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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of PostNet vs InnoDraw including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $186,567 - $233,500 | $7,500 |
Franchise Fee | $35,950 | N/A |
Royalty Fee | 5% | - |
Advertising Fee | 2% | - |
Year Founded | 1985 | 2009 |
Year Franchised | 1993 | 2012 |
Term Of Agreement | - | - |
Term Of Agreement | - | - |
Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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Experience | PostNet is a retail and service business, and as such we are looking for people with outgoing personalities that would do an excellent job of representing the brand and their business to the public. The most successful PostNet franchisees are civic-minded and outgoing people who gain fulfillment from working with small business owners, schools and others in their communities. On a financial level, a potential PostNet franchisee must have a net worth of at least $300,000.00 and be (or be able to become) liquid for a minimum of $55,000.00. | - |
Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | -/Yes | -/- |
Start-up Costs | -/Yes | -/- |
Equipment | -/Yes | -/- |
Inventory | -/Yes | -/- |
Receivables | -/Yes | -/- |
Payroll | -/Yes | -/- |
Training & Support |
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Training | On-The-Job Training: 58 hours Classroom Training: 65 hours Additional Training: At store location 6-8 weeks after opening | - |
Support | Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform | - |
Marketing | PostNet's marketing programs include- * Local programs, which the franchisees utilize to build and develop awareness and loyalty with current customer base. * Regional and cooperative advertising, where PostNet franchisees get together with other franchisees and leverage their strength in numbers. * National programs that are conducted by the PostNet National Ad Fund. PostNet is the only company in the industry that offers a first-year managed marketing program that includes both consumer advertising and business-to-business advertising to help develop an initial customer base and momentum for the growth of the business. Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing | - |
Operations | PostNet only grants franchises to individuals that are planning on being involved initially as a full-time owner operator. Long term, full-time ownership and operation of the centers are not required; however, initially it is critical because PostNet is a neighborhood business and it is up to the individual store owner to become actively involved in the community to promote the services and products offered. With PostNet, every franchisee offers a core of proven and high-demand services and products through their PostNet Center. However, depending on the needs of the local market and the franchisee's own attributes, other complimentary services that are consistent with the other PostNet offerings may be approved by PostNet. Services, as bookkeeping, advanced computer and database services, and eBay selling services are just some examples of other services and products that PostNet franchisees offer to the public through their PostNet Centers. Initially an owner operator of a franchise will typically have one (1) to two (2) part-time or full-time staff members to help with the operation of the store. As the business grows, and you build a customer base, more employees and staff will be needed. Our highest volume locations have six (6) to seven (7) full-time staff members including the franchisee. | - |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion | - | - |
International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
INNODRAW's technology is based on several components.
1. Measuring laser range
The basis of the hardware system is a laser-based rangefinder. The device sends laser signals to objects (walls, outlets, windows, etc.) and according to the signal returned it calculates the distance from the device to the object. In addition, a direction measuring device is connected to the system which reports to the computer the exact angle at which the laser rangefinder is set.
2. Digital Mapping
By clicking on the measuring button, data about the distance and angle of the object to be measured is obtained. This data is processed on the computer and the calculation result determines exactly where the object is in space. Further to the measuring process, when data of other objects are added, an accurate map of the area is created on the computer.
Calculations - The system allows different types of measuring. For example, a straight wall - in this case, the surveyor aims at two random dots and the system calculates the straight line which is the wall, based on a formula. A curved wall - the surveyor aims at several points along the wall and the system calculates the "curvature" of the wall and builds a collection of points along the wall - which is an accurate estimate of the curvature of the wall.
Measurement Verification - The system allows the surveyor to verify the accuracy of the measuring by making "check and verification measurements" where the computer - according to the calculated internal map - validates the data of the verification checks
3. Friendly interface
The surveyor has many drawing tools at his disposal activated by screen touch. During the regular measuring process, the surveyor does not need to give any instructions to the computer. All he needs to do is to aim the laser beam and "scan" the walls clockwise or counterclockwise. The computer - automatically - follows the laser beam position and completes the mappings by itself. Once mapping is finished, the surveyor can use the many tools at his disposal to add relevant information to complete the overall picture.
4. Software
At the end of the process, the software connects all the data into a perfect electronic drawing in INNODRAW's unique format - called ELC.
5. The Internet
Upon completion of the measurement, the surveyor transmits the drawing by pushing a button on the INNODRAW server. The measuring information is automatically registered on the server. In addition, in coordination with the client, the server converts the drawing format to the specific format required by the client's, such as PDF, DXF, DWG, ORD, etc. The drawing in its final format is sent to the client to the addresses programmed on the server, including the sales manager, the designer, the production manager, etc. In addition, an email is sent to the client advising him that the measuring has been carried out and is available to the client at the site opened for him by INNODRAW.