If you have a desire to start your own franchise business, you might be interested in how to open your own UPS Store franchise. Whether you are in the early stages of deciding what franchise you'd like to open or if you know you want to start a UPS Store franchise and just want more information, this page provides details that can help you with your research.

Learning all you can about the franchise itself, including its history, franchise requirements and financing information can help a potential franchisee determine if they want to jump in and open their own business franchise. The key when deciding whether to start a franchise is finding a business that will provide a valuable service in your area and making sure you have the know-how to run it properly. Many franchises will offer extensive training to franchisees to ensure they have the skills necessary to launch their own franchise and run it successfully.

UPS Stores offer a variety of mail and business related services, including mail services, packaging and shipping and digital printing for documents. In addition, UPS Stores also offer moving supplies and packing materials.http://www.theupsstore.com/franchise/fran_ops_pack.pdf

UPS Store franchises are consistently ranked among the best performing franchises year to year, according to Entrepreneur magazine. A UPS Store/Mail Boxes Etc. franchise is listed 20th in the magazine's 2010 Franchise 500 Rankings.http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/rankings/franchise500-115608/2010,-1.html Information for prospective UPS Store franchise owners is provided on the UPS Store's official website, including an application to become a franchisee that can be filled out online.http://www.theupsstore.com/franchise/fran_ops_pack.pdf

UPS Stores first came to prominence as Mail Boxes Etc. stores. The first Mail Boxes Etc. store was opened in Carlsbad, California, in 1980. Over the decades, the stores continued to increase in popularity and in 2001, Mail Boxes Etc. became a UPS subsidiary. The names of the stores were changed a few years later to associate them more strongly with the UPS brand. Al new franchises awarded in the United States, Canada and India are done so under the UPS name - not Mail Boxes Etc.http://www.theupsstore.com/franchise/faq.html Today, there are more than 5,800 UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. stores located in the U.S. and worldwide. Opportunities for new franchises exist in approximately 75 countries and territories.http://www.theupsstore.com/franchise/fran_ops_pack.pdf In recent years, UPS Store franchises have begun opening in "special-venue" locations, generating high traffic in places like convention centers, hotels and military bases.http://www.theupsstore.com/about/012110_press_release.html

While UPS Stores offer common mailing services like shipping and packaging, they also serve as places where customers can come to print and copy important documents. Laminationservices are also provided, and UPS Stores also sell paper and other types of office supplies. All items shipped through UPS Stores are either sent via UPS or through other carriers. Some UPS Stores also offer mailbox services - customers can have their own mailbox (including a street address) at a store, allowing them to pick up their mail and/or packages at their convenience. UPS Stores provide additional services, including faxing, money transfers and photos and IDs for passports.http://www.theupsstore.com/products/proandser.html

Potential UPS Store franchise owners must meet certain requirements in order to be awarded their first franchise. For owners who are awarded a UPS Store franchise, an extensive training program is required. Franchisees will spend two weeks learning necessary information and skills at the UPS Store University in San Diego, California. This training includes instruction in business management and marketing.http://www.theupsstore.com/franchise/faq.html#q15

Along with basic business skills including knowledge of budgets, how to deal with the public on a regular basis and the ability to follow certain business-related guidelines, potential owners must also meet specific financial requirements.

• According to Entrepreneur magazine, UPS Store franchise owners must have a minimum net worth of $150,000 in order to open a business.http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/upsstorethemailboxesetc/282553-0.html

• The cash liquidity requirement for UPS Store franchise owners is approximately $60,000. This number may vary depending on the current financial market conditions and could be as high as $100,000. This amount includes a total for all franchise owners.http://www.theupsstore.com/franchise/fran_ops_pack.pdf

• Potential UPS Store franchise owners must be proficient in English. Some UPS Store franchise applicants may be required to take an exam to test their English proficiency.http://www.theupsstore.com/franchise/fran_ops_pack.pdf

• Agreement terms: UPS Store franchise owners will sign a 10-year, renewable, term of agreement with a royalty fee of approximately 5 percent.http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/upsstorethemailboxesetc/282553-0.html

When deciding whether to pursue opening a UPS Store franchise, or any other type of franchise, a major point of consideration is financing. Aside from the initial start up costs, a potential franchisee must also learn what kinds of financing alternatives are available for the long term. Finding out exact details on cost is critical.

Know the costs:

• For a first-time UPS Store franchisee, the estimated franchise fee is $29,950.http://www.theupsstore.com/franchise/faq.html#q8
• The initial start up costs for a UPS Store are estimated at between $154,947 and $293,473.http://www.theupsstore.com/franchise/faq.html#q6

The UPS Store does offer financing for those prospective franchisees who qualify. According to the company, qualified franchise owners may be eligible for up to $50,000 in financing for equipment and fixtures. The UPS Store also works closely with the Small Business Administration to help applicants with SBA loans.http://www.theupsstore.com/franchise/faq.html#q9