DirectBuy vs The Utility Company Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of DirectBuy vs The Utility Company including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
DirectBuy Franchise
The Utility Company Franchise
Investment $359,000 - $904,000$36,715 - $62,785
Franchise Fee $75,000N/A
Royalty Fee 22%-
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19712006
Year Franchised 19722006
Term Of Agreement 12 years-
Term Of Agreement 12 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
DirectBuy Franchise
The Utility Company Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    DirectBuy Franchise
    The Utility Company Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-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

     
    DirectBuy Franchise
    The Utility Company Franchise
    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

     
    DirectBuy Franchise
    The Utility Company Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion 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 Utility Company