Why USA vs Commission Express Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Why USA Franchise
Commission Express Franchise
Investment $17,000 - $103,400$112,800 - $301,500
Franchise Fee N/A$15,000 - $60,000
Royalty Fee VariesVaries
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19881992
Year Franchised 19891996
Term Of Agreement 3 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 3 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Why USA Franchise
Commission Express Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Why USA Franchise
    Commission Express Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Why USA Franchise
    Commission Express Franchise
    Training 2 conferences per year, monthly tele-conferences-
    Support Meetings, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicksCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations 5% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    15% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    Why USA Franchise
    Commission Express Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Why USA

    Why USA was founded in 1988 and began franchising in 1989. The company utilizes a flat-fee commission system as well as its own sales program. It now has locations throughout the United States and is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

    About Commission Express

    John L Stedman and Joseph M. Giovannelli founded Commission Express, based in Fairfax, Virginia, in 1992. With most real estate transactions, an agent waits between 30 and 90 days to receive his or her commission. In the meantime, the agent still has to cover the costs of running an office and paying employees.
    Commission Express franchisees essentially offer agents cash advances by purchasing an agent's outstanding commissions at a discount. When the home purchase is completed and the commission is received, Commission Express withholds between 8 and 14 percent in fees. Franchisees provide their own capital to purchase the commissions.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Commission Express franchised business with a protected development territory ranges from $172,300 to $301,500. This includes $10,000 (for a small territory), $25,000 (for a medium territory) or $50,000 (for a large territory) that must be paid to the franchisor.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Commission Express franchised business with an open market development territory ranges from $112,800 to $192,500. This includes $25,000 that must be paid to the franchisor.