DirectBuy vs PEAK Elevator Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
DirectBuy Franchise
PEAK Elevator Franchise
Investment $359,000 - $904,000$118,000 - $283,000
Franchise Fee $75,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 22%6%
Advertising Fee 3%0.5% Nat'l + 0.5% local
Year Founded 1971-
Year Franchised 1972-
Term Of Agreement 12 years7 years +5+5
Term Of Agreement 12 years7 years +5+5
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
DirectBuy Franchise
PEAK Elevator Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    DirectBuy Franchise
    PEAK Elevator Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    DirectBuy Franchise
    PEAK Elevator Franchise
    Training At regional meetingsWe will provide one week of training at the PEAK Vertical Transportation Group™ corporate location approximately four weeks before your franchise launch. We will cover general business operations, marketing and selling techniques, and more. PEAK Elevator™ representatives will provide an additional one week of training at your franchise location approximately one week prior to your franchise launch to assist you with on-site support.
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsWe will present you with a copy of our confidential operations manual to help you run your business properly on a day-to-day basis, and we will be there to provide remote support, ongoing guidance and answers to questions you may have.
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media-
    Operations 1% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 9 - 12

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

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    DirectBuy Franchise
    PEAK Elevator Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About DirectBuy

    James L. Gagan founded UCC TotalHome in 1971 and began franchising the following year. Based in Merrillville, Indiana, the private company has over 90 locations throughout North America. DirectBuy began with a vision. It was a vision of liberating consumers from the high cost of retail buying; of allowing consumers to buy goods for their homes at manufacturer direct prices plus freight, handling and sales tax; of restoring to families the opportunity to buy the things they need and want at prices they could afford. That was over three decades ago. Today, the vision has materialized into an exceptional opportunity for DirectBuy franchise owners. We provide a proven, replicable system that allows them to realize the results and rewards of their business quickly. DirectBuy is the largest, most successful business of its kind in North America. For homeowners, remodelers and families in general, our centers are a very significant channel of alternative purchasing in North America.

    About PEAK Elevator

    Starting a franchise business is no easy feat. However, with an experienced company like PEAK Elevator™ behind you, you will have the support and backing of experienced individuals who are ready to mentor you in your new venture. You will certainly need investment capital, hard work and solid business sense to see success as a franchisee. PEAK Elevator™ is ready to help you through the steps of starting your own elevator business in the $20 billion elevator installation and service industry.
    PEAK Elevator™ answers the call for skilled elevator professionals who are just as well versed in customer service as they are in the technical aspects of the vertical transportation industry. With the backing of PEAK Elevator™’s established brand, elevator and escalator professionals can become their own boss in a promising market.

    Founders Randy and Jim McGinnis leveraged their collective expertise in the areas of elevator and escalator installation, maintenance, repair and modernization to develop a refined business model for aspiring entrepreneurs. With customer satisfaction, quality and integrity at its core, PEAK Elevator™’s franchise model serves as a blueprint for those looking to fulfill their dreams of starting an independent elevator repair company. Together, the McGinnis brothers have pioneered a shift in the industry and are honored to share their expertise in this comprehensive franchise offering.
     
    The estimated initial total investment for a PEAK Elevator™ franchise ranges from $118,000 to $283,000 for a new franchise and $100,500 to $274,250 for a conversion franchise. This investment amount includes an initial franchise fee of $35,000 for new franchises or $17,500 to $26,250 for a conversion franchise.