The UPS Store/Mail Boxes Etc.

Founded: 1980 Franchising since: 1980
The first Mail Boxes Etc. store was opened in Carlsbad, California by Gerald Aul, Pat Senn and Robert Diaz, who designed it as an alternative to the U.S. Postal Service. In 2001, Mail Boxes Etc. became a subsidiary of UPS and began re-branding as The UPS Store in 2003. The UPS Store locations provide packaging, shipping, copy and print services, mailbox services, computer time rentals and more. Franchises are located throughout the United States and in over 40 countries.

Address: 6060 Cornerstone Ct. W. San Diego, California 92121

Phone: (877)623-7253 Franchisee Association Franchise Advisory Council

Franchisor is a publicly-held company with 300 employee(s); 84 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	4,445	340	0	0
2008	4,461	330	1,191	0
2007	4,454	312	1,134	0
2006	4,428	286	1,046	0

Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide
Outside the U.S.: Canada

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Varies

Total investment: $154,947 - $293,473
Franchise fee: $29,950
Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable


Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	Yes
Startup Costs	Yes	Yes
Equipment	Yes	Yes
Inventory	No	Yes
Accounts Receivable	No	Yes
Payroll	No	Yes

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $150,000
Cash liquidity requirement: $60,000
Business Experience:

• General business experience
• General computer skills

Operations

• 33% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 5
• Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.

Training

• Available at headquarters: 2 weeks
• At franchisee's location: 2 weeks
• Ongoing support

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations
• Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support

• Co-op advertising
• Ad slicks
• National media
• Regional advertising

Other marketing support

• Local store marketing

Franchise 500® rank:
#20 (2010); #8 (2009); #11 (2008); #5 (2007); #4 (2006);

Fastest-Growing Franchises:
#81 (2008); #19 (2007); #8 (2006);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#16 (2010); #8 (2009); #10 (2008); #5 (2007); #4 (2006);