Dippin' Dots vs Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Dippin' Dots vs Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Dippin' Dots Franchise
Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company Franchise
Investment $112,204 - $366,950$233,326 - $770,532
Franchise Fee $15,000$29,500
Royalty Fee Varies6%
Advertising Fee Varies2%
Year Founded 19881989
Year Franchised 20001993
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee Varies$5K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Dippin' Dots Franchise
Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 12 hours Classroom Training: 19 hours On-The-Job Training: 20 hours Classroom Training: 20 hours
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 95% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15 - 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (67% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Dippin' Dots

    Research biotechnologist Curt Jones used his expertise in cryogenic freezing processes to find new ways to produce ice cream. After nearly a year of experimenting with the idea of flash-freezing his family's homemade ice cream, Jones created and sold his first cups of Dippin' Dots ice cream in 1988. Because of Jones' flash-freezing process, Dippin' Dots ice cream forms into little balls (hence the term 'dots'), but unlike freeze-dried products, the ice cream can still melt.

    Seeking new franchise units Worldwide.

    Veteran Incentives  15% off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #207 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #276 in Franchise 500 for 2021.




    About Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company

    In the Summer of 1990, Blake Buchanan opened the first Bahama Buck's. He started with one ice shaver and the hope of a college job that didn't involve mowing grass or flipping burgers. Constructing the original store by hand, he enlisted volunteer help from three generations of his family, staffed it with friends and college students and opened the doors. The tropical sensation caught on and with the help of his now partner, Eric Lee, and his wife, Kippi Buchanan, that summer job turned into a full time vocation. Blake has worked to keep the spirit of the original Bahama Buck's alive, making sure that each franchise is operated with the same enthusiasm of the first Buck's. His team strives to ensure that each flavor becomes a favorite and each visit is a great time - every time.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Bahama Buck’s franchised business ranges from $303,700 to $957,838. This includes $144,000 to $223,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliate. If you elect to enter into a Multi-Store Amendment, you will pay the franchisor a development fee equal to 50% of the initial franchise fee for each additional Bahama Buck’s Store to be opened upon signing the Multi-Store Amendment (excluding your first store). This fee is not refundable, but is credited fully against the initial franchise fee for each store when the franchise agreement is executed for that store (except the first store).

    Seeking new franchise units in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming