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Updated RecentlyDirectBuy vs The Intelligent Office Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of DirectBuy vs The Intelligent Office including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $359,000 - $904,000 | $311,000 - $537,100 |
| Franchise Fee | $75,000 | $48,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 22% | 5% |
| Advertising Fee | 3% | - |
| Year Founded | 1971 | 1995 |
| Year Franchised | 1972 | 1999 |
| Term Of Agreement | 12 years | 20 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 12 years | 20 years |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | Yes/Yes | No/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | No/No |
| Equipment | No/Yes | No/Yes |
| Inventory | No/No | No/No |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | At regional meetings | Ongoing |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Internet, Field operations/evaluations | Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media | Ad slicks, National media |
| Operations |
1% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 9 - 12
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Company Overviews
About DirectBuy
James L. Gagan founded UCC TotalHome in 1971 and began franchising the following year. Based in Merrillville, Indiana, the private company has over 90 locations throughout North America. DirectBuy began with a vision. It was a vision of liberating consumers from the high cost of retail buying; of allowing consumers to buy goods for their homes at manufacturer direct prices plus freight, handling and sales tax; of restoring to families the opportunity to buy the things they need and want at prices they could afford. That was over three decades ago. Today, the vision has materialized into an exceptional opportunity for DirectBuy franchise owners. We provide a proven, replicable system that allows them to realize the results and rewards of their business quickly. DirectBuy is the largest, most successful business of its kind in North America. For homeowners, remodelers and families in general, our centers are a very significant channel of alternative purchasing in North America.
About The Intelligent Office
Our local business experts will build a personalized office services plan tailored to your needs. It might include a workspace solution like dedicated full-time professional office space, flexible office space or meeting rooms. It could be that you need a virtual office solution including business address and mail services. Or it may be that your business can benefit from enhanced phone answering support like call screening, reception, and full customer service. Intelligent Office is the only place where you’ll find the tools and products your business needs with a local expert to help build the package right for your business and your budget.
We'll help you find The Path to Freedom™, so you can achieve the definition of success that matters to you.
Our proven system is recognized as one of the most powerful and detailed in the industry. When you join the Intelligent Office network as a franchisee, you are off and running with a well prepared plan that is the by-product of many years of successful franchising.The Intelligent Office offers a good work/life balance. It runs from 8:30 to 5pm, without much need to work evenings and weekends. Also, the training is exceptional, something we place great value on. The franchise staff are well trained to perform all duties, so that owners can focus on other aspects of the business and not worry about putting out fires all day long. It's a growing market. More and more people are teleworking… it is a trend that's becoming the norm and there's really no going back to the traditional office model. Luckily, Intelligent Office has established itself as a leader, early on, in this market.