Franchising Since: 2015
Headquarters: Northridge, California
Estimated Number of Units: less than 10
Franchise Description: The franchisor is NorthStar Franchising, LLC. The franchisor grants the right to operate a business offering moving services and related services that may include packing and the sale of boxes, packing materials and storage services. Franchisees offer both commercial and household moving and other relocation services and related products.
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Territory Granted: Franchisees will be granted a specific geographic territory that will be identified in the Franchise Agreement in which to operate and locate their business. The location and size of the territory will be decided on by discussions between the franchisee and the franchisor. Many factors may be used to determine territory, including population. Typically, a territory contains populations of 100,000 to 400,000 people (according to the most recent U.S. Census data available at the time the franchisee and the franchisor sign the agreement). So long as the Franchise Agreement is in force and effect and franchisees are not in default, neither the franchisor nor its affiliates will locate, or grant a franchise for another NorthStar Moving Company to be located within the territory.
Obligations and Restrictions: Franchisees must personally participate in the day to day management of the business for at least the first two years of operation. After that, they are permitted to hire a designated manager. All owners of the franchisee entity and their spouses must also sign a Guaranty and Assumption of Obligations in a form acceptable to the franchisor. The franchisor requires franchisees to offer and sell only those services or products that it has approved.
Term of Agreement and Renewal: The length of the initial franchise term is 10 years. If requirements are met, renewal is for one additional term of 10 years and then three additional five-year terms.
Financial Assistance: The franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing. The franchisor does not guarantee a franchisee’s note, lease, or obligation.
Estimated Initial Investment
| Name of Fee | Low | High |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Training Expenses | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Leased Trucks | $12,000 | $22,000 |
| Moving Equipment, Uniforms and Supplies | $5,000 | $11,000 |
| Rent and Security Deposit | $0 | $20,000 |
| Office Furniture | $1,000 | $4,000 |
| Computer System and Office Equipment | $3,000 | $9,000 |
| Initial Marketing | $20,000 | $45,000 |
| Licensing and Utility Deposits | $1,500 | $7,000 |
| Legal and Accounting Fees | $2,000 | $8,000 |
| Insurance Premiums | $3,500 | $9,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL | $114,500 | $215,000 |
Other Fees
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 7.5% of gross revenues. |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross revenues. |
| Technology Fee | The greater of 0.5% of gross revenues or $300 per month. |
| Call Center Fee | 4% - 9% of gross revenues of each move referred to from the call center. |
| Claims Settlement Assistance | Reasonable fee and all costs and expenses. |
| Long Distance Coordination Assistance Fee | Currently $0.10 per cubic foot per move or $100 minimum. |
| Bookkeeping Service Fee | $300 - $1,500 per month based on the number of years the business has operated, the size of the operation and the services to be provided. |
| Audit Fee | Cost of audit. |
| Late Fee | $25 per day. |
| Interest on Late Payments | 1.5% per month not to exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law. |
| Additional Training or Assistance | Reasonable fee. |
| Renewal Fee | $2,000 |
| Transfer Fee | 50% of the then-current initial franchise fee. |
| Seminar and Convention Cost | Reasonable fee. |
| Costs and Attorneys’ Fees | Will vary under circumstances. |
| Indemnification | Will vary under circumstances. |
| Taxes | Actual cost. |
| Dispute Resolution Fee | $25,000 plus actual costs. |
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