RadioShack vs Batteries Plus Bulbs Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
RadioShack Franchise
Batteries Plus Bulbs Franchise
Investment $144,875 - $643,851$201,450 - $385,230
Franchise Fee $39,900$37,500
Royalty Fee 5% of net sales5%
Advertising Fee 3% for the Ad Fund1%
Year Founded 19211988
Year Franchised 19681992
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee -20% of franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
RadioShack Franchise
Batteries Plus Bulbs Franchise
Experience

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


  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • People skills

  • Financing Options

     
    RadioShack Franchise
    Batteries Plus Bulbs Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoYes/Yes
    Equipment Yes/NoYes/Yes
    Inventory Yes/NoYes/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    RadioShack Franchise
    Batteries Plus Bulbs Franchise
    Training Local workshop, annual conventionPeriodic store visits & regional meetings On-The-Job Training: 84 Classroom Training: 168 Additional Training: Ongoing
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsNational Account Sales Program With Standardized Pricing, On-line Order Capabilities, E-commerce, Real Estate & Store Design Support, On-going Field Support, Product Call Center, Intranet Site plus: Purchasing Co-ops Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National mediaCo-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing
    Operations 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)

    62% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.


    Expansion Plans

     
    RadioShack Franchise
    Batteries Plus Bulbs Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    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.

    About Batteries Plus Bulbs

    The first Batteries Plus Bulbs store opened as Batteries Plus in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1988. Batteries Plus Bulbs now has stores throughout the country selling batteries and bulbs with on-site Tech Centers that design, assemble and test battery systems. Customers include individual consumers and commercial clients such as manufacturers, service businesses and government agencies.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Store is from $201,450 to $385,230. This includes $108,475 to $156,625 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates. If you sign a Multiple Unit Franchise Agreement, you also must pay us $10,000 for each Store you commit to develop.
    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee
    #188 in Franchise 500 for 2020.