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Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. (MBE), a UPS company, is the world's largest franchisor of retail shipping, postal and business service centers. Its franchise brands, The UPS Store? and Mail Boxes Etc., together comprise more than 5,000 independently owned locations around the world, providing convenient and value-added business services to consumers, corporate ?road warriors,? and the small-office/home-office (SOHO) market.
Growth
 The
Mail Boxes Etc. concept was introduced in 1980 as convenient alternative
to the post office. Throughout its evolution, it has continued to define
and lead the business services category it created. In 2001, UPS acquired
MBE. In 2003, the two companies introduced The UPS Store program to allow
re-branding of the U.S. network and also set lower maximum retail prices
for UPS shipping services.
Special-venue site development also has grown steadily with locations in airports, universities, military bases, convention centers, hotels, and urban renewal areas and empowerment zones. Special-venue sites create an opportunity to provide services to consumers, regardless of where they live, work or travel.
In addition to its domestic network, MBE has expanded globally through master license agreements in nearly 80 countries. In 2002, MBE celebrated the opening of its 1,000 th franchised location operating outside the United States . Historically, the services provided by MBE have been adaptable to the needs and market conditions of various countries and cultures around the world.
Throughout the company's
historic growth, one thing has remained constant: the commitment of our
franchisees to providing personalized and convenient business solutions
with world-class customer service.
Location Numbers
Worldwide: 5,396
Locations
in the US: 4,176
Locations
outside of the US: 1,220
Industry Recognition
In 2005, Entrepreneur magazine's annual "Franchise 500," a ranking
of franchise opportunities based on factors such as financial strength,
growth rate and size, rated The UPS Store #5 among all franchise opportunities
and #1 in the postal and business services category for the 15th consecutive
year.*
* 1990-2003 listed under the Mail Boxes Etc. brand
Center Profile
The center interior is designed to promote a comfortable, yet professional
business environment, with a contemporary appearance geared toward heightening
awareness of products and services.
Centers are typically located in shopping centers and commercial complexes, but also can be found in special venues such as airports, universities, convention centers, hotels and military bases. Location sizes range from 1,200 to 1,800 sq. ft. and centers generally employ a full-time staff of two or more employees, including the owner/operator. Hours of operation vary, but locations are typically open Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many locations are also open on Sundays.
Qualifications:
Cash or liquid assets of $50,000.
Investment
Range $US:
Startup Cash Required: $7,500
Investment Required: $138,685 - $245,494
Financing: MBE offers up to $50,000 financing for fixtures and
equipment. Initial Franchise Fee is $29,950
Training:
New franchisees receive, one month of training including time at The UPS
Store University in San Diego , California , ongoing professional development
with Internet-based training and resources, regional meetings, seminars,
and worldwide networking.
* 1990-2003 listed under the Mail Boxes Etc. brand
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