We are with you every step of the way
We'll even be there on opening day
Below are the steps we take to get your store open:
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QUALIFY FUNDS
To get started, we first review available funds or financing qualifications to help ensure that prospective owners are properly capitalized not only to open the business, but also to comfortably support startup operations during the initial growth phase.
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Once proof of funds and/or financing approval has been confirmed, we begin the market review and preliminary location search process.
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For clients requiring assistance with site selection and lease negotiations, there is no upfront retainer for the initial consultation and preliminary market review. Once potential locations have been identified and the client wishes to move forward with landlord negotiations, Letters of Intent (LOIs), and active site selection services, a $1,500 Site Selection & Development Retainer is required. This retainer is credited toward the final package price.
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For clients who already own or have leased a location, a $5,000 Initial Development Retainer is required to begin the project. Existing-location projects require immediate design review, operational planning, layout development, and project coordination. This retainer is also credited toward the final package price.
Retainers may be paid via Zelle or Credit Card (credit card processing fees apply).
NEED FUNDING?
If you have a verifiable income source and a credit score of approximately 680 or higher, we may be able to connect you with one of our preferred funding partners.
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SELECT THE PACKAGE THAT SUITS YOU BEST
We offer four "Turnkey" package options designed to accommodate a variety of revenue options, market fits, store sizes, and investment levels.
For entrepreneurs who are considering the DIY (Do it yourself) route, we also offer our Elite Consulting Package (Package details can be viewed on our Plans & Services page).
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Our packages have been carefully developed based on decades of real-world operational experience in the Pack and Ship industry. Over the years, we have continued to refine our store designs, equipment selections, workflow efficiency, and service offerings to reflect changing customer demands and advancements in technology and new services while increasing revenue.
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Our two top tier packages include "in house" printing equipment, advanced production capabilities, enhanced store layouts, and modern design features intended to create a more professional customer experience and a more inviting store than our competition.
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Package pricing currently ranges from $86,900 to $184,900 depending on equipment levels, printing capabilities, store size, and overall project scope.
Looking to build it on your own? Consider our Elite Consulting Package priced at $24,500 and that is just a fraction of what you'll save in the long run when you have a team of professional by your side from start to finish
FIND THE PERFECT STORE LOCATION
Selecting the right store location is not simply about geography, it is about securing the right combination of visibility, demographics, accessibility, traffic flow, and lease economics.
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A strong location combined with a favorable lease structure is what creates a successful long-term store opportunity.
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Turnkey Stores of America Co-Owner Garrett Bauman brings more than 30 years of experience in retail brokerage, shopping center development, site selection, and national tenant representation. Using advanced market research tools, demographic analysis, proprietary site selection resources, and long-standing industry relationships with shopping center owners, landlords, and commercial brokers nationwide, we assist qualified clients in identifying and evaluating potential store locations.
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Once a client enters the active development phase, we assist with site evaluation, lease strategy, landlord negotiations, and Letter of Intent (LOI) preparation to help position the project for long-term success.
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NOTE: We do not receive leasing commissions from landlords. Our focus is solely on helping our clients secure the most favorable location and lease terms possible.
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STORE DESIGN
Following lease execution, our team will develop detailed 2D and 3D store layouts customized to your selected package, available space, workflow requirements, and operational goals.
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Our stores are designed as modern Business Centers that can compete with the biggest franchises. However, if you are looking for the more traditional “get in, get out” pack and ship store check out our Starter Package for only $86,900. At Mail & Print Stores of America we focus on creating clean, professional, and inviting environments that support multiple revenue streams while enhancing the overall customer experience.
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Depending on the package selected, we have customer seating areas not seen in our competitors stores, plus clients may choose from various layout configurations, finish materials, color palettes, fixture options, signage concepts, and design themes to help create a store that reflects both functionality and a modern retail appearance.
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We believe thoughtful store design plays an important role in customer engagement and long-term profitability. A well-designed environment encourages customers to spend more time in the store, increases awareness of additional services, and helps support higher overall sales opportunities.
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BUILD YOUR STORE*
Mail and Print Sores of America installs and sets up
all Furnishings, Fixtures, Equipment and Inventory. We also coordinate the delivery logistics while assisting clients with preparing the location for buildout and store development.
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Prior to store buildout, some locations may require additional "fixed" improvements such as flooring, paint, electrical work, lighting modifications, internet and phone installation and other tenant improvements necessary to prepare the space for operation. ​While these improvements are not included in the package pricing, our team assists clients with layout coordination, construction planning, vendor timing, and contractor bid reviews to help streamline the buildout process and avoid unnecessary expenses or delays.
As part of the site selection and lease negotiation process, we frequently negotiate with landlords for tenant improvement allowances and/or landlord-performed construction work. Depending on the market, location, and overall lease structure, often times we can get these concessions approved, significantly reducing upfront buildout costs for the client.
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TRAINING
Following lease execution and confirmation of the store buildout schedule, client and up to three additional people will attend an intensive 3- to 4-day hands-on training program at our flagship operating store in Ellicott City, Maryland.
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Unlike classroom-style training programs commonly offered throughout the industry, our training takes place inside a busy, fully operational Mail & Print Store during normal business hours. This real-world environment allows clients to gain practical operational experience while interacting directly with actual customers, processing live transactions, learning workflow management, and operating the equipment and systems used in day-to-day store operations.
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Training is led by Company Co-Owner Donna Maertens, who brings more than 35 years of operational, management, and store-opening experience. Prior to co-founding Mail & Print Stores of America, Donna spent over three decades with McDonald’s, where she assisted franchisees throughout the world with store openings, operational systems, training, and business development for one of the most recognized and operationally successful franchise organizations in the world.
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Today, Donna combines that extensive franchise operational experience with nearly a decade of hands-on ownership and management experience with her own Mai and Print store and the companies flagship location.
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As part of our turnkey development process, a Company Owner will also travel to your location to assist with final setup, operational preparation, and on-site support during your store opening.
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Most importantly, our support does not end after opening day. As independent store owners ourselves, we understand the challenges of operating and growing a business. We remain available to our clients with phone support long after the store opens, and our goal is to help each location become operationally confident and profitable as quickly as possible. We also offer monthly webinars and direct access to each and every vendor we work with.