ColorTyme vs RadioShack Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of ColorTyme vs RadioShack including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
ColorTyme Franchise
RadioShack Franchise
Investment $229,575 - $357,500$144,875 - $643,851
Franchise Fee $25,000$39,900
Royalty Fee 4%5% of net sales
Advertising Fee $250/ mo3% for the Ad Fund
Year Founded 19791921
Year Franchised 19821968
Term Of Agreement 5-10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5-10 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
ColorTyme Franchise
RadioShack Franchise
Experience � Business Experience: � Industry experience � General business experience � Marketing skills

Significant business experience; we are particularly interested in individuals who have demonstrated successful ownership or management of multiple business units or have managed multiple departments Individuals who possess the capability to grow with RadioShack. The ability to develop and execute a business plan. An entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to work hard and be part of an established franchise system Ability to manage finances, including a thorough understanding of business financial statements The capability to effectively manage an organization that recruits, trains, and motivates employees who deliver an exceptional customer experience An acceptable credit history Sufficient liquid assets (i.e., cash) to invest into the business


Financing Options

 
ColorTyme Franchise
RadioShack Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
Start-up Costs Yes/YesNo/No
Equipment Yes/YesYes/No
Inventory Yes/YesYes/No
Receivables Yes/YesNo/No
Payroll Yes/YesNo/No

Training & Support

 
ColorTyme Franchise
RadioShack Franchise
Training 4 Weeks Local workshop, annual convention
Support o Central Purchasing: Included in Fees o Field Operation Evaluation: Included in Fees o Field Training: Included in Fees o Initial Store Opening: Included in Fees o Inventory Control: Included in Fees o Franchisee Newsletter: Included in Fees o Regional or National Meetings: Included in FeesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
Marketing *National Advertising *Regional Advertising *Local Advertising *Marketing Materials *Additional Services: customized ads *Other Marketing SupportCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media
Operations � 49% of all franchisees own more than one unit � Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 � Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (75% of current franchisees are owner/operators) � Average Number of Employees: 5 Full-time, 0 Part-time 9% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


Expansion Plans

 
ColorTyme Franchise
RadioShack Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion YesYes

Company Overviews

About ColorTyme

ColorTyme is America’s first franchisor of independently owned and operated rent-to-own stores.The nation's oldest rental-purchase franchise company, specializing in electronics, furniture, appliances and computers.ColorTyme franchised stores provide the best selection of name brand home furnishings, appliances, computers and electronics to buy, rent or lease to own. Products are typically delivered and set-up with no hassles and no down payment. Customers are able to lease living room furniture, bedroom furniture, big screen televisions and more! Name recognition, a national product service system, and 100% inventory financing are all reasons to join the ColorTyme family. Compelling unit economics combined with a well established, respected and trusted Franchisor provides an unparalleled opportunity.ColorTyme is an independent, wholly owned subsidiary of the largest rent-to-own company in the world, Rent-A-Center (NASDAQ: RCII).

About RadioShack

RadioShack was opened in 1921 by the Deutchmann family, offering ham radio operators and electronics buffs a retail and mail order source for their electronics needs. By the 1960s, the company had nine stores and was shipping electronics to people all over the world, but was falling on hard times.

Charles Tandy purchased the company in 1963 and turned its $4 million debt into a $20 million profit. Today the company operates stores nationwide, selling everything from batteries to satellite dishes to electronics buffs and general consumers.