Business for sale: Forty-year history. Annual profits of $80,000. Yours for $150.
That's the basic pitch from Ron and Melinda Rucker, owners of Here's the Scoop!, a longtime Land Park ice cream shop.
The Ruckers bought the business - across from McClatchy High School - six years ago. They say they've more than doubled annual sales to $225,000 by adding gourmet coffee, fruit smoothies and grilled hot links. And by working incessantly long hours.
Now they're ready to sell - with an essay contest. In addition to a $150 entry fee, prospective buyers must write 100 to 300 words on why they want to own an ice cream store, plus provide a resume and proof of financial wherewithal.
"This is a way of giving somebody an opportunity who wouldn't normally get it," says Melinda.
A winner will be selected by Jan. 1, based on an independent panel's recommendation.
The couple resorted to the essay idea after being unable to find a suitable buyer through a conventional real estate sale.
They researched the essay concept, learned it required heavy promotion to succeed, then hired a marketing team. The contest's Web site - www.winthisbiz.com - goes live on Tuesday.
Will enough people gamble $150 on a chance to become the lucky buyer? Sure, says Ron, a 44-year-old former social worker. "If you're thinking of getting into business, you're probably a risk-taker to begin with," he says.
His wife also thinks it's too sweet a deal to fail.
"This is a leg up on the American dream," she says. "Who wouldn't want to own an ice cream shop?"
For the rest of Bob Shallit's column, see Saturday's "Our Region" section. Shallit can be reached at (916) 321-1049. Back columns: www.sacbee.com/shallit.
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