How can I start a business if The UPS Store is not already in my country?
We are committed to building a truly global franchise network. If The UPS Store is not currently in your country, we are probably planning to start there soon. Our concept begins in a new country by establishing a local master licensee. After the master licensee is in place, individual and multiple-unit franchise opportunities become available. To learn more about the franchise and master license opportunities please complete and submit the International Online Application form.

Why should I consider The UPS Store instead of a competitor or opening my own non-franchised business?
We created this segment of business service retailing and franchising over twenty-five years ago. With the experience of over 5,500 locations, we know how to get a business open and operating effectively. As a result of our training and support, you can spend less time making costly mistakes and more time building your business. Our size and presence also make possible negotiating strength, purchasing power and the collective sharing of ideas and experiences that give you a competitive advantage.

What is a master license?


Master licensing is one of the most commonly used and most effective method of expanding franchise systems internationally. A master license (also known as a master franchise) is the exclusive right to develop the business throughout a country or group of countries. Mail Boxes Etc., Inc begins development in all countries outside the U.S. by granting the master license rights for those countries to qualified individuals, groups or companies in those countries. The selected individual, group or company is called a master licensee and has the following responsibilities:
Open and operate the first location in the country (the pilot center).
Expand the network throughout the country or countries by selling franchises to others within the country.
Provide training, guidance and support to all franchisees in the country or countries.
Master licensees generate revenue by selling franchises, collecting royalties from the operation of centers in their territory and from the operation of centers owned and operated by the master licensee.

 

What is a franchise?

A franchise is the right granted by Mail Boxes Etc., Inc (or a master licensee) to a person, group or company to own and operate a center. Mail Boxes Etc., Inc also grants multiple-unit franchises to those qualified to own and operate more than one center. Franchising allows entrepreneurs to have their own business, without many of the risks associated with a typical start-up business. In addition to a proven concept, training and support, our franchise owners can have their own business with the image, professionalism and benefits of a global leader in business service retailing. It is no surprise that approximately one-half of all retail sales in the U.S. take place in franchised businesses.

What is an area franchise?
An area franchise is the right to sell and support franchisees in association with a master licensee. An area franchisee will generally work within a territory such as a province, or county - or a whole country, in some cases. Area franchise opportunities are generally limited to countries and territories offering a large development potential. Area franchisees will also own and operate at least one center.

What is the range of investment capital needed to open a franchise, master license or area franchise business outside the U.S.?
The investment amount varies depending on business costs within a particular country and the size and location of the franchise. Most franchisees obtain start-up financing in countries where interest rates and lending practices are permissible. We also recommend that franchisees have access to sufficient working capital before starting the business.
A master licensee business is significantly larger than a center franchise business in terms of opportunity, responsibility, investment and the size and potential of the territory to be developed. This investment includes costs for opening a pilot center, establishing and maintaining a master licensee management team, adapting models and systems and purchasing the master license rights.
Area franchise investments will generally be between the investment levels for a center franchise and that of a master license. Area franchise investment levels will also vary depending on the size and potential of a particular area franchise territory.
To begin the process of learning more about the actual investment levels for your area of interest, please complete the International Online Application form. Mail Boxes Etc., Inc and/or the appropriate master licensee, as applicable, can assist you in better understanding investment amounts at the appropriate stage in the process.