The Mad Science Group vs Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Mad Science Group vs Sylvan Learning Centers including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
The Mad Science Group Franchise
Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
Investment $74,050 - $110,459$70,270 - $163,625
Franchise Fee $25,000$24,000
Royalty Fee 8%16%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19851979
Year Franchised 19951980
Term Of Agreement 25 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 25 years10 years
Renewal Fee -$1K


Business Experience Requirements
 
The Mad Science Group Franchise
Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Education background preferred but not required
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    The Mad Science Group Franchise
    Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    The Mad Science Group Franchise
    Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media
    Operations Franchise can be run from home.

    5% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 30

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 41% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2 - 4

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

    Expansion Plans
     
    The Mad Science Group Franchise
    Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About The Mad Science Group

    As children, brothers Ariel and Ron Shlien loved to create crazy science experiments. As adults, they realized that kids like fun, cool science. So in 1985 they started Mad Science by hosting 'edu-taining' birthday parties featuring scienctific demonstrations.

    Franchising began in 1995, with initial franchises in Florida and Toronto, and now has franchises worldwide offering educational demonstrations to preschools, in-class and afterschool programs, community centers and scout programs. The company also provides entertainment for birthday parties, special events, camps and more.

    About Sylvan Learning Centers

    Based in Baltimore, Sylvan Learning Centers was founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1979 to provide personalized instructional services to students of all ages and skill levels. Sylvan has been franchising since 1980 and has learning centers in North America and Asia.

    *Royalty includes monthly royalty; national advertising; mandatory assessment fees; SylvanSync server, support, and ongoing educational program updates; initial franchisee training; online staffing training.

    For more information, see our Franchise Disclosure Document.

    "Top
    #123 in Canada's Top franchises.
    #252 in Franchise 500 for 2020.