We have listed below answers to the most common questions. If you have a particular question not listed, please send an an e-mail to INTLfranchise@mbe.com.

Will the MBE business concept work in my country?

At the present time, there are nearly 1,000 MBE centers operating in more than 30 countries outside the US and MBE has development agreements in place in many other countries. The MBE concept has demonstrated flexibility and adaptability to work effectively in a wide variety of cultural and economic environments: developing countries, advanced economies and even in countries in transition or crisis. MBE is internationally adaptable because it provides a range of basic services that are of need to all businesses, as well as convenience-oriented consumers.

How can I start an MBE business if MBE is not already in my country?

MBE is committed to building a truly global franchise network. If MBE is not currently in your country, we are probably planning to start there soon. MBE 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 Request For Information form.

Why should I work with MBE instead of a competitor or opening my own non-franchised business?

MBE created this segment of business service retailing and franchising over 25 years ago. With the experience of over 5,000 MBE centers, MBE knows 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. MBE’s 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 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 MBE business throughout a country or group of countries. MBE begins development in all countries outside the U.S. by granting the master license rights for those countries to qualified individuals, groups or companies that reside in those countries. The selected individual, group or country is called a master licensee and has the following responsibilities:

• Open and operate the first MBE center in the country (the pilot center).
• Expand the MBE network throughout the country or countries by selling franchises to other people 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 MBE centers in their territory and from the operation of MBE centers owned and operated by the master licensee.

What is a franchise?

A franchise is the right granted by MBE (or an MBE master licensee) to a person, group or company to own and operate an MBE business service center. MBE also grants multiple-unit franchises to those qualified to own and operate more than one MBE 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, MBE 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 MBE 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 MBE center franchise.

What is the range of investment capital needed to open a franchise, master license or area franchise business outside the U.S.?

Opening an MBE center franchise can require a start-up investment from USD 50,000 to USD 200,000 or more. 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. MBE also recommends 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 and investment. Starting a master licensee business generally involves an investment from USD 500,000 to USD 2,000,000 or more, depending on 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 MBE 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.

In all of the above cases, the investment information provided are rough examples. Actual amounts may be higher or lower. To begin the process of learning more about the actual investment levels for your area of interest, please complete the Request For Information form. MBE and/or the applicable master licensee can assist you in better understanding investment amounts at the appropriate stage in the process.

Is financing available to assist in the start of an MBE business?

In many countries, banks and other financial institutions have recognized the benefits associated with franchising. A number of banks have developed special financing programs for MBE franchise businesses. To learn about financing opportunities in your country, please contact MBE or the appropriate master licensee, if applicable.

What type of training and support can I expect to receive from MBE?

Specialized training is provided to people at each level of the MBE business: master license, individual center franchise, multiple center franchise and area franchise. MBE has gained years of valuable experience at each level of business. Each training program is designed to provide a complete understanding of the MBE business and the benefits of this experience. MBE provides more than the initial training program - training is an ongoing process helping each franchisee and licensee realize the greatest results. Training for international center franchises is provided by the master license within the territory of operation and in the appropriate local language.

How does MBE cooperate with national postal organizations?

The MBE concept is one that functions in a complementary manner to the services of national postal organizations (PTT, etc.). In most countries, postal services are provided as a public or private monopoly. MBE’s services comply with the monopoly regulations of most countries. More importantly, many postal administrations have recognized the benefits that MBE provides regarding the further distribution of postage stamps, post parcel service and mailbox service - without cost to the government or taxpayers. MBE enjoys close strategic alliances with some of the world’s most progressive and successful national post offices.

MBE is a UPS® company. The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc®. centers are independently owned and operated by franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. in the USA and by its master licensees or their franchisees outside of the USA. Services and hours of operation may vary by location. ©2007 United Parcel Service of America, Inc.