FAQs

Why the 7-Eleven system?
The 7-Eleven brand is a global icon—instantly recognized and understood internationally.

We’re known to customers around the world for our products, quality, service, convenience and value. And we’re the benchmark for innovation, technology and profitability in the convenience store industry.
 
What would I receive as part of the conversion? How do I benefit?
By converting your store to a 7-Eleven® franchise, you enjoy:

How much money can I make?
How much money you make will depend on how well you:
  • Satisfy your customers' needs by providing the Five Fundamentals: product assortment, value, quality, service and a clean, safe and friendly environment
  • Implement all 7-Eleven operating principles:
    • Our brand image and proprietary product consistency
    • Use of recommended vendors and suppliers
    • The Retailer Initiative—item-by-item management of product ordering and selection
  • Recruit and develop a top-rate, customer-focused store staff that can effectively communicate with your customers
  • Monitor your sales trends while managing your expenses

What will the conversion cost me in total?
Your initial investment includes three major components:
  • An initial franchise fee of $25,000
  • An inventory down payment between $20,000 and $40,000
  • Land and building improvements, which vary by site

What does the initial franchise fee cover?
The initial franchise fee is a one-time fee that covers training and grand opening expenses, among other things.

Why would I want to share my sales and profits with 7-Eleven?
A franchise is a business arrangement, where the owner of a business concept and trademark contracts with others to allow them to use:
  • The franchisor's trademark and
  • The franchisor's business concepts and system
The 7-Eleven trademark is recognized worldwide, and our business system has been proven to work through more than 80 years of experience in convenience retailing.

What type of equipment does 7-Eleven provide?
7-Eleven purchases and installs the following equipment in new and converted stores:
  • ATMs
  • Bakery cases
  • Cappuccino machine
  • Chili-cheese dispenser
  • Cigarette fixtures
  • Coffee brewers, grinders and counters
  • Condiment station
  • Gondolas
  • Hold Hot food display
  • Iced coffee
  • Icemaker and merchandiser
  • Low-temp cooler
  • Microwave
  • Ice cream novelty case and rack
  • Open-air fresh food cases
  • Post Mix beverage dispensers with bag-in-a-box and counter
  • POS counter and register
  • Retail Information System and Merchandise Ordering Terminals
  • Roller grills and counters
  • Safe, counter and security system
  • Slurpee® barrel dispensers
  • Backroom shelving
  • Water filter
  • Interior valence
  • Exterior trash cans
  • Window graphics
  • Banner boards
  • Exterior signage
  • Interior striping
  • Point-of-purchase interior signage
The equipment you receive for your store will vary, depending on the condition of your store and existing equipment.

I don’t want to run a 24-hour business. Can I cut back the hours?
7-Eleven operates its business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, if a local ordinance restricts convenience store operating hours and you and 7-Eleven agree to convert the store under those conditions, less than 24-hour operations may be acceptable.

Is the Business Conversion Program available everywhere?
7-Eleven is looking to convert businesses only in select metropolitan areas. See our contact map to find out if your area is included.

I don’t have a qualifying business. How can I still participate?
Another way to participate in the Business Conversion Program if you don't have a qualifying business is to secure a new location that can be converted. Contact your local BCP representative and discuss your interest. They will give you the details on the site attributes we are seeking and how you may still participate in BCP.

Can I carry my own products, or do I have to carry only what 7-Eleven offers?
We rely on our Franchisees to tailor their store’s product assortment to meet the needs of their customers. In doing so, we have assembled a list of recommended vendors that can source a wide array of products. Eighty-five percent of purchases are required to come from recommended vendors.  In addition, we do require that each store carry certain proprietary products, such as Slurpee® and Big Gulp® beverages and 7-Eleven coffee.

How long does the conversion process take?
The entire process, from the first meeting with 7-Eleven to the store opening, can take as little as six months to over two years. The timeline varies largely, depending on whether you are remodeling an existing c-store with the requisite conditional use permits, converting lube bays to a c-store or building a c-store from the ground up.

Can I convert to the 7-Eleven brand on my existing fuel/dispensers/canopy?
Once the term of your existing supply contract ends or is terminated, you can choose to convert your gasoline facility to the 7-Eleven brand. However, we can and are willing to brand the 7-Eleven® store with any major gasoline brand.

Will 7-Eleven help me if I don’t realize a profit?
The profits you make in the store depend on how you satisfy your customers' needs and how you execute Retailer Initiative. However, 7-Eleven does have a short-term income support program designed to provide temporary financial support if gross profit falls below certain levels.

What are the differences between the system for 7-Eleven and other franchise systems?
Under our franchise system, both 7-Eleven and you have a stake in the store’s profitability. 

Most franchise systems require royalty payments based on a percentage of sales. With the 7-Eleven system, you pay royalties based upon the store’s gross profit, that is, net sales receipts less the wholesale cost of the merchandise you sell.
 
Under this system, the financial return to you and to 7-Eleven is tied to profitable sales rather than just sales. That’s why we are very interested in your financial and marketing efforts and have the support to help you manage and increase gross profit, and to maximize sales.