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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 |
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Investment | $74,050 - $110,459 | $22,995 - And Up |
Franchise Fee | $25,000 | N/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 |
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Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-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 |
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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 |
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US Expansion | - | - |
Canada Expansion | No | - |
International Expansion | Yes | - |
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.
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.