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In April 2003, over 3,000 Mail Boxes Etc. locations began re-branding to The UPS Store.
FAQ

What makes The UPS Store franchise opportunity the right choice for me?
  • With The UPS Store you can harness the power of the UPS brand and benefit from our 25-year franchising history as the leader in retail shipping, postal and business services.
  • Together, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations form a network of more than 4,800 locations worldwide, providing new franchisees with strength and support.
  • The UPS Store concept meets the personal and business needs of consumers with a complete array of shipping, postal and business-service offerings - all in one convenient location. Customers benefit from the shipping prices they want, with the reliability they need.
  • Through ongoing operational support, national and local marketing, extensive training and technology development, we are committed to helping you reach your goals.

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What is the connection between Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) and The UPS Store?
  • In April 2001, MBE, now the world’s largest franchisor of retail shipping, postal and business services, became a subsidiary of UPS, the world’s largest express carrier and package delivery company. In 2003, we introduced The UPS Store franchise opportunity to offer franchisees and customers the best of both businesses.

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Can I own a Mail Boxes Etc. store in the U.S.?
  • No. In the United States, India and Canada, we only franchise The UPS Store.

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How long has Mail Boxes Etc./The UPS Store been in business?
  • Our first franchise opened in Carlsbad, CA in 1980.

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How much does it cost to open a new franchise?
  • Depending on size and location, the estimated startup cost for a new The UPS Store will range in cost from $154,947 and $293,473.*

* This estimate is for a first-time franchisee who has not purchased under the Rural or Vet-Fran Veterans programs. These figures are subject to change; see our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for current amounts.

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What is the minimum liquid asset requirement in order to submit my application for review?
  • We require that all applicants be able to verify their liquid assests. A minimum of $60,000** is required. However, based upon your area of interest, this amount could vary between $60,000 and $100,000 due to market conditions. Your local representative will be able to clarify the amounts for your area when you submit your initial confidential franchise application. This liquid capital can be met through cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts, a gift from a family member or friend, or any other non-borrowed source. In addition, as part of your application process, you will be required to submit an electronic Personal Financial Statement.

**Note: Providing a minimum of $60,000 does not guarantee approval or award of a The UPS Store franchise. Applicants must verify all stated liquid assets and stated non-The UPS Store income (expected to continue after the award of The UPS Store) listed on Personal Financial Statement. Other requirements apply and these requirements are updated from time to time.

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Is there a difference in cost between new and existing locations?
  • Prices for existing locations are decided solely between the buyer and the seller and can vary greatly based upon size, location, revenue levels, etc.

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What is your franchise fee?
  • Our franchise fee for a first-time, traditional location is $29,950. We do offer a discounted franchise fee of $19,950 to current franchisees expanding into their second or subsequent location.

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Can you help with financing?
  • Yes, The UPS Store has a program to assist qualified new franchise owners with the purchase of fixtures and equipment up to $50,000.**
  • We also have established relationships with several preferred lenders, including Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders that can assist you with all your financing needs - everything from supplies to working capital.
  • The UPS Store has been approved by the Franchise Registry program, which enables SBA loan applications to be processed.

** Leases made pursuant to a Department of Corporations California Lenders License.

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What are The UPS Store royalties? Are there any monthly marketing or advertising fees?
  • Each month The UPS Store receives a 5% royalty on all gross sales and gross commissions less allowable exclusions. In addition, a 1% Marketing Fee and 2.5% National Advertising Fee are collected.

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Who helps me identify my franchise location?
  • Your local representative, with their local market knowledge, and the market research and demographics provided by our Real Estate Development Department will offer guidance in choosing the best location for your needs.

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What is the average, minimum or maximum size of a The UPS Store?
  • The average size is between 1,200 and 1,400 sq. ft. but generally can range between 800 and 1,800 sq. ft.

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Will I get protected territory for my franchise?
  • Yes. Each The UPS Store franchise has a protected territory that ensures no other traditional The UPS Store location will be placed in that territory.

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What sites are currently available?
  • To find out what new and/or existing sites are currently available in your area of interest, please complete our Confidential Franchise Application to speak with a local representative.

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What does my training include?
  • A comprehensive, three phase training program through The UPS Store University, including two weeks of hands-on, in-store training and eight days at The UPS Store University in San Diego, CA.
  • Instruction includes operating procedures, products and services, computer systems, business management, marketing and public relations.
  • You will also receive a complete set of training materials, including The UPS Store Learning Resource and Associate Manuals.
  • The UPS Store University is accredited by the University of Phoenix and by the International Franchise Association's certified franchisee program.

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What support will I receive after training is completed?
  • You will receive ongoing support from your local representatives.
  • Additional support includes networking meetings with other The UPS Store franchisees, newsletters, store visits, business tools and a toll-free help desk.
  • We also provide professional growth and development programs to help you stay on top of a dynamic marketplace.
  • We combine national advertising campaigns designed to increase brand awareness, with strong regional and local marketing plans to help drive traffic to your center.

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Is opening multiple franchises a possibility?
  • Yes. Owning more than one The UPS Store franchise is an option for those who qualify. Please complete the Confidential Franchise Application to speak with a local representative for more information regarding qualification criteria.

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How much money can I make?
  • Financial performance varies significantly from location to locations and depends on many factors including operating and start-up costs, financing terms as well as your local marketing efforts. Most importantly, your ability to operate the business effectively and adhere closely to our operating systems and performance improvement initiatives. Our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), as well as our existing franchisees, are excellent sources of information.

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Can I work in one of your centers?
  • Hiring for in-center positions is handled at the store level. If you would like to work at The UPS Store, please contact your local center directly.

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What are the next steps in The UPS Store franchise application process?
  • Complete and submit the Confidential Franchise Application.
  • After we have received your application, a local representative will contact you to schedule a meeting and provide more details on The UPS Store franchise opportunity.
  • Candidates will receive the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), including a Center Directory and Supplemental Disclosure.
  • Complete and submit an electronic Personal Financial Statement and supporting documentation.
  • Your local representative will schedule an interview with an executive from our franchise selection board. If recommended by the executive, you will submit your letter of intent and your completed application package will be forwarded to our corporate office in San Diego for final review.
  • If you are approved, you and your local representative will begin site selection and lease negotiations. You're then on your way to becoming a member of The UPS Store family!

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Is your Web site a secure site?
  • Yes. All online forms are hosted on a secure website.

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How can I get a copy of your Franchise Opportunities Informational Packet?

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How can I contact you for more information?
  • We can be reached, toll free, at 1-877-623-7253

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