Vandalism

[Palmyra Jim]

The two stores I am buying are in towns some 12 miles or more from the last suburban community. I am starting to hear horror stories of vandalism that becomes very costly.

Currently there are automatic locks on timers to open the stores at 7am. He has people there from 10-12pm and 9-11pm to clean and lock up at night.

My plan is to continue a the current hours 7am-10pm, install video cameras and possibly internet feed with two way microphone capability. Unfortunately, until I get a handle on the debt service I have to manage the cleaning myself in both stores. I would like to install auto door closers so I can be home by 9pm (I would like to see my wife regularly).

I do not know of anything more I can do short of running a fully attended store. Anything glaring that I missed.

Jim

[pete f]

See your wife at 9pm then go back and clean and lock the stores from 10-12pm!
If you have auto unlock then it should be able to auto lock. Closing at 9pm will cost you a great amount of business. It also sounds like the place is run mostly unattended now. There are many ways to deter vandism.

[Monarch]

I would also invest in good video system. Might pay for itself if it catches them in the act with decent pictures.

Norman

[David]

I have magnetic lock on my unattended store. It has a motion sensor over the door, so if they stay past closing time and the door locks, it will unlock as soon as they walk toward the door. (I just had to increase the delay lock time because I got a few calls about them loading up the car after they'd finished and door locked behind them :)

I go in every couple of days and clean at 6pm, then I leave. The store closes/locks by itself. Granted, I'm next to a convenient store in a nice part of town and you'll have to decide how much risk you'll take.

Norman is right, too. A good video is a great help. I always point the cameras out to my unrulely customers. Calms them right down.

[seflaundry]

David, so do you have anyone to clean on the days you do not go?

[Palmyra Jim]

Thanks all.
Yes I can auto lock at 10 or even 10:30pm. The internet capabilities of some of these video systems will even although modules to unlock and lock from my home PC!!! Amazing.

The vending machine contractors prefer some type of video surveillance in an unattended store so that will help with other services as well as anyone claiming they fell or were hurt when they were "just doing their laundry".

Jim

[Kitty]

Jim are you buying the buildings and the businesses?

[Palmyra Jim]

I am currently leasing from the buyer with a lease to be reviewed very soon by my Realtor and attorney. I wish I could buy the building. The payments, taxes and such are less than the rent and enough to make it worth while. I am getting first option to buy in case another buyer comes along. The lease will be 5+5+5+5 to allow for plenty of opportunity to stay or move. We are looking over the increases and what the standard factors are in the laundry business for this area.

Jim