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Updated RecentlyComputertots vs Support On-Site Computer Services Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Computertots vs Support On-Site Computer Services including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $47,700 - $66,300 | $23,700 - $46,800 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $15,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 8% | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1997 |
| Year Franchised | 1988 | 1998 |
| Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 10 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 10 years |
| Renewal Fee | 5% of franchise fee | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | Yes/No | Yes/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/No |
| Equipment | No/No | No/No |
| Inventory | No/No | No/No |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | - |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
| Marketing | National media, Regional advertising | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising |
| Operations |
Franchise can be run from home. International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Franchise can be run from home. International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 2
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | - | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Company Overviews
About Computertots
Computertots is now a subsidiary of ComputerExplorers In 1984, personal computers were still considered a luxury, and schools were figuring out how to best use the new technology as a learning tool. Moms Karen Marshall and Mary Rogers saw the teaching potential of computers and began Computertots/Computer Explorers with $1,500, one computer and 10 young students. Franchisees can operate the business using either a manager model or an owner-operated model. A manager employs a staff to assist in the teaching and operation of the business; the owner of an owner-operated model not only teaches classes, but also operates the business.
In 2003, Computertots/Computer Explorers was acquired by The International Center for Entrepreneurial Development Inc., which also owns Kwik Kopy Printing, Kwik Kopy Business Centers, Franklin's Printing, American Wholesale Thermographers, Copy Club, Women's Health Boutique and Parcel Plus.
About Support On-Site Computer Services
NO LONGER FRANCHISING
Founded by former computer executive Greg Cutler, Support On-Site Computer Services entered the computer services market in 1997. Franchising since 1998, the Irvine, California-based company provides on-site computer assistance to the growing population of homebased businesses and computer-owning households.