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Updated RecentlyComputertots vs Geeks On Call America Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Computertots vs Geeks On Call America 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 | $53,400 - $82,200 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 8% | 11% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1999 |
| Year Franchised | 1988 | 2001 |
| 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 | No/Yes |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/Yes |
| Equipment | No/No | No/Yes |
| Inventory | No/No | No/Yes |
| 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, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
| Marketing | National media, Regional advertising | 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. 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 2
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | - | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | Yes | No |
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 Geeks On Call America
The nation’s premier provider of on-site computer service, Geeks On Call was founded in 1999 and started franchising in 2001. Currently we have over 340 independently owned and operated franchises in the United States, with new locations opening regularly. Instantly recognizable by our certified, trained, and tested technicians driving blue Chrysler PT Cruisers, we are one of the fastest-growing franchise companies according to Entrepreneur and Franchise Times.Geeks On Call pioneered the concept of Computer Solutions At Your Home & Business and, in many locations, we also offer same-day on-site computer support. Our services include system security and online privacy solutions, hardware and software repairs and troubleshooting, wireless equipment and network installations, spyware and virus prevention and removal, data backups and transfers, and other forms of on-site computer support that meet today’s increasing demand. The Geeks On Call franchise owners and technicians also serve as high-tech experts for news stories, and have been featured in USA Today, NBC Nightly News, and hundreds of local newspapers and television stations in the cities where we work and live.