DirectBuy vs SMS Masterminds Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
DirectBuy Franchise
SMS Masterminds Franchise
Investment $359,000 - $904,000$24,000
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
SMS Masterminds Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills
  • You don't need to be a marketing or mobile technology expert to be a successful mastermind! You will become an expert with our "Masterminds University" training program and 24/7 support by our friendly and professionally-trained staff, who can answer any questions or concerns you have quickly and effectively.


    Financing Options

     
    DirectBuy Franchise
    SMS Masterminds 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
    SMS Masterminds 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
    SMS Masterminds Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    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 SMS Masterminds

    THIS IS A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY THIS IS NOT A FRANCHISE SMS Masterminds brings the power of Mobile Marketing to small and big business alike! We'll help you build your own customer list and market to them in the most effective ways possible. With new advances in technology, Mobile Marketing is now easy and affordable for businesses of all sizes. No other form of advertising gets a greater return on investment than Mobile Marketing! Low overhead Virtually no inventory Work from home Recurring income No employees No retail location No set hours Always innovative and exciting SMS Masterminds network success: Over 75+ markets nationally Client grossing as much as $30K/month Over 1,250,000 subscribers as of November 2013 What you sell: A smart Loyalty Marketing Solution that works like a digital punch card. Consumers 'check in' using their mobile number, and earn points towards free products/services. The merchant will then send text messages out to those consumers with daily specials and offers to drive them back in. Response rates of 20 to 30 times better than traditional media are typical! For this, you charge a monthly fee for the service, the amount depending on the size of the account.