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Updated RecentlyCraters & Freighters vs Mail Boxes Etc. Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Craters & Freighters vs Mail Boxes Etc. including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $176,850 - $276,500 | $154,950 - $293,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $31,500 | $29,900 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | 1% | 2% |
| Year Founded | 1990 | 1990 |
| Year Franchised | 1991 | 1990 |
| Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 10 years +10 |
| Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 10 years +10 |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | It is not necessary to have a background in packaging, crate building, or transportation to operate our franchise. Our franchise owners come from widely varied backgrounds from Doctors to CPA's to Engineers. Our staff has the experience and credentials to guide you through an extensive training process in all aspects of running the operation including packaging, crating, and shipping procedures to administration, accounting, marketing, & sales. | - |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/Yes | -/- |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/- |
| Equipment | No/Yes | -/- |
| Inventory | No/Yes | -/- |
| Receivables | No/No | -/- |
| Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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| Training | 10-day training program in Golden, CO Training includes classroom and hands-on experience in an operating franchise in Colorado. Owners are trained on, and provided with, the company's proprietary eBusiness Management System Software, Center Opening Handbook, Operations Manual, Policy and Procedures Manual, Freight Carriers Guide, Packaging & Crating Manual and Marketing Manual. Also includes business preparation, proprietary software, pick-up and delivery, transportation, bills of lading, shipping invoices, accounting, marketing, advertising, promotion, start-up operations, pricing and quoting, packaging and crating, insurance, tracers and claims, warehousing, personnel and international shipping. | 1. Corporate Office 2 Weeks 2. Center 1.5 Weeks |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations | Central Data Processing: At Additional Cost Central Purchasing Field Operation Evaluation Field Training Initial Store Opening: At Additional Cost Franchisee Newsletter Regional or National Meetings: At Additional Cost |
| Marketing | Ad slicks, National media | - |
| Operations |
21% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | Average Number of Employees: 2 Full-time, 1 Part-time Passive Ownership: Allowed, But Discouraged |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | Yes |
| International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Company Overviews
About Craters & Freighters
Starting a franchise format business can eliminate some of the risk of opening an independent business because the concept, brand and name recognition have already been established. The new franchise is the beneficiary of the years of experience of those in support positions at the home office and of all the franchisees that have gone before them.
The corporate team is in place to initially provide support in launching the business that includes forecasting and planning for business opening expenses, identifying a location, space planning, shop equipment, supply and inventory purchasing, staffing and training on a broad range of topics key to administering the daily operations of the business. Many more support functions are furnished throughout the life of the franchise pertaining to growing the business and its ongoing operations.
The Craters & Freighters network provides a distinct advantage over any would be competitor. Instead of being an independent business operation, the new franchise owner directly benefits from the services provided by the Craters & Freighters network of locations. The network provides a big competitive edge allowing our franchise owners to operate as a team.
And finally, a franchisee has an additional advantages in controlling cost of goods as the combined spend of the system is used to negotiate discounted prices for goods and services on behalf of the franchisee.Craters & Freighters is the right choice as our ownership benefits provide:
*Franchise Support
*eBusiness Management Software
*In House Engineering Services
*Insurance Programs
*Brand Identity
*Marketing, Advertising & Promotion
*eMarketing
*Dynamic Center Opening Marketing Program
*Opening Assistance
*Sales Support
*Craters & Freighters Global Logistics
*Meetings, Seminars, Regionals & Conventions
*Large Trade Areas
*Economies of Scale
*Networking Advantage
These are just a few of the advantages to becoming a Craters & Freighters Franchise owner!
About Mail Boxes Etc.
MBE Service Centers facilitate the activities of entrepreneurs,
businesses and private consumers through a platform of digital-ready
shipping, fulfillment, marketing, e-commerce and print solutions
delivered with a distinguished and unique level of customer service.
Mail Boxes Etc. offers you all the quality business services you need, right in your neighbourhood.
Whether it's copying and digital printing solutions, document services, great shipping options, our full-service packaging, or mailbox services, you can get it done at your neighborhood Mail Boxes Etc. location. Mail Boxes Etc. franchisees are ready to make your business easier at over 257 locations across Canada.