The Sharper Image vs Rent - A - Center Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Sharper Image vs Rent - A - Center including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Sharper Image Franchise
Rent - A - Center Franchise
Investment N/A$355,268 - $560,225
Franchise Fee N/A$35,000
Royalty Fee -5.5%
Advertising Fee -3%
Year Founded 20091980
Year Franchised 20092013
Term Of Agreement -5-10 years
Term Of Agreement -5-10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Sharper Image Franchise
Rent - A - Center Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
The Sharper Image Franchise
Rent - A - Center Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/--/-
Start-up Costs -/--/Yes
Equipment -/--/Yes
Inventory -/--/Yes
Receivables -/--/-
Payroll -/--/-

Training & Support

 
The Sharper Image Franchise
Rent - A - Center Franchise
Training - On-The-Job Training: 73 hours Classroom Training: 36 hours
Support -Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing -Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
Operations -Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 4 - 6

Expansion Plans

 
The Sharper Image Franchise
Rent - A - Center Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion -No
International Expansion -Yes

Company Overviews

About The Sharper Image

Licensing Opportunities Times have changed, but our core customer values have remained the same. A consumer that is loyal to the brand and is expecting high quality innovative products. The Sharper Image has shifted to a global lifestyle brand licensor, reaching the consumer via retailers, e-commerce and catalog. We partner with best in class manufacturers and now The Sharper Image products are available at major retailers, department stores and specialty stores numbering in the thousands. The Sharper Image is currently looking to develop relationships with worldwide strategic partners as Direct to Retail, master distributors and product licensing opportunities will all be considered before entering a market. International distribution will be segmented to the following regions: North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, Middle East & Australia. A prospective licensee must be committed to the values of our business model. They must demonstrate the capability to bring unique products with cutting edge applications to market; products that are feature-rich, beautifully designed and transformative. To join the brand initiative, please contact us at: [email protected]

About Rent - A - Center

There's no better way to join the exciting and profitable rent-to-own industry than to franchise with Rent-A-Center. With over 4,100 locations in the United States and Mexico and over $3 billion in annual revenue, Rent-A-Center is the undisputed segment leader. We offer the resources unmatched in rent-to-own to support our franchisees. In addition to world-class marketing, training and operations support, Rent-A-Center franchisees benefit from in-house financing and a competitive royalty structure that decreases as you grow. Rent-A-Center Franchising is the nation's first franchisor of independently owned and operated rent-to-own stores, with over 35 years of franchising experience. Today, we are committed to creating value for our Franchisees by supporting them with superior systems, programs and processes every step of the way. Their successes are what drive our franchise model, one that is poised to continue its long, successful history.

Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee
"Entrepreneur
#209 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#153 in Franchise 500 for 2021.