Educational Outfitters vs Hometown Threads Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Educational Outfitters vs Hometown Threads including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Educational Outfitters Franchise
Hometown Threads Franchise
Investment $82,600 - $198,150$165,000
Franchise Fee $29,500$29,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19981998
Year Franchised 20012001
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee -$5K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Educational Outfitters Franchise
Hometown Threads Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Educational Outfitters Franchise
    Hometown Threads Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Educational Outfitters Franchise
    Hometown Threads Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

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

    25% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    Educational Outfitters Franchise
    Hometown Threads Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Educational Outfitters

    Chattanooga, Tennessee-based Educational Outfitters was founded by Jamey and Brian Elrod in 1998 to make school uniform shopping more convenient for parents. The company sells tops, bottoms, jackets and accessories for public and private elementary, junior high and high school students.Educational Outfitters is the first franchise opportunity that offers retail stores-selling school uniforms and dress code apparel. Our customers are parents of students enrolled in Kindergarten through 12th grade at private, parochial, Christian and public schools. This is a huge and growing market. Not only are enrollments at private secular and religious schools growing, but also an increasing number of public schools are turning to uniforms and dress codes as a means of improving scholastic achievement, conduct, safety and self-esteem.

    We are committed to our customers and our franchise owners, and this culminates in our stated two-fold company purpose: "To seek, serve, and honor God as a business, and to have a multiplying impact on the lives our business touches."

    For our customers, we work to provide superior products, service, value, and convenience. For our franchise system, we deploy our proven concept, systems, and best efforts to help our owners succeed in their local markets.

    About Hometown Threads

    Hometown Threads Stores are your personal embroidery, design studio where you can create personalized and unique apparel or home decor customized with a favorite image, name, date or monogram. Our large variety of merchandise and huge selection of embroidery designs make it easy for you to find just the right gift for family and friends. If you do not see what you need, we can special order any item you have in mind or bring us an item from home to embellish. Commemorate life's special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, births, and weddings with a personalize gift from your local Hometown Threads. Perhaps you have your own fashion statement in mind? Make your idea a reality at one of our stores with an original flair that sets you apart from the rest. Embroidery has a universal appeal and the applications are unlimited. At Hometown Threads, small business owners can create uniforms and apparel revealing their logo for corporate identity and marketing purposes. Schools use our embroidery services to personalize items like letterman jackets, sports equipment bags, knapsacks, cheerleading outfits and uniforms. Community special events such as fishing tournaments, team sports competitions, trade shows and conventions can always use embroidered merchandise for souvenirs or promotional incentives. Hometown Threads is your embroidery headquarters. With only the finest, quality merchandise, quick turnaround time and great selection, your purchase is always bound to be a big hit. 

     The Opportunity 

    With the combined knowledge of the top embroiderers in the country, high-tech equipment and computer software, we have created the ultimate in embroidery shop franchises. After years of testing the concept in high-traffic, retail store chains like Wal-Mart, we have proven results and are willing to pass this on to you, as a franchisee. Our solid business packages include an operational and marketing system that has years of success behind it. United with the best equipment, software, business tools, comprehensive training and ongoing support, we offer a great investment in a business that is fun to own and operate. We have taken the guesswork out of running your own business and are looking for entrepreneurs to join our fast growing team. If you are interested in owning a successful business, Hometown Threads is something you should definitely look into.