The Mad Science Group vs The Great American Train Company Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Mad Science Group Franchise
The Great American Train Company Franchise
Investment $74,050 - $110,459$22,995 - And Up
Franchise Fee $25,000N/A
Royalty Fee 8%-
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 1985-
Year Franchised 1995-
Term Of Agreement 25 years-
Term Of Agreement 25 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Mad Science Group Franchise
The Great American Train Company Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    The Mad Science Group Franchise
    The Great American Train Company Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    The Mad Science Group Franchise
    The Great American Train Company Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Regional advertising-
    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)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    The Mad Science Group Franchise
    The Great American Train Company Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 The Great American Train Company

    Run Your Own Miniature Railroad. Make Money Selling Rides! Interested in a fun business that can pay for itself in just months and then start returning big profits? The Great American Train Company now sells everything you need to start a complete, portable train ride business. Set up at local festivals, fairs and other events and start generating cash immediately. Trains run on any flat surface indoors or outside. Kits can include battery-powered Pioneer Mogul Locomotive and Tender, riding cars, caboose and a 60' x 80' section of track. Prices vary by kit and start at just $22,995. Our complete guide to running a miniature ride business is included. You'll learn about which fairs and festivals are best, how to set up the track for maximum sales potential and safety, how to promote train rides before and during the event and much more. View the steps for setting up your train at a fair or festival.