RadioShack vs uBreakiFix Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
RadioShack Franchise
uBreakiFix Franchise
Investment $144,875 - $643,851$98,350 - $303,000
Franchise Fee $39,900$0 - $40,000
Royalty Fee 5% of net sales7%
Advertising Fee 3% for the Ad Fund-
Year Founded 19212009
Year Franchised 19682013
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
RadioShack Franchise
uBreakiFix Franchise
Experience

Significant business experience; we are particularly interested in individuals who have demonstrated successful ownership or management of multiple business units or have managed multiple departments Individuals who possess the capability to grow with RadioShack. The ability to develop and execute a business plan. An entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to work hard and be part of an established franchise system Ability to manage finances, including a thorough understanding of business financial statements The capability to effectively manage an organization that recruits, trains, and motivates employees who deliver an exceptional customer experience An acceptable credit history Sufficient liquid assets (i.e., cash) to invest into the business

A bit of money, and not just change you found in your friend’s couch cushions. Have a passion for the tech industry, or at least appreciate it. A hardworking nature and a positive attitude. A people-person who enjoys helping folks out. An entrepreneurial spirit who sees the big picture. A person who will put customers above all else. Someone who will embrace the uBreakiFix brand and corporate culture.

Financing Options

 
RadioShack Franchise
uBreakiFix Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/No-/-
Equipment Yes/No-/-
Inventory Yes/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support

 
RadioShack Franchise
uBreakiFix Franchise
Training Local workshop, annual conventionOur training program is second to none. It consists of 96 hours of training at our corporate facility in sunny Orlando, FL and 48 hours of intensive onsite training in your store.
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsOur brand means everything to us, and when you become a franchisee, you’re an extended part of the uBreakiFix brand and community. We don’t mind holding your hand if you need it. From lease negotiations to construction build out, franchisees receive ongoing tech and business support. uBreakifix has built state of the art systems and infrastructure to help you keep tabs on not only your store’s day-to-day operations but also keep your location stocked with all of the parts you need to make the best repairs in the business.
Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National mediaAd Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations 9% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

-

Expansion Plans

 
RadioShack Franchise
uBreakiFix Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion NoYes
International Expansion Yes-

Company Overviews

About RadioShack

RadioShack was opened in 1921 by the Deutchmann family, offering ham radio operators and electronics buffs a retail and mail order source for their electronics needs. By the 1960s, the company had nine stores and was shipping electronics to people all over the world, but was falling on hard times.

Charles Tandy purchased the company in 1963 and turned its $4 million debt into a $20 million profit. Today the company operates stores nationwide, selling everything from batteries to satellite dishes to electronics buffs and general consumers.

About uBreakiFix

Founded in 2009, the uBreakiFix concept began franchising in 2013. The company offers both mail-in and walk-in repairs of electronics including smartphones, tablets, computers and video game consoles. All repairs come with a 90-day parts and labor warranty.

UBreakiFix is a retail electronics repair franchise. UBreakiFix franchisees take advantage of an established name that customers trust with industry leading quality guarantees and an emphasis on customer service. UBreakiFix franchisees combine a sought after service with healthy margins.

One byte at a time: uBreakiFix is rapidly growing to become one of the nation's leading electronics repair franchises.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a uBreakiFix Store ranges from $98,350 to $303,000, excluding land. This includes initial fees totaling between $24,150 and $137,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates, including the cost of pre-opening inventory, equipment, furnishings, signs, and expenses during site review (ranging between $24,150 and $56,000) that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a single Mobile Unit ranges from $29,160 to $88,910. This includes initial fees totaling between $2,850 and $38,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.
Veteran Incentives  20% off franchise fee
"Entrepreneur
#21 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#18 in Franchise 500 for 2021.