The Little Gym vs HappyFeet Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Little Gym vs HappyFeet including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Little Gym Franchise
HappyFeet Franchise
Investment $174,900 - $456,500$22,500 - $29,400
Franchise Fee $39,500 - $59,500$15,000
Royalty Fee 8%8-10%
Advertising Fee 1%-
Year Founded 19761989
Year Franchised 19922007
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Little Gym Franchise
HappyFeet Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    The Little Gym Franchise
    HappyFeet Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoYes/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    The Little Gym Franchise
    HappyFeet Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 55 hours Classroom Training: 100 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location On-The-Job Training: 20 hours Classroom Training: 10 hours
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformMeetings/Conventions Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 7

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 2


    Expansion Plans

     
    The Little Gym Franchise
    HappyFeet Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About The Little Gym

    After teaching grade school in public schools for years, Robin Wes used his physical education, psychology and motor development degrees to open The Little Gym in 1976. Although it started out focusing on physical education, the program has evolved to focus on children's intellectual and social development as well.
    Today Little Gym offers programs for various age levels, including Parent & Child, Developmental Gymnastics, Karate and Sports Skills Development.
    Franchises also hold birthday parties, summer camps, Creative Crafts Adventures and Parent's Survival Nights.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a The Little Gym franchise with a Standard Territory is $223,400 to $456,500. This includes $139,500 to $175,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a The Little Gym franchise with a Medium Market Territory is $174,900 to $392,000. This includes $114,500 to $141,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    If you elect to begin operation of a Multi-Unit Area Development, the additional costs for the estimated initial investment is $133,875 to $148,750 which must be paid to the franchisor.
    Veteran Incentives  50% off franchise fee
    #179 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About HappyFeet

    When Kansas City preschools began taking field trips to Andy Barney's indoor soccer facility, he developed the HappyFeet program (originally called Mini-Kickers) to teach 3, 4 and 5-year-olds soccer skills with the help of stories, nursery rhymes and songs. HappyFeet franchisees offer these soccer lessons year-round on-site at preschools. For older children, Barney also created Legends Soccer Club to teach more advanced soccer skills. This is an opportunity to have an enormous positive impact on kids and soccer while fulfilling your mission, passion, and vision for life. With our 25 years experience as the industry leader, you are guaranteed all the resources you need for an enjoyable and profitable career! Our experience and your hard work makes us a winning team! The youth soccer industry is recession-proof. As the sport grows, so does the enlightened parent group interested in professional coaching and events. The growth of soccer and an increasing focus on healthy lifestyles guarantees our industry a bright future!
    HappyFeet is a mobile clinic teaching children ages 2 to 6 the basics of soccer in the comfort of the child-care center or preschool they attend.
    Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee