Just-A-Buck vs Dollar Discount Stores Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Just-A-Buck vs Dollar Discount Stores including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Just-A-Buck Franchise
Dollar Discount Stores Franchise
Investment $140,000 - $250,000$99,000 - $195,000
Franchise Fee $25,000$18,000
Royalty Fee 4%3%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19881982
Year Franchised 19921987
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee -33% of current franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
Just-A-Buck Franchise
Dollar Discount Stores Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Just-A-Buck Franchise
Dollar Discount Stores Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
Equipment No/YesNo/No
Inventory No/YesNo/No
Receivables No/NoNo/No
Payroll No/YesNo/No

Training & Support

 
Just-A-Buck Franchise
Dollar Discount Stores Franchise
Training --
Support Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
Marketing Ad slicksAd slicks
Operations 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6

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

10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 - 7

Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (99% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


Expansion Plans

 
Just-A-Buck Franchise
Dollar Discount Stores Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion NoNo

Company Overviews

About Just-A-Buck

Based in New Windsor,, New York, Just A Buck started in 1988 and began franchising in 1992. Just-A-Buck sells children's games and toys, gifts, packaged goods, hardware, housewares, books, candy, collectibles, baskets, personal care products, greeting cards and costume jewelry, all priced at $1.

About Dollar Discount Stores

Paul Cohen opened the first Dollar Discount Store in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in 1982. With the help of his family, who had about 40 years of retail experience, he expanded the company into a chain, then began franchising in 1987. Each Dollar Discount Store offers a variety of products, including toys, paper goods, snacks and school supplies, for $1. Stores can also sell more expensive items ranging in price from $1 to $15.