When you are running a retail store (I assume you got the payday loan start up manual - the main one), you are assuming that your demographic is chosen correctly. In classical standards the demographic income of a 5 mile radius within your store should be around the realms of 45k per year. Basically you want to build your store in an area where you know majority of the income demographic is 45k and below. Its not a necessity by any means, but its the easiest way to succeed. The people you want to attract are ages 25 +

Don't fool yourself in purchasing bright flashy signs that say "payday loans" in yellow and green. The age of the bullet proof glass counters and ugly bright signs are a thing of the past. When you design your stores look and feel, think of the logos and marketing from Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. What you want to communicate is trust-worthiness, established, and definitely non-predatory. You are in a service industry - you and your company need to focus on creating happy customers. its the key to everything.

thats my two cents!

I will take Mo's comments just a little further...

When determining a location, you must have visability.  The old saying about location, location, location is never more true than in this industry.  Not only do you have to be in the "right" place in town, but you also have to be in the correct space in the plaza.  You will be looking for a location with high visability AND convienent ingress and egress.  The customer must be able to see you and then be able to get to you.  The location will give you the ability to attract the drive-by customers, which can be very high and fairly inexpensive.  You will also need to do additional advertising, I prefer your local weekly free newspaper.  These tend to go by a name like the Penny Saver.  In my 10+ years in the business, I have not been a huge fan of spending a ton of money in yellow pages, but others may differ.  As with many businesses, word of mouth is golden!!!

Once inside the store, you will want to have a clean, organized appearance that will make the customer feel welcome and trust you with their personal information.  The days of dark, dirty stores left about 8-20 years ago.  Keep it clean, organized and lit very well.  Also, it has been my experience to keep windows mostly clear of obstructions for security reasons.

Good luck with your endeavor!  BTW, where are you located?

Chris

internet operations model would be great. just prepare for the cost okay. but i am sure it is worth your money because it will invite more audience.