Find out what steps you need to take to start a The UPS Store Franchise.
With 5,000 retail locations in the United States, The UPS Store is the largest retail shipping, postal and business services franchise in the country. We have been honored as a top retail brand by The Business Journals’ American Brand Excellence Awards and ranked #1 in the business services industry by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for 31 consecutive years. We’re proud of our achievements, but none of them would be possible without our network of dedicated retail owners.
Throughout our 40+ years of franchising experience, we’ve developed a pr0tue oven business model and learned how to transfer our extensive knowledge and expertise to our retail owners. Our franchisees know they can rely on the brand strength of The UPS Store as well as our established support system to help them achieve success. The UPS Store franchise network is a family. Our retail owners love sharing their insights and experiences to help one another prosper.
Owning a The UPS Store franchise can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to first understand how franchising works and determine if it’s the right fit for you and your entrepreneurial style.
How Franchising Works
The franchise business model has a long history of enabling brands to expand their reach and maximize revenue while helping entrepreneurs become business owners. In exchange for an initial fee and ongoing royalties, franchising grants a franchisee (retail owner) the right to use the franchise brand’s name, logo and other assets while selling its products or services using the franchisor’s system of doing business. This gives franchise owners the benefit of owning and running their own business while also receiving the support of an established brand.
While there are numerous advantages of franchising, the ability to use a nationally recognized brand name and harness the credibility of that brand awareness is one of the most beneficial. The UPS Store has established strong brand recognition with a sterling reputation. Our retail owners benefit from this from the moment they open their doors.
Is Franchising Right for You?
Despite its many benefits, franchising isn’t for everyone. Opening a franchise business allows retail owners to bypass many of the struggles associated with starting a business, but it still requires a great deal of effort, and success doesn’t happen overnight. You must be willing to commit to the business and dedicate the time to make it work. Consistency is an integral part of the franchise business model. All retail owners must adhere to the franchise guidelines to ensure that the products and level of service are the same across all locations.
When learning how to start a franchise and researching opportunities, it’s important to select a franchise brand that matches your interests, values and business objectives. At The UPS Store, we’re much more than packing and shipping. We’re committed to providing a world-class customer experience and doing everything we can to help small business owners achieve their goals and strengthen our communities from within. Our retail owners love building strong relationships with their customers and take pride in helping other small business owners succeed.
Affordability is another consideration. Thoroughly research all start-up costs and evaluate available financial resources to ensure you have enough money to not only open the franchise but cover operating costs and living expenses until the business becomes profitable. To help ensure that retail owners can capitalize on their investment, prospective franchisees with The UPS Store must have at least $60,000 in liquid assets. This requirement can be met through any combination of cash, bonds, stocks, mutual funds, retirement accounts or other non-borrowed sources. If you don’t meet the financial qualifications yourself, a qualified co-applicant may assist.
The UPS Store has a very competitive pricing model, making us one of the best values among franchise brands. The initial investment required to open a The UPS Store center varies depending on the size, type, and location. Traditional location centers typically range from $247,523-$474,193, while franchise costs for rural locations are $163,139-$274,722, and store in store locations are between $120,929-$250,540. (All costs are subject to change, please see our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), for current amounts.) Although we don’t directly offer franchise financing to new franchisees, The UPS Store has teamed up with Guidant Financial to help qualified candidates secure the best funding solution that fits their needs.
How to Start a The UPS Store Franchise
The UPS Store is committed to providing potential retail owners comprehensive information to determine if joining our network is the best choice for you. Start by familiarizing yourself with these common franchise terms to gain a better understanding of franchising to make an educated and confident decision. Reach out to our franchise development team or attend one of our free webinars to learn more about franchising with The UPS Store and opportunities available now in specific areas. Request our FDD and review it carefully for details including our business experience, all fees, trademarks, services and training, financial statements and contact information for current retail owners. We also encourage you to talk to current The UPS Store franchise owners to learn what it’s like to be a part of our network.
Finding the right market is critical. At The UPS Store, we work closely with potential retail owners to help them find an appropriate location. A number of criteria are evaluated such as parking availability, foot traffic and competition to determine the business potential of every The UPS Store retail center. Whether in an urban, mid-size or rural area we offer a variety of traditional and non-traditional store types to make it easier to find the best option that meets your interests and fulfills the needs of customers in your community. Visit our website for an up-to-date list of both existing centers for sale that are ready for business under new ownership as well as open markets available for new store development.
Next, complete our easy, four-step franchise approval process. You’ll submit an application and financial documentation, complete the FDD and interview with our team before making a final decision on your investment. Once approved, you’ll sign a letter of intent and pay the initial application fee. The final step includes securing any necessary funding, signing the franchise agreement and property lease, and completing training. Our comprehensive 5-week training program will provide a strong foundation of store operations and business fundamentals and will have you well-prepared to open your doors with confidence.
The support doesn’t end there. Our team is committed to providing ongoing assistance and guidance to help you achieve success. From expert advice to multi-level advertising and marketing efforts, we’re with you every step of the way. We even have multi-center ownership opportunities to help you grow your business beyond a single location.
Ready to get started and change your life? Contact our franchise development team or visit our website for more information on opportunities available now to take control of your future by starting a franchise with The UPS Store.
