The Mad Science Group vs Skyhawks Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
The Mad Science Group Franchise
Skyhawks Franchise
Investment $74,050 - $110,459$30,800 - $94,500
Franchise Fee $25,000$17,500 - $42,500
Royalty Fee 8%9% -6%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19851979
Year Franchised 19952007
Term Of Agreement 25 years7 years
Term Of Agreement 25 years7 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
The Mad Science Group Franchise
Skyhawks Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		• -

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

    Training & Support
     
    The Mad Science Group Franchise
    Skyhawks Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 24 hours Classroom Training: 16 hours Additional Training: Software training
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing 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, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    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)

    		Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 1 - 7

    Expansion Plans
     
    The Mad Science Group Franchise
    Skyhawks Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    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 Skyhawks

    Since 1979, over 1,000,000 children have participated in a Skyhawks program! Skyhawks is the nation's leader in sports programs for children. Skyhawks is a brand with national exposure and appeal - and offers a dependable and rewarding business to own. With the Skyhawks system, franchisees will teach children and young adults meaningful life lessons through athletics. Franchisees will have exclusive territories to operate athletic camps and programs in a variety of sports for local schools, park and recreation departments, and other community-based organizations - wherever children are found.
    Skyhawks has developed a system to sell its services, market its programs, and hire and train employees to implement those programs.
    The Skyhawks Program is founded upon a coaching philosophy and methodology that have evolved and been fine-tuned for over 25 years.
    The Skyhawks Program also includes marketing strategies and the technology to manage events, marketing, and staff,
    all of which are clearly outlined in the Skyhawks Confidential Operations Manual.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Skyhawks franchised business is between $30,800 and $71,750. This includes $17,500 to $42,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate(s).
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Skyhawks franchised business with one additional territory is between $41,650 and $94,500. This includes $28,350 to $65,250 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate(s).
    Veteran Incentives  30% off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #217 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #137 in Franchise 500 for 2021.