Franchise a UPS store

**tkktnn** · 10-12-2006 09:55 AM

Hi All,

I am thinking of open a UPS store in the industrial area near where I live? What you all think?

Thanks

**chopper** · 10-12-2006 10:22 AM

Can you give any more details? Its just there not really any info there to give any helpfull advice or anything.

**WanganRunner** · 10-12-2006 10:22 AM

I guess the most important question would be....why is that a good location for a UPS Store?

**akula** · 10-12-2006 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by tkktnn

Hi All,

I am thinking of open a UPS store in the industrial area near where I live? What you all think?

Thanks

first port of call is porter analysis

then a whole bunch of other analysis which may prevent you from making the wrong decision

try to find reasons which negate rather than support your assumption that what you have is a superior commercial opportunity

**tkktnn** · 10-12-2006 01:05 PM

Sorry guys, i am new here and this is my first post.

I live near the industrial area and there is no percel services within the 10 miles radius. I would think that would be the good business to have in the area.

I contact UPS regard franchising, will hear from them soon.

What should I do interm of market research?

I appriciate all helps.

thanks

**shawnman19** · 10-12-2006 01:21 PM

Don't do it, everyone knows UPS sucks compared to FedEx. The company I work for refuses to let you us UPS because they have so many problems with packages being late.

In terms of Market Research I would first find out if all the local industrys use FedEx or UPS or niether. I would also find the nearest UPS, USPS, or FedEx locations to where you want to start yours. If there are more then 4 in a 15 mile radius of you I wouldn't do it, unless its an urban setting.

**WanganRunner** · 10-12-2006 05:28 PM

No harm in doing a little in-person ground pounding either.

Survey local businesses in person. If you're really providing a service that they're going to be interested in, they'll jump at the opportunity to give you the information that you need.

**kbud124** · 10-16-2006 04:15 PM

i personally wouldnt go into it...ive heard bad things about the franchise..if anything, open an independent shop with capability to ship via fedex, ups, dhl etc..and offer other services and products such as copying, packing materials, etc

heres an article that I read a while ago that you may find interesting.. http://www.startupjournal.com/franch...09-gibson.html

**hbomb** · 10-28-2006 03:28 PM

Whatever franchise you select, just remember that you are not going to get rich overnight and there will be mulitiple challenges and stress along the way. Most of those that fail or get extremely disappointed, are usually those whose expectations are not realistic. Figure a good two years to really break even no matter what logo you have on the door, and remember that the faster you pay off your initial investment, the quicker you can really start enjoying the fruits of your labor.

Many of the members of the lawsuit against UPS consists of disgruntled MBE owners who did not like to conform to the uniform change that UPS instituted. Furthermore, I'm sure that many are also the type that sit in the store and wait for things to happen. No matter what franchise you choose, you need to be out and about pounding the pavement to increase your branding and awareness with potential customers.

On the flip side, UPS had no experience in retail when they bought MBE, so its going to be a learning curve for them as well, and all of their decisions will not be the correct ones, and will in turn piss people off like they have done already. But the scenario is typical of a merger/acquisition and will take a little time to get on familiar ground and earn the trust of their franchisees.

Don't let the disgruntled few ruin your ambition. Have a solid business plan, marketing plan, and do your homework on the location, as that will have more impact on your business than anything else.

Good luck!

**loyalmbe** · 02-19-2008 10:17 AM

>>Many of the members of the lawsuit against UPS consists of disgruntled MBE owners who did not like to conform to the uniform change that UPS instituted<<

Yes, the uniform change that gives all the fruits of franchisee labor to the franchisor Big Brown!

Funny that most are not happy with the few crumbs left to them.

Strange that there are class actions covering all franchisees who converted and to my knowledge, none of those have chosen to opt out of the action.

Yet, UPS shills continue to try to characterize all who speak out as a
disgruntled minority!

Facts are that the majority of the 4,000 plus franchisees are operating at break even or less and little is really being done to alleviate the problem.

The silent disgruntled majority are beginning to lose patience and become more vocal.

Meanwhile, UPS'ers in the ivory towers profess "no problem" . Get real people!

**GhostFac3** · 02-19-2008 11:29 AM

Also, one big thing you need to consider is if UPS is even willing to let you do this. I know a few months ago I was looking into an opportunity in my city, because there is NOTHING. If you ship packages you must take them to a city at least 20 minutes away. But UPS was not looking to add anymore locations in my area.

**BusinessAdviser** · 02-19-2008 11:47 AM

Loyalmbe, why a hypocrite?

**jwilson1** · 02-20-2008 10:25 AM

There are some very solid suggestions here.

First and foremost for me if I am looking to buy a franchise (which I am a franchise owner of another type) I want to investigate the franchise. I also want to make sure I get the UFOC and have an attorney go over it to make sure there is nothing in there I can't live with.

Then I want to know about the people I will be working with. Values, beliefs, integrity...
What type of support system do they offer. And do they actually support you. I would then also contact several franchise owners in my local territory. Talk to them, there are several questions I would ask...but the one that I find most telling is this:

"Knowing what you know now, would you do it over again?"

I would do all this before my market research. To me it doesn't matter what the market is, if the people I work with aren't of the quality I would like.

Good luck.

**Paint and Air Sportz** · 02-21-2008 10:08 PM

I was talking with the franchisee of my local ups store, they are just starting to make any money after being in it for over 2 years. I just dont see how you can make money, you barly make anything on shipping and your bread and butter is selling boxes and packaging it your self and their isnt a ton of room their.

But what area are you in seven elevens can be very profitable, as well as dunkin donuts.