1. Why Franchising?
Franchising is one of the world’s most popular formats for independent businesses. The franchise Business Format gives the person who wants to get into business for the access to things he/she would hardly obtain on their own. They are given viable resources and information through a proven operating and marketing system, a recognized and established brand image, and on-going training and support.



2. Why choose The Medicine Shoppe®?
The Medicine Shoppe® is the world’s largest and most successful professional franchise that started in St. Louis MO, USA. With thirty years worth of achievements, the system is so successful that it works in 7 different countries around the word. Furthermore, it is supported by the resources of both the Katz Group of Companies in Canada and by Cardinal Health (one of North America’s leading health care companies) in the United States. The strong support system gives the franchisees of Medicine Shoppe Canada Inc. additional clout and strength amongst their colleagues and in the industry.



3. Can anyone become a The Medicine Shoppe® franchisee?
Prospective Medicine Shoppe Franchisees must be interviewed and pre-qualified by our Franchise Development Department. We expect all prospects to demonstrate their commitment to the practice of professional pharmacy and to the Medicine Shoppe philosophy.



4. I already am an owner of a pharmacy. How can I become a Medicine Shoppe® Canada store?
The Medicine Shoppe offers a “Conversion Store” program that allows you to keep the best parts of your existing pharmacy and join them with all that The Medicine Shoppe® offers. Please call 1-800-267-8877 or email info@medicineshoppe.ca to speak to the Franchise Development Department for more details.



5. I don’t necessarily want to start a store from scratch. What are my alternatives?
The Medicine Shoppe® offers an “Acquisition-Conversion Store” program that helps match interested pharmacists with pharmacies for sale. Our network of real estate contacts and Katz Group resources means we often have the inside track on pharmacies for sale and independent pharmacists who may be interested in selling their business or prescription files. Furthermore, we have the experience and expertise to help facilitate and equitable sale in a short period of time. Please call 1-800-267-8877 or email info@medicineshoppe.ca to speak to the Franchise Development Department for more details.



6. What if I want to build my “dream pharmacy” from the ground up?
Absolutely we can make it happen! In fact, this is the most common way our new franchisees open their store with us. A new store typically gives you the most flexibility with the design and layout, as well as the most options in terms or locations. Please call 1-800-267-8877 or email info@medicineshoppe.ca to speak to the Franchise Development Department for more details.



7. How much dies it cost to become a Medicine Shoppe® Canada franchisee?
Not as much as you would think the cost would be. Our smaller format and our focus on prescriptions, as opposed to the competition, The Medicine Shoppe® may be one of the best values on the retail pharmacy landscape. A typical Medicine Shoppe pharmacy costs between $175,000 and $225,000 and includes inventory! Compare that to a traditional full-line pharmacy, which can cost two to three times that amount.

Every store is unique. Whether the decision is to build a new store, convert it, or acquisition-conversion store, the range of the stat-up costs will vary in each instance. A one time initiation fee is required with all franchise organizations. This fee will cover the cost of training, recruiting, territory analysis, site identification, store launch, administration, etc.



8. How much money do I need to open a Medicine Shoppe® Canada pharmacy?
The Medicine Shoppe® has established itself with the Canadian Bank Industry as a proven successful business model. We will work with your bank or introduce you to the Professional Lending Program we’ve established with the Bank of Nova Scotia in order to secure the financing you need. We also prepare a financial analysis and business projections that are customized to your specific financial situation, and then we assist and guide you through the entire financing process.

It is best to contact us to speak with a representative in the Franchise Development Department to discuss the details of financing.



9. What are the risks involved in opening a Medicine Shoppe® Pharmacy?
It is a fact that all businesses have risk. Our business model is designed to take motivated pharmacists and help them with the skills and confidence they need as an entrepreneur. We want you to maximize the chance of becoming a successful business owner as well as a well recognized pharmacist. Your close relationships with our Operations & Marketing departments give you every conceivable advantage to build a successful business.

Consider these general franchise statistics:
- failure rate of non-franchised business after one 1 year: 30%
- failure rate of non-franchised business after 5 years: 85%
- failure rate of franchised business after 1 year: 0%
- failure rate of franchised business after 5 years: 5%

At The Medicine Shoppe®, we consider ourselves in total partnership with our franchisees.



10. What is expected of The Medicine Shoppe® franchisees?

• The most important, number 1 expectation of a successful franchisee is they are committed to the practice of professional pharmacy.
• They care about the health of their patients.
• They enjoy interacting with patients and are strongly involved in their community and are a constant source of health information.
• They always look ahead and are prepared to adapt to future trends in retail pharmacy.
• They constantly strive to enhance their skills, eager to learn, and constantly grow as a pharmacist and business owner.
• They have a desire to apply themselves to specialized services and niche markets.
• They live by the motto: “I will not be just another drug store.”

11. What should I do if I’m interested in learning more?
Please contact The Medicine Shoppe® Franchise Development Department at 1-800-267-8877 or e-mail us today at info@medicineshoppe.ca.