In the past decade, the number of check cashing outlets in the U.S. has more than tripled as more and more people have found it provides a level of convenience and service not available from traditional banks and finance companies. Cash Plus, founded in 1984, is one of the first companies to apply franchising techniques to the check cashing industry and has developed a "next generation" retail business system which is generating unusually high returns. Currently, core services consist of check cashing, payday advances, wire transfers, and money orders. As a complement to the core services, supplementary products and services serve important roles in the business attracting new customers, encouraging repeat business, and/or increasing the dollar value of customer transactions. Depending on demographic factors, these supplemental services may include the following: mail box rentals, ATM machines, utility bill payments, Cash Plus MasterCard debit card, pre-paid phone cards, notary public service, photo identification cards, copy and fax services, bus pass/token sales, stamps and envelopes, pre-paid phone service, income tax preparation referral program, credit counseling referral and mortgage lending service, as well as lottery sales.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
Cash Plus, Inc. is a privately-held franchise company in the family financial services industry. One of the industry's pioneers, our franchise and company-owned stores serve families in the $10-50,000 annual income range.

AFFILIATIONS
As an organization committed to professionalism in all aspects of our business, we are active participants in a number of industry associations, including the International Franchise Association, Financial Services Centers of America, Community Financial Services Associations of America and the California Financial Service Providers association. Craig W. Wells, our president and CEO, has been a member of the board of directors of the latter organization since 1997. In addition, he is a member of the IFA-CEO Forum.

INDUSTRY
Cash Plus operates in what has been called the "alternative financial services industry," a fancy term for companies who mostly still think of themselves as check cashers or small-scale lenders. It's an industry that has grown rapidly over the last decade as a result of many factors, including changing banking practices, changing demographics and changing consumer behavior. Prospects for industry growth continue to be favorable. Prospects for Cash Plus' growth are even better.

HISTORY AND KUDOS
Cash Plus, Inc. began life in 1984 in Riverside, California and started franchising in 1988. After years of modest growth, the firm was acquired by its current owners who developed the Cash Plus "next generation" retail model. Since the relaunch of franchising in 1997 built around this model, the retail network has more than quintupled in size. Along the way we've earned some notice: Entrepreneur Magazine currently ranks us at number 178 in their prestigious Franchise 500 (up from 381 two years ago when we first hit the list); Success Magazine lists us at number 128 in their Franchise Gold 200; POV Magazine named us to their "Great Eight" list of top franchises. Best of all, we earned the 124 spot in Success Magazine's 2001 Franchisee Satisfaction survey.

To put these rankings in perspective, bear in mind that there are nearly 2,500 companies currently selling franchises in the USA.

SINGLE AND MULTIPLE UNIT FRANCHISE OPTIONS
We offer two basic arrangements: a single unit program and our Area Development program, which gives you the option of opening additional stores in specific areas. A significant number of our existing franchisees own multiple stores.

WHAT WE MARKET
Whether single or multiple units, Cash Plus stores are computerized businesses that provide much needed financial services to a significant and growing customer universe. Our current core service mix includes check cashing, payday advance loans, money orders, wire transfers and more.

OUR CUSTOMER BASE
Our customers are men and women of all ages with annual incomes that range up to $50,000 and beyond. They're ethnically diverse and most have steady jobs and are supporting families. A good many are what we call "not quite enough" customers; part of the 50% of Americans who live paycheck to paycheck.

OUR BUSINESS SYSTEM
The Cash Plus retail business system is a proven, well-documented method for getting your Cash Plus business open and operating efficiently. Comprehensive training, manuals, marketing and support by real people: it's all there.