E. Jane Prenuer and John A. Prenuer own J-J Enterprises. 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.
J-J Enterprises believes that this is the best way to ensure continued growth.
- There is a serious overhaul of the Webstore, which is already in progress, and more promotions.
- Sponsoring community events or fund raising for local charities;
- Renovation of an existing building to safely store inventory and set up a more efficient packing and shipping area;
- Increasing the amount of shows/events for upscale consumers.
- Purchase seasonal and regular inventory at higher quantities to get better prices.
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 require financing to finance the renovation of our barn storage area, eliminate outstanding debts, open credit lines to purchase product and advance payments needed for renting space at market events such as festivals and shows. In addition, financing will prevent us from missing opportunities for obtaining and selling “ground floor” products before they become available by other merchants on the travel show circuit.
There are very few opportunities for young people to be employed in non-skilled positions within the community. We expect to hire high school students for stocking, packing, shipping, and training on other business 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 to sponsoring special events (e.g., SummerFest,” 4 thof July activities) and raising funds for local organisations (schools churches other groups).
Our two main suppliers are located in America. This means that our sales support American jobs. We are continuing to look for American-made products we can direct-buy and offer at fair prices. 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 a celebration of the home. Our goal is to offer unique, affordable gifts and accents for homes that are stylish and quality-conscious. We will make it easy for our products to be found online as well as at festivals and other events.
Customer Creed
Country Crockery takes pride in its customer service, good communication, and guaranteed satisfaction of consumers’ purchases.
Employee pledge
Our employees will enjoy a friendly and fair work environment, which rewards hard work and offers opportunities for training in a variety of business activities.
1.2 Objectives
- Continue to offer quality home and gifts at reasonable prices at consumer home/gift fairs and online.
- Minimum annual total revenues of $125,000
- Expand and maintain Web store to increase revenues to create attractive purchase by year five;
- You can achieve an annual growth rate of approximately 45% by year two
- You can expect an increase of approximately 20% per year in the first three years and an additional 20% each year thereafter.
- Establish a customer base in a particular road show circuit that includes 24-36 shows per annum: Home & Garden Shows and 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 are the key factors that will ensure the company’s success: