Cookies in Bloom vs Sweet Factory Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Cookies in Bloom Franchise
Sweet Factory Franchise
Investment $75,000 - $116,000$355,500 - $1,500,000
Franchise Fee $19,500$35,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -1%-2%
Year Founded 19882003
Year Franchised 19922004
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years+5+5
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years+5+5
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Cookies in Bloom Franchise
Sweet Factory Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Creativity; customer service; people skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Cookies in Bloom Franchise
    Sweet 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
     
    Cookies in Bloom Franchise
    Sweet Factory Franchise
    Training On-the-job training at corporate-approved shop-
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising-
    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)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Cookies in Bloom Franchise
    Sweet Factory Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Cookies in Bloom

    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.

    About Sweet Factory

    Sweet Factory is the market leader in the one-price bulk candy industry, one of the fastest growing retail phenomena sweeping the country! We are executing a winning formula that sets the standard for bulk candy retailers. Owning a Sweet Factory franchise can provide you with an exciting and rewarding business opportunity - not to mention a fun place to work. We seek well-qualified candidates who share the same passion as we do. To get you started, we will provide you with market evaluation, site selection, and lease negotiation assistance; store design assistance in accordance with our standards; educating you in our comprehensive training program; support you during your pre-opening setup and store grand opening; and provide you with a copy of our confidential Franchise Operations Manual. Throughout your association as a Sweet Factory franchise owner, you will continue to receive the benefits of operational support and consultation from Corporate Support left staff. In addition, we will provide merchandising, special event, and holiday promotional support throughout the year. Of course there are creative marketing programs to enhance your store performance. Equally as important, our ongoing support, service, and quantity discount programs will enhance your opportunity for success.
    Enjoy the satisfaction of becoming your own boss and part of the Sweet Factory family.