![]()
| ||||
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Signal Graphics Business Center vs Mail Boxes Etc. including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
||
| Investment | $159,000 - $201,000 | $154,950 - $293,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $29,900 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | - | 2% |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1990 |
| Year Franchised | 1982 | 1990 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | 10 years +10 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | 10 years +10 |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
||
| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
||
| 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/Yes | -/- |
| Payroll | No/Yes | -/- |
Training & Support |
||
| Training | - | 1. Corporate Office 2 Weeks 2. Center 1.5 Weeks |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, 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 | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | - |
| Operations |
3% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 2
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | Average Number of Employees: 2 Full-time, 1 Part-time Passive Ownership: Allowed, But Discouraged |
Expansion Plans |
||
| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | Yes |
| International Expansion | No | Yes |