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Updated RecentlyDirectBuy vs Office Evolution Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of DirectBuy vs Office Evolution 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 | $60,825 - $1,485,150 |
| Franchise Fee | $75,000 | $45,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 22% | 7.5% |
| Advertising Fee | 3% | 3% |
| Year Founded | 1971 | 2003 |
| Year Franchised | 1972 | 2013 |
| Term Of Agreement | 12 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 12 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | Franchisees must enjoy contributing to the success of their small business clients and fostering an environment that's positive, collaborative and supports that goal. The preferred candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong financial standing, sufficient liquidity and the resources necessary to develop a location/territory. To be considered for an Office Evolution franchise, you must meet the following requirements: *Have at least $150,000 in cash or liquid assets and total net worth of $300,000 *Provide $35,000 franchise fee per location | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | Yes/Yes | -/Yes |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Equipment | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Inventory | No/No | -/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | -/Yes |
| Payroll | No/No | -/Yes |
Training & Support |
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| Training | At regional meetings | We offer training updates for your staff On-The-Job Training: 15 hours Classroom Training: 25 hours |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Internet, Field operations/evaluations | Office Evolution has established an expert support team that has developed the operational processes, experience and marketing that has built our concept to what it is today. Not only will you receive start-up support for the important aspects of the business including technology, phone systems, and real estate, you will continue to receive support after you open. We will hold regular conferences to provide updated tools and ideas, offer training updates for your staff and share new developments and experiences from other franchisees in other markets. Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media | Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing |
| 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) | Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 1 |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | Yes |
| 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 Office Evolution
More and more people are seeking self-employment as an alternative to a possibly fickle and often frustrating corporate reality. Self-employment rates have been growing at an average of 4.5 percent annually most of this decade, adding roughly 1 million people per year, and across the country, enrollment in entrepreneurship programs at universities is booming, according to a recent Entreprenuer.com article by Jason Daley. With the advent of mobile computing and cloud technology, the opportunities for entrepreneurs are exploding. They no longer need an office, staff and equipment to get started in business and the cost of entry can be very low.