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 Mail, Print & 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 to offer.
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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.
Our Elite Consulting Package is priced at $26,900.
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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DESIGN YOUR STORE
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 rather than traditional “get in, get out” shipping stores commonly seen throughout the industry. 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*
Turnkey Stores 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.
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While these improvements are not included in the package pricing, our team assists clients with layout coordination, construction planning, vendor timing, and contractor bid review 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, clients 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 Turnkey 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 operating a successful independent Mail & Print Store.
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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.
Elite Consulting Program
The Starter Package
$86,900
Big-city services with a Small-town price.
A Full-service mail & ship store with the essential services customers expect w/o franchise fees or restrictive rules.
Best For
Smaller towns, lower-rent markets, minimal competition.
Stores sizes from 850 sq ft +
What you get (at a glance)
A complete store buildout + equipment + starting inventory + training + ongoing support.
Core Services Offered
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Shipping with FedEx, UPS, USPS & DHL (location approval required)
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Mailbox rentals (approx. 80 key-entry boxes)
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Copy / print basics: copying, faxing, scanning, binding, lamination
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Passport photos, notary services, shredding, and more than 2 dozen tried and proven additional revenue generators to be discussed
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3rd-party production Print Center access through proprietary software
Included Equipment
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POS system with shipping software + inventory setup
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Commercial color copier with booklet finisher
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Passport photo camera kit (cutter + screen)
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13" laminator, binding machine, fax, print/scanner, rotary trimmer
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Print center computer (proprietary printing software) + rental computer
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Two 50" digital monitors (menu board + advertising pre installed)
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Business card slitter, barcode scanner, scale, receipt printers
Fixtures, Furnishing, Inventory +
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Custom made high quality counters (including ADA counter, POS station and Scale counter). Store design drawings in 2D and 3D
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Print center w/desk, packaging table, storage racks
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Interior neon logo and neon print center signs. Custom services signs
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$7,000 retail-value inventory (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, envelopes, shipping supplies)
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1-year hosted website + support for social listings
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1-year POS software + 6-month print software license
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1-year Copier service contract included (toner + maintenance; overages apply)
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Approximately 1-year supply of operating supplies (paper, tape, assorted printer and receipt papers, scissors, box cutters and more)
Training & support
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3–4 days in-person training at Maryland flagship store working with actual customers
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Ongoing support via phone/Zoom + monthly webinars
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Direct access to owners + vendor contacts
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Full store buildout including setup of all equipment with on-site supervisor
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Owner site visit. Typically scheduled for the day before you open and opening day.
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Ground Package
$104,900
A complete turnkey Mail & Ship + "Print Center" store with a modern store design including customer seating area
Best for
Stores in more competitive markets with more traffic. For owners who want a modern retail design with small format in-house printing.
What makes it different
Modern store design that sets you apart:
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Customer seating area
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Striking design wall backdrop
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Custom service signage + coordinated interior colors
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Additional counter design and color options
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Print Center (added revenue without running a full print shop)
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9-color small-format printer (13") for vibrant proofs & marketing materials
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Desktop computer with proprietary print software (simple ordering/production)
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Access to third-party vendors for expanded print offerings
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Neon “WE PRINT” and “Notary” signs
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Carrier signage provided upon approval (UPS/FedEx/USPS/DHL)
(Typical margin noted: 30–40% on print orders, without full in-house complexity.)
Professional equipment upgrades
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Upgraded high-speed color copier with finisher
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Two POS registers (faster service + less waiting)
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Heavy-duty 200-page shredder
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Binding, laminating, passport photo system
Startup inventory & essentials
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$10,000 retail inventory (merchandised + entered into POS)
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$1,500+ in operating supplies
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Year 1 memberships/subscriptions + service contracts paid
Training Upgrade
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$500 Visa gift card to help offset travel expenses
Priority Package
$129,900
Ground Package +
Enter Printing - Unique Design, Maximum Efficiency, Added Revenue
COMMERCIAL-GRADE PRINTING & ADDED EQUIPMENT
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2nd added commercial color copier for small customer use jobs
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1 bank of Electronic QR code entry exterior/interior mailboxes can be used for 24 hr. access with Landlord approval. (1 bank equals 24 assorted boxes enough to support 70 to 75 customers).
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44" Large Format 8 color printer for banners, yard signs, high def photos, canvass photos and more
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36" Mobile Scanner for (big money) blue print copes and large scanning projects.
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Upgrade to 400 page commercial shredder
STORE DESIGN + FUNCTIONALITY
Includes modern store design elements standard in all Mail & Print Stores of America packages:
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Larger selection of custom counters, interior signage, and branded design wall
- Upgrade interior service signs including a lager "Interior" custom neon logo sign
INVENTORY
Comes with approximately $15,000 in retail-value inventory for immediate sales and service delivery.
IS THIS PACKAGE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Introduction into the in-house printing business but not ready to maximize it
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Store owners in higher rent markets
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Competitive markets areas where your store and services will one-up the competition
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Prefer a faster customer service with streamlined service options
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Owner not intimidated to dedicate some time each week to marketing and selling print
To hear more about the upgrades this package has to offer please click the button below.
"Next Day Air" Package
$184,900
(Priority Package Plus)
More Power. More Profit. More Possibilities:
​The Ultimate Store Buildout for High-Volume Print, Personalization & Efficiency
PRODUCTION-LEVEL PRINT CAPABILITIES
Take on more professional print jobs, faster, with upgraded core equipment:
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A 55 PPM full-color production workhorse laser copier
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Handles 16pt cardstock, glossy paper, and high-volume output
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Includes booklet stitcher, hole punch, and advanced finisher
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Digital precision cutter
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Accurately cuts business cards, postcards, door hangers, stickers, and more
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Enables professional-grade finishing with speed and ease
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IN-HOUSE SUBLIMATION PRINT STUDIO
Launch your own custom merchandise services with:
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Heat press for t-shirts, hoodies, and apparel
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Mug press and hat press for brandable drinkware and headwear
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Commercial convection oven for sublimation blanks
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Startup supplies included – ready to produce on Day 1
EXCLUSIVE ADD-ONS (ONLY IN THIS PACKAGE)
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Laser engraver for tumblers, dog tags, signage, and personalized products
Offers a new, high-margin revenue stream with minimal footprint -
Eco-friendly box perforator
Turns cardboard shipping boxes into reusable packaging filler
Reduces waste and cuts down on your need for bubble wrap or packing peanuts
​IS THIS PACKAGE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Looking for expanded printing capabilities with apparel, engraving, and more custom print work
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Able to fulfill larger daily volumes with professional speed.
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No need to relay on you immediate market area (sell to business, schools, hospitals throughout your state).
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Not intimidated to sell and market your product.
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Stores that are in high rent and competitive market areas.
- Want to maximize service offerings without expanding store footprint