E. Jane Prenuer is the owner of J-J Enterprises with 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:
- There is a serious overhaul of the Webstore, which is already in progress, and more promotions.
- Sponsoring special community events and fund raisers for local organizations;
- Renovation of an existing building to safely store inventory and set up a more efficient packing and shipping area;
- Increasing the number of shows/events aimed at upscale consumers;
- For better price breaks, purchase seasonal and regular inventory in greater quantities.
Although the sales growth has been expected and welcome, it is too late to recover debts that were incurred to get there. We require financing to renovate our barn, pay off the outstanding debts, and open credit lines for product purchases. Also, we need advance payments for rental space at festivals, shows and other market 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.
There are few opportunities for youth to work in unskilled jobs in the local area. High school students are expected to be employed for packing, shipping, stocking, and other business-related activities. These students will benefit from our education and experience. We also hope to be role model for them, inspiring them to pursue their dreams of entrepreneurship or further their education. We will also sponsor special events, such as ‘#8220’SummerFest and ” 4 of July activities, and fund-raisers for local organizations (schools or churches, among others).
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. With sufficient funding, we have the potential to purchase high-quality, highly-sold merchandise suitable for fundraising.
We need $40,000 in long-term loans for renovation and restoration of the barn to be used as a warehouse. In addition, we want to keep positive cash balances during the time that we are busy with the renovation.
1.1 Mission
Company Mission
Country Crockery celebrates the home. Our goal is to offer unique, affordable gifts and accents for homes that are stylish and quality-conscious. We will make our products easily accessible with a presence online and at various shows and festivals.
Customer Creed
Country Crockery prides itself on its customer service, great communication and the guaranteed satisfaction of customers’ purchases.
Employee Pledge
Our employees will be treated with respect and rewarded for their hard work. We offer training opportunities in many business areas.
1.2 Objectives
- Continue to provide unique quality home and gift products at reasonable prices on the Internet and at consumer home/gift shows;
- By the end year one, generate minimum total revenues of $125,000
- In order to attract more customers, you need to grow and maintain your web store.
- Achieve an annual growth rate in the second year of approximately 45 percent
- You can expect an increase of approximately 20% per year in the first three years and an additional 20% each year thereafter.
- Establish a following in a specific roadshow circuit of 24-36 shows each year: Home & Garden Shows/Shipshewana On The Road; Summer Festivals/Arts & Crafts Shows.
- Seek out additional quality products to include in our product mix.
1.3 Keys to Success
These factors will make the company’s greatest success possible.
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