Products & Services WHAT YOUR CUSTOMERS WANT It’s no secret that your customers hold the keys to your—and our—success. The Cash Plus franchise opportunity is designed to provide your customers with products and services they need and want. We also give them some things they don’t always expect: smiles, courtesy and respect. The result is a highly profitable branded store unit, complete with the marketing and operational systems required to make it deliver high financial performance. As a Cash Plus franchisee, you’ll be able to offer your customers a variety of specialized products and services they need and want. The basic services you will offer include: ~
Check Cashing
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Payday Advances
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Money Orders
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Money Wire Transfers
~
Mail Box Rentals
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Debit Cards
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ATM Machine
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Bill Payments
Supplementary products and services serve an important role in your business: attracting new customers to your store, encouraging repeat business and/or increasing the dollar value of customer transactions. Depending on your customer demographic mix, these services may include: ~
Cash Plus Memberships
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Pre-Paid Phone Cards
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Copy & Fax Service
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Bus Pass/Token Sales
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Prepaid Phone Service
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Notary Public Service
Product research and development is a major focus at Cash Plus. We are aggressively pursuing ways to expand our product and service mix to attract an ever-increasing number of customers. Consumer credit cards, mortgage and auto loans through strategic partnerships with banks and other financial institutions are but a few of the initiatives we are pursuing.
FORM PSZ-100704
75,0 /,1(
Your Investment FRANCHISE FINANCIAL INFORMATION PROJECTED COSTS TO OPEN A CASH PLUS FINANCIAL SERVICE CENTER INVESTMENT RANGE
Franchise Fee (see Note 1)
$35,000
$35,000
$67,200
$101,700
$12,500
$17,500
$1,000
$2,500
$82,500
$128,000
$198,200
$284,700
Real Estate Improvements, Equipment, Fixtures, Remodeling & Decorating “CheckSentry” Computer System Inventory & Supplies Security Deposits, Working Capital, Payday Advance Capital, Misc. Costs Estimated Total to Open (see Note 2)
FINANCING ~ Cash Plus, Inc. does not currently offer financing to its franchisees. We can assist you with the preparation of paperwork if you will be seeking financing through your own bank or leasing company. MULTIPLE UNITS ~ If you are interested in developing multiple Cash Plus financial service centers, you may qualify for our Area Development program, which gives you the option to open additional stores in specific areas and lock-in future franchise fees. Investment will vary depending on the number of stores you wish to develop. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ~ Detailed information about Cash Plus and the franchise investment is contained in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), formerly called the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC). The FDD and Franchise Agreement will be provided following submission and approval of the accompanying Confidential Qualification Report. NOTES 1.
The franchise fee entitles you to the right to use the Cash Plus trademark, operating system and promotional materials; site selection guidance and assistance with lease negotiations; Pre-Opening and Operations Manuals; classroom training and on-the-job instruction in the Corporate Training Center, and preparation for store operation at your location.
2.
Total investment will vary depending on the size of your store, range of services you will be offering and factors determined by your specific geographic location, including, but not limited to, rental rates, deposits, landlord requirements, construction costs and working capital.
FORM GSZ-70609
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Our Company at a Glance GROWING WITH OUR INDUSTRY OUR BUSINESS ~ We are an aggressive franchise company in one of the fastest growing retail industries today, called variously the “check cashing” industry, the “payday advance” business and the “alternative financial services industry”. We provide: ~
Payday Advances
~
Check Cashing
~
Money Orders, Wire Transfers, Debit Cards and more.
OUR GROWTH ~ We launched our “next generation” franchise program in 1997 and have more than quadrupled the size of our retail network since 2000. Based on this growth, Cash Plus, Inc. has earned spots in Entrepreneur Magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500 and we’re among the “Great Eight” top franchise opportunities selected in the upscale POV (Point of View) Magazine’s survey. OUR CUSTOMERS ~ We serve low to middle income consumers seeking a convenient alternative to banks and finance companies. Currently there are more than 40 million families in our target customer segments, with a trend for steady growth. OUR INDUSTRY ~ Tripling in size over the past decade, our industry’s growth is a response to the growing need for the products we provide. Changes in the banking industry and in population demographics are the key drivers. OUR FRANCHISEES ~ While Cash Plus franchisees come from a wide range of backgrounds, a recent survey indicated that more than three-fourths had been either corporate managers or business owners prior to investing in their Cash Plus franchise. FORM TCZ-12907
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W H AT T H E Y S AY about Cash Plus in franchisees’ own words...
I wanted to let you know how informative that regional seminar was. It was professionally done, the information was pertinent, short and to the point. I was extremely pleased with everything that went on. I also feel I’m ready to move on to the next level...another $10K per month. Dr. Daniel Malchow, San Diego, CA We shared the Front-Line Marketing training videos with our ambassadors and asked them to make comments and suggestions. The comments were terrific! This type of training is exactly what they were looking for also. You hit a grand slam with this one. Thank you. Tom & Wendy Moser, Port St. Lucie, FL I own several other franchises, including 7-Eleven and Subway, and I have attended many of their conventions. I thought your Success Conference was more informative and professional than others I have seen. Sukhi Sandhu, Ventura, CA Now that we’re up and running, Sarah and I wanted to say thank you once again for the tremendous support we’ve received. We are very happy with our new Cash Plus franchise, from the store design, to the POS software, to the marketing programs to the customer service philosophy. Doug & Sarah Grimaldi, Jacksonville, FL We wanted to express our gratitude for your help with our grand opening. It shows a commitment in your organization that runs from top to bottom. We had a tremendous turnout — last count was about 300 people — and everyone enjoyed themselves! Mike & Kim Gibson, Rancho Cucamonga, CA Even being franchisees for 10 years now, we walked away from the latest conference with new ideas to try out. That’s the greatness of these events and the one-on-one networking with Cash Plus colleagues. And, at the end of the conference when you’re mulling over so many new marketing and problem-solving tools and ideas to make your business even more successful, you suddenly stop and realize the new friendships you made, too; it truly is a Cash Plus family. Thank you. Chris & Caren Thomas, Bay City, MI
I Cash N T RPlus O D UExpress CING If you’re a business owner operating an existing retail location, we can show you how to significantly increase your sales and profits. Sound interesting? The Cash Plus Express Plan allows you to sell highly profitable and recession resistant financial services and products in as little as 150 square feet of space. Not all businesses qualify but many do. Our consultants are ready to discuss your current business and your growth objectives. Chances are that we have the perfect plan for you. Once you learn what the proven Cash Plus system has to offer, we think you’ll agree that it can be a one-of-a-kind business opportunity. Give us a call now: it’s a free, no obligation proposition. The Cash Plus Express unit can be adapted to fit a wide range of existing retail settings.
IN THE NEWS
from What No One Ever Tells You About Franchising BOOK EXCERPT: CHAPTER 50
Why Calvin Yu Selected Cash Plus
FOR MORE THAN 12 YEARS, Calvin Yu worked in his family’s business-to-business technology company in Dayton, Ohio. When his parents retired, Calvin remained with the business for 18 months to help with the transition. Although he has a college degree in computer science, Calvin wanted to move to Southern California in 2004 and try working in a non-technical field. He considered looking for a job, but having been a boss and an employee, Calvin decided he wanted to own his own company. “Either way, I always give 110 percent, so in the long haul I might as well work for myself,” he says. Calvin investigated buying an independent business, but thought it was financially riskier than he wanted. “In a private business, you’re completely on your own,” he says. “With a franchise you’re not really an entrepreneur. The products
and services are laid out for you.” Before investigating franchises to buy, Calvin weighed both his own strengths when he worked in the family business and his long-term goal. “I’m strongest in operations and management,” he says. “My five-year goal is to get married, buy a house, and have kids. A franchise is riskier than a job but the financial rewards are better.” He wanted to find a franchise that capitalized on his operational strengths, required few employees, and had more reasonable operating hours than restaurants. He intentionally avoided technology franchises and those selling to businesses with which he had prior experience. He wanted experience in a business-to-consumer sector. Many franchise buyers are most comfortable looking at franchises in industries in which theyy have
Calvin and Jenny Yu opened their first Cash Plus store in Fullerton, CA in November 2005. Through their efforts, the store ranked among the leaders in Cash Plus first-year sales growth. They opened their second Cash Plus store only eight months after opening their first. Calvin subsequently became a member of the Franchisee Advisory Council and the prestigious Circle of Excellence.
prior experience. Some strike out in a completely different field without weighing whether they have any transferable skills to run such a business. Franchising attracts large numbers of former managers and executives who know how to work with employees, write a budget, market, or plan strategically. The most successful franchisees are those who match not just their experience, but their strongest skills to the franchise most in need of those particular skills. The franchise that rose to the top of Calvin’s list was Cash Plus Family Financial Service Centers, which provides check cashing, money orders and transfer, and loans of two weeks to a month for people faced with an unexpected expense before payday. He thought about some auto-related franchises because he is passionate about cars, but decided Cash Plus best matched his skills and plan. Calvin bought the rights to a Cash Plus location in Fullerton, California, in 2005. “What Cash Plus offers is lightyears easier to operate than retail and the hours are shorter. Its services are used by a lot of immigrants and middle-income people, and it gives me experience in the consumer sector, which is different from business to business,” he explains. X What No One Ever Tells You About Franchising: Real-Life Franchising Advice from 101 Successful Franchisors and Franchisees © 2006 by Jan Norman and published by Kaplan Publishing, Chicago, IL 60606 Reprinted with permission of the author.
IN THE NEWS from Entrepreneur Magazine
Need Some Cash? When Julie and Craig Wells bought Cash Plus, Inc., their goal was to make it more than just a financial services franchise. The pair had humanitarian ideals in mind, ideals that ultimately became BravoKids®, a program partnering with Save the Children, which sponsors underprivileged children around the world. “Our goal was to sponsor ten children out of each of our stores,” says Craig, 48, CEO and president. Some Cash Plus stores also offer discounts for bringing in canned foods, which are distributed to local food banks and rescue missions. How did it all start? When Julie and Craig acquired Cash Plus in 1996, they had been looking at a variety of franchise opportunities. Craig had been in commercial real estate for thirteen years, and Julie had a background in marketing and PR. When the previous owners approached them about becoming franchisors of Cash Plus, they saw an opportunity. They were right: The franchise opened fourteen stores in 1996 alone. Today, the company's services include check cashing, payday advances, international wire transfers and money orders. With more than seventy locations in nine states, Cash Plus earned sales of $18 million for 2000. And the franchise is still growing, opening thirty locations in the past eighteen months and on the lookout for middlemanagement types and current
Cash Plus asks that question of its potential franchisees — and charities! franchisees to become unit owners — and charitable entrepreneurs. “We're trying to do good within our community and be outstanding corporate citizens,” says Julie, COO. Sounds like they're right on the money. X SHARE THE WEALTH Not happy with just handling money, Julie and Craig Wells are giving some of it away.
~ giving back ~
Since its inception in 2000, Cash Plus has helped thousands of children through its BravoKids initiatives. Thanks to corporate and franchisee creativity this help takes many forms, from participation in international child sponsorship programs, to collecting school supplies, to participation in disaster relief, educational programs in association with foster care agencies and more. One of the most heart-warming aspects of these initiatives has been customers’ responses: they’ve pitched in and contributed, too!
In 2001, Cash Plus, Inc. launched its first Cashaway™ Sweepstakes giveaway. Now a regular summer program, tens of thousands of customers sign up each year for the chance to win cash – and help their favorite charities, too. The top three winners of each Sweepstakes not only get their own big check, but a big check also goes to the charity of their choice. Winners say that being able to support charities is every bit as thrilling as winning. So far, Cash Plus has given out more than $200,000 to customers and charities.
IN THE NEWS from California Center Magazine
Cash Plus: Drawing on its Prospects The owners of the popular check cashing franchise Cash Plus are confident that it is destined to become a household name. With its reputation for fast, friendly service and its attractive, convenient locations sprouting up all across America, Cash Plus is shattering the image of check cashing outlets as being dingy storefront operations in poor, inner-city neighborhoods. In fact, its sleek retail outlets are comfortably bank like. Company President and CEO Craig Wells and his wife Julie purchased Cash Plus, Inc. in April 1996. On acquiring the company with its solid track record and what they believed was tremendous growth potential, they opted to become franchisors. With his extensive background in commercial real estate management and leasing, her background in public relations and advertising, and their prior experience as franchisees themselves, the Wells have fashioned a business that’s about as close to a bank as you can find in franchising. As an alternative financial services provider, Cash Plus fills a growing niche in the economic sector. As banks nationwide continue to merge and phase out their basic services, the check cashing industry is increasingly being viewed as a desirable alternative. As banks have continued to raise fees, and
with workers increasingly living from paycheck to paycheck, it is a growing small-business industry. The attractiveness of Cash Plus stores lends an additional appeal to suburban community, middleincome consumers, whose time is valuable. As a “money center,” Cash Plus goes beyond mere check cashing in serving all its customers’ cash needs. While the majority of Cash Plus’ customers do not have an existingg bankingg relationship p (repp
resentative of the estimated 2727 30% of the country’s population), an increasing percentage of their customers do have bank accounts. Cash Plus provides both of these segments the additional services of money orders, wire transfers, payday advance loans and debit cards, as well as convenience services like notary public, mailbox rentals, copying and faxing. The tasteful retail environment at Cash Plus appeals to customers across the socioeconomic spectrum. Since the Wells completed
their overhaul, the company has experienced unprecedented growth and currently has units in a dozen states, including Hawaii. Preferred locations are freestanding or in-line, endcap or pad space in open-air retail centers of at least 1,000 square feet, featuring a traffic count of 20,000 cars in a 24-hour period. Spaces ranging from 800 to 1,800 square feet are of interest. Demographics entail a population of 15,000 within 1 mile, 30,000 within 3 miles. Approximately 40% of the immediate sur4 rounding population should r be b renters. The median family i income requirement is $50,000 or less. Ideally, the $ site s should be frequented by b blue collar workers, as opposed to welfare or food o stamps recipients. Leases s typically run 5 years, with a t 5-year option. Negotiations 5 can c be completed in two weeks, with the franchisee w and corporate office participating. Since its inception in 1985, the focus at Cash Plus has been to go above and beyond. Craig and Julie Wells have taken this focus to an even higher level and have also brought a notable sense of community responsibility, with programs that give back to the local communities in which Cash Plus stores operate. Their strategy is working, and the Wells have high hopes for this industry and the role Cash Plus will play in its future. X
News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
Pam Adamson Cash Plus Corporate Office Tustin, California 714-731-2274 padamson@cashplusinc.com
Cash Plus Honored in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Franchise 500 List for 13th Time (January 16, 2009, Tustin, California) – For the 13th time in 14 years Cash Plus earned a spot in the prestigious Franchise 500. Entrepreneur Magazine listed Cash Plus as the No. 408 franchise company in the world in the 30th edition of its analysis of franchise companies. “I am very proud to say that, with the exception of one single year, Cash Plus has been on everyy 500 list since 1996: 13 out of 14 is a pretty darned good batting average. And, it turns out that we’re the only franchise coma pany in our industry that can claim that kind of record,” p noted Craig Wells, Cash Plus’ President and CEO of the n ffamily financial services company. “When considering the ffact that there are upwards of 5,000 franchise companies, making this list once again says a lot about the quality of m both our franchisees and the business system we’ve develb oped over the past two decades.” o ABOUT CASH PLUS The Cash Plus retail network currently has more than 80 stores operating in thirteen states. Cash Plus stores offer check cashing, payday advances, international wire transfers, money orders, prepaid debit cards and other convenience services. The company revolutionized the industry with its customer-friendly store design and “Kings & Queens” customer service. Stores are independently owned and operated by franchisees who take part in their local communities through such initiatives as the Cashaway Sweepstakes™ and BravoKids®, programs designed to give back to customers and benefit needy children. Franchise options include single unit, multi-unit area development and the new Cash Plus Express™ format. ______________ Cash Plus stores are locally-owned and operated independent franchises. For more information about Cash Plus franchise opportunities, contact Pam Adamson at 714731-2274. The corporate office is located at 3002 Dow Avenue, Suite 120, Tustin, California 92780. The company website is www.cashplusinc.com. Franchises are available in most areas.
News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
Pam Adamson Cash Plus Corporate Office Tustin, California 714-731-2274 padamson@cashplusinc.com
Charities Win Big in 10th Cashaway™ Sweepstakes — Cash Plus Awards $25,000 to Individuals and Nonprofits (November 6, 2009, Tustin, California) – Cash Plus, Inc. announced today that three charities were among the big winners in their latest Cashaway™ Sweepstakes, which awarded $25,000 to 329 winners and their favorite charities. The annual $25, cash giveaways are one way the family financial services company c gives back to communities. The company said that with more g than 45,000 entrants, this was the biggest turnout ever. t In I addition to winning $5,000, $2,500 and $1,500 respectively, the t first, second and third place winners designated their favorite charities to receive additional cash donations provided by Cash c Plus in their names. P Grand Prizewinner Shelley Ayers of Northridge, CA who took home $5,000, selected St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) as her charity of choice. The $1,500 donation in her name will help support the famous Memphis, TN hospital’s cutting edge research and treatment focused on children with catastrophic diseases. The $2,500 second place winner, Oscar Alaniz of Irvine, CA, selected the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org), which received a check for $1,000 in Oscar’s name. The organization advances research, supports patients and creates hope for anyone affected by pancreatic cancer. Jeremy Beckstead of Traverse City, MI, received $1,500 as the third place winner. He chose to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.mda.org), which is dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases. The organization received a check for $500 in Jeremy’s name. Since launching its industry-first Cashaway Sweepstakes program in 2001, the company has given away more than $200,000 to winners and their charities. “Cash Plus stores are independently owned and operated by local people,” explains Craig Wells, President and CEO of Tustin-based Cash Plus, Inc., the parent franchise company. “Like our company, our operators are committed to giving back to their communities. The stories we hear from them about their winners and charities are truly heartwarming and make it all worthwhile.” ______________ Cash Plus stores are locally-owned and operated independent franchises. For more information about Cash Plus franchise opportunities, contact Pam Adamson at 714731-2274. The corporate office is located at 3002 Dow Avenue, Suite 120, Tustin, California 92780. The company website is www.cashplusinc.com. Franchises are available in most areas.
News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
Pam Adamson Cash Plus Corporate Office Tustin, California 714-731-2274 padamson@cashplusinc.com
Cash Plus Transforms Summertime into Winning Time with Out-of-This-World Sweepstakes (June 24, 2009, Tustin, California) – Just in time summer vacation, Cash Plus, the family financial services centers company, has brought back its popular Cashaway™ Sweepstakes. Their tenth cash giveaway program launched today with a “win cash & prosper” theme, a Vulcan hand signal and total prize money of $25,000 in cash slated for winners and their favorite charities. “Cash Plus has always believed in giving back to the community,” explains Julie Wells, owner of two Anaheim Cash Plus franchise stores. “The Cashaway Sweepstakes is another example of the company putting its money where its heart is.” Since launching its industry-first Cashaway Sweepstakes, Cash Plus has given away more than $175,000 to winners and charities. But Craig Wells, m President and CEO of the parent company, Cash Plus, Inc., beP llieves that the real story goes beyond the numbers: it’s the winners’ sstories themselves. “Our Cashaway Sweepstakes has made a differeence in lives...right in our own communities and in many different ways. One of the things we’ve found most rewarding over the years w iis being able to empower the top three winners of each Sweepstakes tto help make a difference in the lives of others through the charities tthey select for a donation in their name.” “We’re the only company in our industry with a regular program of giving back to our customers,” adds CEO Wells. “During summertime, all Cash Plus customers not only get our fast, fair and friendly Kings & Queens service, they also get a chance at winning big bucks just for completing their normal transactions.” Cash Plus stores provide check cashing, payday advances, money orders, wire transfers, prepaid debit cards and a variety of convenience services. This year’s Cashaway Sweepstakes runs from June 24 through September 11. Out of the $25,000 in cash prizes, the first place winner will receive $5,000 and a $1,500 donation to his or her favorite charity. Second place receives $2,500 with another $1,000 going to a favorite charity. The third place winner will get $1,500 plus a $500 charitable contribution in his or her name. The company is also giving away eight $500 awards, ten $100 awards, twelve $50 awards and 296 $25 awards. Entries are available at participating Cash Plus retail stores. _____________ Cash Plus stores are locally-owned and operated independent franchises. For more information about Cash Plus franchise opportunities, contact Pam Adamson at 714731-2274. The corporate office is located at 3002 Dow Avenue, Suite 120, Tustin, California 92780. The company website is www.cashplusinc.com. Franchises are available in most areas.