The Mail Boxes Etc concept was introduced in 1980 as an alternative to the post office. Throughout its evolution it has continued to define and lead the business services category it created. In 2001, UPS acquired Mail Boxes Etc. In 2003, the two companies introduced The UPS Store program to allow a re-branding of the U.S. network and also set lower maximum retail prices for UPS shipping services. Together, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. centers comprise more than 5,600 franchised locations around the world, providing convenient and value-added business services to the small-office/home-office (SOHO) market, corporate "road warriors," and consumers.
In 2006, Entrepreneur magazine's annual "Franchise 500", a ranking of franchise opportunities based on factors such as financial strength, growth rate and size, rated The UPS Store #4 among all franchise opportunities and #1 in the postal and business services category.
Franchising Tips and Facts
If you notice high pressure being used during a sales presentation, especially attempts to get you to sign up now, beware. The FTC rule requires at least 10 business days between getting the disclosure documents and paying or signing any agreements.
Owning a The UPS Store franchise is a long-term commitment. It happens all too frequently that people jump into business, and then they find out later that they do not like it because they expect to make lots of money. Making money from any business or franchise takes time, unless you enjoy yourself along the way, you are unlikely to perform at your peak and as a consequence, success may elude you.
By following the franchisor's business practices and offering products that meet the company's standards, The UPS Store franchisees can consistently provide customers with quality goods and services. In the United States the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and certain states can decide if a franchise is acting as a franchisor. If so, they regulate the activities of the franchisor, as to marketing and sales, and distribution of required disclosure information (Offering Circular aka UFOC) about the franchise to prospective purchasers. Certain other countries have similar regulations. Research has shown that the success rate of new franchisees is much higher than that for other new business start-ups.
Ongoing advertising and marketing programs help to ensure that The UPS Store franchises continue to grow, and remain strong. If the The UPS Store franchise system is successful in promoting their brand, and it leaves a positive impact on the customer. This should mean more sales for you as a franchisee.
One of the reasons you may be considering a The UPS Store franchise opportunity is brand recognition. With well known established brands, you don't have to work as hard to build brand awareness because a lot of that work has already been done by the franchisor and other franchisees. A good brand is immediately familiar in consumers' minds. To the consumer, brand equals the company's reputation.
Please Note: The UPS Store, and other franchise opportunities, business opportunities,
businesses and franchises for sale on this web site are not to be
considered as an "offering," suggestion or approval by
ActiveFranchising.com. As always, we recommends seeking the advice of a lawyer, financial consultant or
accountant before purchasing a franchise or business opportunity.
