HobbyTown USA vs Learning Express Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of HobbyTown USA vs Learning Express including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
HobbyTown USA Franchise
Learning Express Franchise
Investment $199,500 - $374,000$25,825 - $364,150
Franchise Fee $20,000$25,000 - $35,000
Royalty Fee 3%5%
Advertising Fee 1%-3%-
Year Founded 19691987
Year Franchised 19861987
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $2K10% of then current fran. fee


Business Experience Requirements
 
HobbyTown USA Franchise
Learning Express Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience
  • People skills
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    HobbyTown USA Franchise
    Learning Express 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
     
    HobbyTown USA Franchise
    Learning Express Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours On-The-Job Training: 30 hours Classroom Training: 30 hours Additional Training: At toy fair, annual convention
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures ield Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media Email marketing Loyalty program/app Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 5% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8 - 12

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

    Expansion Plans
     
    HobbyTown USA Franchise
    Learning Express Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About HobbyTown USA

    Join a successful franchise The HobbyTown USA team has developed a business plan that has proven successful over the last twenty years. When you sign up as a HobbyTown USA franchise owner, we give you operational training from our expert staff, provide you with services that would not be cost-effective as an independent business owner and offer national brand recognition with the HobbyTown USA name. "The hobby industry has seen many exciting changes over the last two decades and it continues to grow, but one thing remains constant, HobbyTown USA continues to offer our customers a wide variety of hobby products that provide hours of family entertainment for very little investment."
    * Join the HobbyTown USA team and enjoy these benefits: The most recognized and trusted name in the hobby industry
    * Financing assistance after the agreement is executed
    * Site location and lease negotiation assistance
    * Comprehensive store layout and design services
    * On-site training and opening assistance
    * Complete pre-opening and operations manuals
    * Ongoing business support from the home office
    * Point of purchase and inventory computer program and 24/7 technical support
    * Customizable store website
    * Marketing support
    * Discount product purchase program and national buying power
    * Annual franchise convention with educational seminars and trade show

    HobbyTown USA was founded on a dream to help men and women become successful owners of a hobby store. After thirty years in business, over 170 individuals have succeeded in living the HobbyTown USA dream.

    The one-time initial fee on your first unit is $20,000 ($15,000 franchise fee + $5,000 turnkey fee), the franchise fee is $5,000 on subsequent units.
    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #440 in Franchise 500 for 2020.








    About Learning Express

                                                   Learning Should be FUN
    Learning Express Inc., is a specialty toy store franchise, with more than 100 locations across the country. As the leader of the specialty toy and children's gift category, Learning Express Inc. provides a fun and friendly shopping environment, with a knowledgeable sales staff that provides expert advice to parents looking for that perfect toy. At Learning Express Inc., we pride ourselves on the quality and uniqueness of our toy selection. We carefully select each product to ensure shelves are stocked with unique and innovative products that encourage learning through play, including games and puzzles, developmental toys, arts and crafts kits, science and nature products, construction toys, books, dolls, plush and other unique items exclusive to Learning Express Inc. and specialty toy retailers.

     Our Learning Express Inc. stores offer special services to all of its customers, such as VIP Programs, free personalization and free gift-wrapping. Our loyalty programs and incentives for repeat buying, including gift registries and many other customer services, continue to attract new customers while generating loyalty and sense of community from existing customers. Participation in fund-raising opportunities for schools and civic organizations is what makes the stores a hub for interactivity and community spirit! Storeowners enjoy the chance to give back to their community that has made them such a success. Each store captures the imagination and enthusiasm of its storeowners! Our knowledgeable team is comprised of dedicated, hard-working folks committed to providing the highest quality toys and exceptional customer service to customers and franchise owners. We're more than just colleagues - we're one big family!

    The estimated total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Local Store Franchise Business is $189,875 to $364,150 including the initial franchise fee of $35,000.
    The estimated total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Conversion Store is $25,825 to $88,875 including the initial franchise fee of $15,000. This is the total sum of all initial fees and payments for services or goods received from the franchisor and its affiliates before the business opens.
    Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #452 in Franchise 500 for 2020.