The UPS Store Information:

COMPANY PROFILE
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 nearly 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 2003, UPS and MBE 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 1,000th 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.

Number of Franchised Units Worldwide: 5,237
Historical: Total locations in U.S: 4,028; Total locations outside the U.S: 1,209

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.

* 1990-2003 listed under the Mail Boxes Etc. brand

Qualifications:
Cash or liquid assets of $50,000.

Financial Information For New Franchise:
Startup Cash Required: $7,500
Investment Required: $145,825 - $247,047
MBE offers up to $50,000 financing for fixtures and equipment.
Franchise Fee is $29,950.

Domestic Franchise Opportunities (The UPS Store):
Contact: Sales Department
Address: 6060 Cornerstone Court West
San Diego, CA, 92121-3795
Telephone: 877-623-7253

International Opportunities
Yuki Takai, Executive Director of International Franchise Development
Phone: 858-455-8962
Fax: 858-455-8961