Dippin' Dots vs Smoothie Factory Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Dippin' Dots vs Smoothie Factory including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Dippin' Dots Franchise
Smoothie Factory Franchise
Investment $112,204 - $366,950$141,500 - $424,500
Franchise Fee $15,000$30,000
Royalty Fee Varies5%
Advertising Fee Varies-
Year Founded 19881996
Year Franchised 20001997
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Dippin' Dots Franchise
Smoothie Factory Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		•  * A 620 or higher credit score * Investment capital equal to 30% of the purchase price * $10-$15K of working capital

    Financing Options
     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Smoothie Factory Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/-
    Equipment No/No-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Smoothie Factory Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 12 hours Classroom Training: 19 hours -
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform -
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing -
    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)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Smoothie Factory Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 Smoothie Factory

    Smoothie Factory - A Fresh Concept in Franchising!
    Smoothie Factory is a leader in today's growing $2 billion juice and smoothie bar industry. Founded by an Olympic athlete, Smoothie Factory meets the ever increasing demand for healthier options to traditional fast food. We believe in the simple concept of providing guests with reasonably priced smoothies, non-fat frozen yogurt and other healthy snacks served quickly in attractive, clean, pleasant surroundings every day. In addition to our great food product, our stores retail value priced dietary supplements enabling the franchisee to have multiple revenue sources under one roof. Smoothie Factory has established over 70 locations nationwide, along with international licenses in China and Vietnam, with a brand that has become recognized for excellence in service, product and value.
    Smoothie Factory Franchise Opportunity.
    Smoothie Factory's most impressive benefit, perhaps, is its desire to continually enhance its franchising system, interior design and image. The result has been a solid, unbroken track record of success, and a company poised for rapid expansion - an unparalleled blend of vision, product offerings and a franchise opportunity that's just right for forward-thinking entrepreneurs. In addition, an unwavering commitment to value on nutritional products continues to be an ingredient in our recipe for success. In fact, we sell nutritional products too, for less, every day, at 30%-50% off MSRP, making our franchise community a leader in nutritional product sales.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Smoothie Factory' Store ranges from $257,000 to $365,700. This includes the $42,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Smoothie Factory' Non-Traditional Store ranges from $141,500 to $305,000. This includes the $27,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Smoothie Factory-RED MANGO Co-Branded Traditional Store ranges from $309,000 to $424,500. This includes the $47,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Smoothie Factory' Non-Traditional Store Co-Branded with a Third-Party Concept ranges from $75,500 to $189,500. This includes the $20,000 to $27,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.