Business Description

As specialty freight handlers, CRATERS & FREIGHTERS is the best-niched concept in the industry. We're the exclusive source for reliable, affordable specialty shipping services for pieces that are too big for UPS and too small for movers. We provide high-demand packing, crating and shipping with iron-clad insurance to an up-scale clientele. Serve your large territory from low overhead warehouse space.

Franchisor Background

Year Established:  1990

Franchising Since:  1991

Operating Units:
Franchised Units:	65	100%
Company-Owned Units:	0	0%
Total Operating Units:	65	100.0%
Geographic Distribution: U.S.: 65 100% In 30 States Canada: 0 0% In 0 Canadian Provinces International: 0 0% In 0 Foreign Countries   Total: 65 100.0%

North America:
States/Provinces with the largest number of operating units:

Density	Units
1. California	6
2. Florida	6
3. Texas	5

Registered in Following Registration States: California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Wisconsin

Financial Requirements

Investment:
Minimum Net Worth:	$150K
Cash Investment:	$
Total Investment:	$88-127K
Average Total Investment:	$108K
Fees:
Initial Franchise Fee:	$27K
Average Franchise Fee:	$27K
On-Going Royalty:	5%
Average Royalty:	5%
Advertising Fee:	1%

Average Number of Employees: 3 Full-time, 0 Part-time

Space Needs (in square footage): 3,000-5,000

Preferred Sites:

Other Sites: Warehouse

Encourage Conversions? Not Applicable

Earnings Claims Provided?: No

Franchisee Qualifications
Ranked from 1 (unimportant) to 5 (important):
Financial Net Worth:	5
General Business Experience:	4
Specific Industry Experience:	2
Formal Education:	1
Psychological Profile:	3
Personal Interview(s):	5
Terms of Contract
Term of Initial Contract:	15 Year(s)
Term of Renewal Period:	15 Year(s)
Passive Ownership:	Allowed, But Discouraged
Area Development Agreements?	No
Sub-Franchising Contracts?	No
Franchisees Allowed to Expand Within Territory?	Yes
Support and Training
International Franchise Association:	Yes
Canadian Franchise Association:	No
Franchisee Association/Member:	Yes, Member
Size of Corporate Staff:	10
Site Selection Assistance?	Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance?	Yes
Financial Assistance?	No
Marketing Support:
Co-Op Advertising:	Yes
National Advertising:	No
Regional Advertising:	No
Local Advertising:	No
Marketing Materials:	None Specified
Additional Services:	None Specified
Other Marketing Support:	None Specified
On-Going Support:
Central Data Processing:	Included in Fees
Central Purchasing:	Included in Fees
Field Operation Evaluation:	Included in Fees
Field Training:	Included in Fees
Initial Store Opening:	Included in Fees
Inventory Control:	Not Applicable
Franchisee Newsletter:	Included in Fees
Regional or National Meetings:	At Additional Cost
800 Telephone Hotline:	Included in Fees
Training:
1. Home Office in Denver, CO	10 Days
Expansion Plans
Projected New Units Over Next 12 months:	14
U.S.:	Yes, All United States
Canada:	Yes, All Canada
Overseas:	Yes, All Countries