DirectBuy vs EZ Backdrops Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
DirectBuy Franchise
EZ Backdrops Franchise
Investment $359,000 - $904,000$995
Franchise Fee $75,000N/A
Royalty Fee 22%-
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 1971-
Year Franchised 1972-
Term Of Agreement 12 years-
Term Of Agreement 12 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
DirectBuy Franchise
EZ Backdrops Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    DirectBuy Franchise
    EZ Backdrops 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
    EZ Backdrops 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
    EZ Backdrops 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 EZ Backdrops

    Born in the trenches; after years of shipping and /or lugging my booth set-up materials to trade shows in trains, planes and automobiles, it was time for a "new mousetrap". When I had to ship them, I became frustrated with never really knowing where they were, when they would arrive, or worse - would they arrive! My 10 x 10 exhibit space without a display provided no significant "sales time" with "prospects"! Set-up and tear-down were cumbersome. Now there's EZ Backdrops. This is the only backdrop system designed and engineered to be truly "EZ"! Our product is manufactured from a superior high density, fire retardant, wrinkle resistant fabric, with ALL colors infused through a fabric dye process. No need to carry poles or any framework. The EZ Backdrops is designed to use the poles provided in your standard booth. This is not your traditional inkjet print on fabric process. This is a process where the colors are infused into the fabric producing eye-popping graphics, ensuring your
    EZ Backdrop will continue to look brand new show after show. This process also makes maintenance a snap... If needed, EZ Backdrops are washable, just like any other fine garment. Our light weight design, (less than 5 pounds), allows you to arrive at the show with your EZ Backdrop in your briefcase! Then, all you need to do is replace the standard generic tradeshow drapes, with YOUR eye-popping full color, 9' x 8', 1 piece, seamless EZ Backdrop in minutes! Once the show is over, your EZ Backdrop easily folds to fit back in your briefcase and you're done!