DirectBuy vs ExcalTech Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
DirectBuy Franchise
ExcalTech Franchise
Investment $359,000 - $904,000$57,200 - $152,600
Franchise Fee $75,000$5,000 - $25,000
Royalty Fee 22%5% + Varies
Advertising Fee 3%$1,500/ mo.
Year Founded 1971-
Year Franchised 1972-
Term Of Agreement 12 years-
Term Of Agreement 12 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
DirectBuy Franchise
ExcalTech Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    DirectBuy Franchise
    ExcalTech 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
    ExcalTech 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
    ExcalTech 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 ExcalTech

    ExcalTech is the premier provider of network support and website design service! We specialize in network support, server support, managed services, website design, programming, cloud computing, Internet backup, on-site IT support, and more!