Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$88,600 - $97,600
Franchise Fee
$27,500
Min Cash Required
$5,000
Total US Locations
7
Business Summary
World Options franchisees establish and operate a business offering domestic and international shipping and freight services, and potentially other transportation services developed by World Options. The business operates under the World Options® trademark and uses a proprietary business format and system. World Options franchisees provide discounted online domestic and international transportation services using designated carriers. World Options handles customer invoicing and collections, paying carriers and then remitting the balance to the franchisee after deducting royalties and other fees.
Corporate History
World Options, Inc. was incorporated in Utah on February 5, 2016, and began offering World Options franchises in the United States in October 2017. The company is a subsidiary of World Options Limited (WOL), based in England and Wales, which has offered World Options franchises internationally since 2012 in countries like Singapore, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Australia. WOL's ultimate parent is MBE Worldwide S.p.A. (Fortidia), which acquired a controlling interest in July 2022. World Options, Inc. operates alongside affiliates like AlphaGraphics, Inc. and PostNet International Franchise Corporation, which also offer franchises for print, marketing, and shipping services under their respective brands.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$88,600 - $97,600
Franchise Fee (Low)
$27,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$55,000
Minimum Cash Required
$5,000
Royalty %
25%
Marketing %
5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$2,500
Equipment Costs (High)
$3,000
Working Capital
$7,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Going concern qualification
Financial Health Notes
World Options, Inc. has incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations in 2022, 2023, and 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the company had a substantial stockholder's deficit of $2,034,210, raising substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The company's operations have been primarily financed by advances from its stockholder and the ultimate controlling parent company, MBE Worldwide S.p.A. Management anticipates continued financing and support from these entities, leveraging their experienced executive teams to grow the number of franchises. This financial condition is highlighted as a special risk in the FDD.
Financing Details
World Options, Inc. does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The company also does not guarantee any franchisee's notes, leases, or other financial obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
7
Franchised Units
6
Corporate Units
1
Franchising Since
2017
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
World Options, Inc. has no litigation to report. The company has not been involved in any material litigation or bankruptcy proceedings that are required to be disclosed in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
World Options, Inc. has no bankruptcy history to report for itself or its key personnel. Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document explicitly states that no bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, World Options franchisees must provide at least 180 days' written notice before the end of their initial term. They must have fully complied with all material provisions of their Franchise Agreement, including all financial obligations and minimum carrier sales. The franchisee and their manager must satisfactorily complete any required new or refresher training. A renewal fee, equivalent to 50% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee, must be paid at least 30 days before the initial term expires. Finally, the franchisee and all owners and guarantors must sign a general release of claims and execute World Options' then-current standard franchise agreement, which may have materially different terms and conditions.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
World Options, Inc. provides comprehensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, franchisees receive a list of approved carriers and suppliers, the confidential Operations Manual, and initial training for the franchisee/managing owner and a certified manager. During operation, World Options offers ongoing advice on products, services, suppliers, and marketing strategies, delivered through manuals, electronic communications, and consultations. They provide billing and collection services along with access to proprietary software. Franchisees benefit from system standards, regular inspections, and administration of a Marketing Fund. Additionally, World Options holds annual network conferences and offers special training or assistance for an additional fee upon request.
Initial Training Hours
55
Training Location
Virtual, with some in-person sessions at World Options Headquarters in Lakewood, CO
Ongoing Support
After opening, World Options franchisees receive ongoing coaching assistance for the first three months. This support helps them with various business aspects. Additionally, World Options provides continuous guidance through its Operations Manual, system standards, and written materials, as well as via telephone conversations and online video platforms. Franchisees may also request additional or refresher training programs, for which a fee applies. The franchisor also holds annual network conferences and requires attendance at system-wide meetings, teleconferences, or web-conferences related to new services, procedures, and business management.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
World Options seeks individuals who are committed to operating their franchised business on a full-time, hands-on basis. The ideal candidate, or their approved Managing Owner, must assume significant management responsibility, dedicating best efforts to promote, operate, and enhance the business, without engaging in other conflicting activities. Candidates should be capable of actively managing the business, which includes personally supervising day-to-day operations and employing a salesperson for at least 40 hours per week on outside sales calls, or, if the owner focuses on sales, having an approved production manager. Franchisees are also expected to meet financial requirements, including net worth and liquidity.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
Yes
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Home-Based
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Staffing Notes
World Options requires the franchised business to be under the direct, full-time supervision of the franchisee or an approved Managing Owner. The Managing Owner must dedicate significant time to promoting and enhancing the business and avoid conflicting activities. Depending on the Managing Owner's focus, they must either actively manage daily operations and employ a salesperson for at least 40 hours per week on outside sales calls, or personally spend 40 hours per week on sales calls and employ an approved production manager for operations. Franchisees are responsible for hiring, training, and managing all other employees, complying with all labor laws. Employees with access to confidential information must sign non-disclosure agreements.