HobbyTown USA vs Brilliant Sky Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
HobbyTown USA Franchise
Brilliant Sky Franchise
Investment $199,500 - $374,000$196,000 - $424,000
Franchise Fee $20,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 3%5%
Advertising Fee 1%-3%-
Year Founded 19692002
Year Franchised 19862002
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $2K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
HobbyTown USA Franchise
Brilliant Sky Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
HobbyTown USA Franchise
Brilliant Sky 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

 
HobbyTown USA Franchise
Brilliant Sky Franchise
Training On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours -
Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software -
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media 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)

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Expansion Plans

 
HobbyTown USA Franchise
Brilliant Sky Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion Yes-

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 Brilliant Sky

The prototype for Brilliant Sky Toys & Books was founded in 2002 in Lansing, Michigan with the singular goal of being the finest toy store in America. Based on the belief that the right playthings provide children with a gateway to physical, emotional, and cognitive development, we focused on delivering this message in an atmosphere that is both active and interactive, with a unique aesthetic approach that is vibrant yet warm, exciting yet comforting, and exploratory yet safe. Rich colors and woods, low sightlines, and custom fixtures make the sensory experience at Brilliant Sky unlike any other. Now, we're building a network of energetic, passionate, dedicated store owners like ourselves - with a vested interest in upholding the high standards and traditions of Brilliant Sky Toys & Books - and arming them with a proven formula as a path to realizing the pride and satisfaction of owning an acclaimed and respected business. Our franchise offering operates with the same singular goal we've had from day one - to create a network of the finest toy stores in America. With consistency and superiority in products, services, aesthetics, and community involvement, Brilliant Sky Toys & Books will set the standard for quality in any community. How far will our franchise family go? The sky's the limit!