Learn what makes owning a The UPS Store franchise a worthwhile investment.
Since 1980, the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500 has been one of the most prestigious and comprehensive franchise rankings, celebrating the opportunities franchise brands provide for business ownership. The UPS Store is proud to have been named the top brand in the “postal, printing, communications and business services” category for 30 consecutive years. In addition, 2020 marks our fourth straight year in the top five overall rankings. Based on the scores received in the Franchise 500 list, The UPS Store has also been named the number one franchise business opportunity for less than $150K.
Another cause for celebration is the annual Franchise Appreciation Day in which communities show appreciation for local franchise businesses. While The UPS Store is thankful to be recognized as a top franchise business opportunity on a national level, it’s only fair that we also recognize and thank our individual franchise owners for their hard work and support they provide to their local communities.
With over 4,900 independently owned locations, The UPS Store is the world’s largest franchisor of retail shipping, postal, printing and business service centers. Why do so many entrepreneurs choose The UPS Store? What makes owning a The UPS Store a worthwhile investment? Brand strength, world-class training, ongoing support, a variety of location options, breadth of products and service offerings and a commitment to continuous innovation to help franchisees keep pace in an ever-changing marketplace are just a few of the many benefits available to The UPS Store franchisees.
Brand Strength
The UPS Store is an industry leader and nationally renowned brand. Opening a The UPS Store franchise comes with immediate brand recognition and a reputation for excellence. This awareness not only acts as a differentiator, but it attracts customers and is a significant advantage franchisees inherit as soon as they open their doors.
At The UPS Store, we recognize that a brand’s work is never done. We’re committed to continual efforts to grow brand awareness with consistent, ongoing marketing campaigns that span multiple platforms and audiences. Our national advertising campaign builds and maintains prominence to drive traffic for the brand while highlighting all the products and services our franchisees offer to their customers. Regional efforts complement the national communications and help bring the message to a more localized level. We also support location-specific marketing that maintains brand consistency for individual store promotion.
World-Class Training and Ongoing Support
We’re dedicated to helping our franchisees succeed. The first step is to build a strong foundation by providing all the necessary tools and training. Our comprehensive four-phase training program helps ensure every franchisee is well-prepared to manage their business. Web-based and on-site university business courses are included along with over 80 hours of in-store experience. Business fundamentals such as human resources, marketing, sales and financial management are covered along with content specific to The UPS Store like center operations, technical systems and print services training.
Our support doesn’t end once the formal training has been completed. Ongoing support and guidance is always just a phone call away. Experts at the corporate office, field representatives and even fellow franchisees are available when you have questions, need troubleshooting assistance or general business advice. The UPS Store franchise system is a family. Store owners embrace the opportunity to network and share ideas with fellow franchisees. They recognize that the strength and longevity of the brand is dependent, in part, on the success of each individual store and frequently take advantage of opportunities to collaborate.
Variety of Location Types
Another factor that makes a franchise business opportunity with The UPS Store a worthwhile investment is the number of location types to choose from. In addition to traditional, standalone stores typically located in shopping plazas, there are several non-traditional options for owning a The UPS Store franchise.
The store in store concept lets owners add a The UPS Store center within the footprint of their existing retail business. This allows owners of small businesses like pharmacies and hardware stores to bring The UPS Store products and services to their communities. Business owners can expand their relationship with their current client base while also driving new customers into their store. Other non-traditional location opportunities exist as well, including centers in hotels and convention centers, colleges and universities and military bases.
Rural markets are an often-overlooked opportunity that can offer unlimited potential to bring much-needed essential business services to small communities. Our Main Street franchise model makes opening a The UPS Store franchise in a small town or rural community even more affordable with reduced fees and significant savings on other start-up costs.
Breadth of Products and Services
Most people don’t realize the extensive range of products and services offered at The UPS Store. While we’re proud to serve individual customers, we specialize in delivering value-added business services to support small businesses and help strengthen our communities.
Franchisee Matt McClimon says, “I think small businesses want to work with us because we are also a small business and working together helps us both be successful.”
The UPS Store is committed to helping small business owners reach their goals by providing copying, printing, packing and shipping, faxing, document shredding, a real street address for mailboxes, graphic design, direct mail, notary services and even office and mailing supplies.
Franchisee Adam Berns explains how his The UPS Store location has helped a small business in his community get off the ground, stating “We’ve really been able to watch their business grow and become a business from day one. It started with a customer coming in and helping them design a logo, to then producing business cards and marketing materials, opening mailboxes and helping with the logistics of their business. It’s probably one of the most rewarding things to see and help other people start their own business and knowing we are part of that path to success.”
With 40 years of franchising experience, our proven business model has helped thousands of entrepreneurs become successful business owners. We’re still growing and have numerous franchise opportunities available in markets across the country. Whether you prefer to take over ownership of an existing store ready for business or build out your own, The UPS Store can help you achieve your dreams of franchise ownership. We invite you to learn more by reaching out to our franchise development team or visit our website to explore this potential franchise business opportunity.
