|
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Cookies in Bloom vs Kilwin's Chocolates including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
||
Investment | $75,000 - $116,000 | $177,534 - $937,415 |
Franchise Fee | $19,500 | $20,000 - $40,000 |
Royalty Fee | 5% | 5% |
Advertising Fee | - | 1% |
Year Founded | 1988 | 1947 |
Year Franchised | 1992 | 1982 |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
Renewal Fee | $1K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
||
Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
||
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | No/No | No/Yes |
Start-up Costs | No/No | No/Yes |
Equipment | No/No | No/Yes |
Inventory | No/No | No/Yes |
Receivables | No/No | No/No |
Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
||
Training | On-the-job training at corporate-approved shop | On-The-Job Training: 173 hours Classroom Training: 43 hours Additional Training: Online training; store visits |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform |
Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising | Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing |
Operations |
International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 10 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
||
US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | No |
International Expansion | Yes | No |
Mary Pinac had been working in the wholesale apparel business and was tiring of dressing up and traveling every day. Her husband, Robert, was involved in the executive suite industry until the real estate market faltered in the late '80s. Looking for a new business they could start together, the Pinacs decided cookie gifts were the idea they wanted to pursue. In 1989, the couple founded Cookies in Bloom, a store that creates and ships bouquets and gifts made with sugar shortbread cookies. The Pinacs began franchising their concept in 1991, and now the company's franchisees operate stores in the West, Midwest and South making cookie arrangements for all holidays and occasions.
Since 1947 Kilwins has been a celebrated part of Americana having earned a reputation for providing high quality products and excellent service. Our heritage was built on the simple premise of creating our products from the finest ingredients and providing customers with great service. Today we continue the tradition by uniquely combining high quality products with a warm friendly customer experience that is supported through a successful community of caring owner operators. We continue to offer the finest quality traditional down-home confections and ice cream that are kitchen made fresh from premium ingredients and original recipes.
Seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states:
Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia,
Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,
North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia,
Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia