DirectBuy vs Annex Copy Center Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
DirectBuy Franchise
Annex Copy Center Franchise
Investment $359,000 - $904,000$35,525 - $172,750
Franchise Fee $75,000$29,900
Royalty Fee 22%5%
Advertising Fee 3%2%
Year Founded 19712012
Year Franchised 19722012
Term Of Agreement 12 years-
Term Of Agreement 12 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
DirectBuy Franchise
Annex Copy Center Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    DirectBuy Franchise
    Annex Copy Center 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
    Annex Copy Center 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
    Annex Copy Center 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 Annex Copy Center

    "Annex

    The Annex Copy Center brand was established in March, 2012 as a full-service copy and print center. With investment in a variety of industrial printing and finishing machines, Annex Copy offers graphic design service, full-bleed digital printing, production of signs and banners, plus a variety of finishing services such as scoring, perforating, folding, aqueous coating, hole-punching, stapling and more.

    • Commercial Center: $99,700 to $172,750
    • Commercial Center-Conversion: $35,525 to $147,975