operation at the POS console and in the back-office. The back-office business monitoring facilities produces detailed performance reports resulting in increased management power. Apco maintains the hardware/software package and the retail and management systems are supported with essential on-line support to maximise business productivity.

Apco is dedicated to working with our Franchise owners as they strive to succeed in their business. Having a Franchise though is no guarantee of success, although the success rate for franchises is far greater than for other businesses. You know that all aspects of the operation have been tried and proven. You don't have to reinvent the wheel or take risks others have learnt beforehand. But you must recognise that building your own business takes diligence, hard work and business acumen. Your own efforts, skills and commitment are essential to your success.

So if you have a strong desire to succeed, a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard to enhance the APCO system, then fill out a Expression of Interest form, and send or fax it through to the APCO team and let's see if this Franchise is right for you.

STRENGTHS OF APCO EASY SHOP STORES

A major strength of the APCO EASY SHOP stores is their location. APCO has chosen the strategy to grow and develop at a steady pace, preferring to add quality sites in prime locations thereby ensuring long term success for the company and greater profitability for the Franchise system. APCO is not just interested in developing sites to increase its percentage share of the market – the growth must be sustainable and profitable for the Franchisee and Franchisor.

APCO EASY SHOP’s have modern, well-equipped convenient fit outs, with shop floor areas larger than the average, allowing flexibility for future expansion, new trends and greater merchandising opportunities.

The driveway forecourts are very large providing easy access to fuel pump services and all facilities are covered by a canopy that extends right to the front shop for customer comfort. Ample shop parking is also provided for customer convenience.