DirectBuy vs Charles Schwab Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
DirectBuy Franchise
Charles Schwab Franchise
Investment $359,000 - $904,000N/A
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
Charles Schwab Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    DirectBuy Franchise
    Charles Schwab 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
    Charles Schwab 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
    Charles Schwab Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesYes

    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 Charles Schwab

    "Charles
    The Independent Branch Leader will operate a branch office of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, under the  Charles Schwab® trade name and logo and offer retail clients non-discretionary investment advice and access to a variety of approved financial products and services.
    Become a  Charles Schwab franchisee, and you'll be part of a deeply trusted, highly innovative brand where your clients will have access to a wider range of products and services.