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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of DirectBuy vs The Franchise Group 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 | $91,500 - $102,000 |
Franchise Fee | $75,000 | N/A |
Royalty Fee | 22% | - |
Advertising Fee | 3% | - |
Year Founded | 1971 | 2004 |
Year Franchised | 1972 | 2004 |
Term Of Agreement | 12 years | - |
Term Of Agreement | 12 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 | -/- |
Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/- |
Equipment | No/Yes | -/- |
Inventory | No/No | -/- |
Receivables | No/No | -/- |
Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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Training | At regional meetings | - |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Internet, Field operations/evaluations | - |
Marketing | Co-op advertising, 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 | - |
International Expansion | Yes | - |
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.
The company specialises, using its unique 'Upside Down Franchising System', in helping small and medium sized enterprises (SME's) to franchise their businesses. In a short period of time the company has grown to become the largest franchise specialist in the UK with 17 Senior Franchise Partners, 60 Franchise Partners and over 50 clients. In November 2005 the company was approached by several individuals and companies from around the world asking for International Master Licences to use the 'Upside Down Franchising System' in their own country/territory. In response to these approaches The Franchise Group has formed a company called The Franchise Group International (TFGI) to offer International Master Licences to suitable individuals and organisations throughout the world. Market research shows that the franchise market in most of the western world and several emerging nations is growing steadily with no clear market leader within our specialisation. With this in mind we believe that our 'Upside Down Franchising System' can, as in the UK, be successfully implemented throughout the world, helping SME's to successfully transform their businesses into franchises, and in turn giving excellent financial returns to the Master Franchisee and his team. Taking into account the experience and enthusiasm of the management team, the excellent existing infrastructure, together with the currently successful business, the time is now perfect for TFG to expand its franchise network by offering Master Licences to suitably qualified individuals and organisations around the world.