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Jason Rager is President of Franchise Analyzer.

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Friday
Apr302010

DirectBuy Franchise

Consumer buying club

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.

Start-up Costs & Franchises Fees

What is the total cost to open a DirectBuy Franchises?

Total Cost: $147,000 USD -$259,000 USD
Total Franchise Fees: $30,000 USD -$55,000 USD
Ongoing Royalty Fees: 22%
Ongoing Advertising Fees:
Term of Agreement: 12 years

Contact Information for DirectBuy

DirectBuy Inc.
8450 Broadway, P.O. Box 13006
Merrillville, IN
46411-3006

Phone Number: (219)736-1100
Toll Free: (800) 454-0018
Fax Number: (219)755-6208

Franchise Homepage:

DirectBuy In the Press

No results at this time.

Historical Expansion

In what year did DirectBuy begin operations? 1971
When did DirectBuy begin selling franchises? 1972

Year United States Canada International Corporate
2005 96 20 0 3
2004 74 18 0 4
2003 65 17 0 6
2002 63 17 0 9
2001 55 15 0 13

Future Expansion

United States: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming,

Countries of Interest: Canada,

Franchise Financing Information

Cost In House Financing Available? 3rd Party Financing Available?
Franchise Fee Yes Yes
Initial Start-up Capital No Yes
Plant, Property, and Equipment No Yes
Inventory No No
Accounts Receivable No No
Payroll No No

3rd Party Financing Available? Financing Source(s): SBA-approved lenders & outside leasing companies

Training & Support

Training
At regional meetings
Support
In the Pressletter, Meetings, Internet referrals, Field support and site evaluation
Marketing
Cooperative advertising, Ad slicks, National media

Franchise Operation Restrictions

1% of all franchise business owners own more than one franchise location.

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 9 - 12

Absentee ownership of this franchise business is not available to new franchisees. (100% of current franchise business owners are owner/operators)

Qualifications & Business Experience

Business Experience:
  • Sales & marketing experience
  • Franchise Analyzer Professional's Inside Information

    Can you buy this franchise for no money down? Yes
    What key terms in the franchise agreement can be negotiated? Cross-default provisions, arbitration clause, personal guarantee, default cure periods, non-compete agreement, favorable valuations for corporate buyout
    Can you negotiate lower royalties during start-up? Yes
    Can you purchase multiple franchises for a discounted franchise fee? Yes
    Can you receive lower advertising fees? Yes
    Will I know when the franchise break even? Yes
    Will my personal assets including my home be safe in case my franchise business fails? Yes
    Please note: You must download a free copy of Franchise Analyzer Professional to receive these benefits and so much more. Click here to download your FREE copy now.