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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of DirectBuy vs Regus 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 | $1,714,100 - $3,251,500 |
Franchise Fee | $75,000 | $50,000 |
Royalty Fee | 22% | - |
Advertising Fee | 3% | - |
Year Founded | 1971 | 1989 |
Year Franchised | 1972 | 1989 |
Term Of Agreement | 12 years | - |
Term Of Agreement | 12 years | - |
Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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Experience | Regus is seeking qualified franchisees with the organizational and financial capabilities to open a minimum of five locations no smaller than 10,000 square feet over a two- to three-year period. Qualified franchisees should have at least three years of outside sales management experience and two years of community marketing experience with a sales team of at least five people. Franchisees must also be committed to uphold operational and image standards of the Regus brand, and have the drive to move quickly and decisively to secure deals with customers. | |
Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-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 |
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Training | At regional meetings | - |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Internet, Field operations/evaluations | Regus works closely with its franchisees to ensure they have a framework to find the right location and design; are able to grow their market footprint backed by world-class operational and marketing support; and have the quality customer service Regus is known for, as well as access to platforms including marketing, sales and IT as well as a global network six times larger than the nearest competitor. |
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 |
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US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | - |
International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
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.