EncouraGym vs Learning Express Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
EncouraGym Franchise
Learning Express Franchise
Investment $25,600 - $69,400$25,825 - $364,150
Franchise Fee $10,500$25,000 - $35,000
Royalty Fee 6%5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 20011987
Year Franchised 20041987
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee 10% of current franchise fee10% of then current fran. fee


Business Experience Requirements
 
EncouraGym Franchise
Learning Express Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Desire to work with children

  • General business experience
  • People skills
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    EncouraGym Franchise
    Learning Express Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    EncouraGym Franchise
    Learning Express Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 30 hours Classroom Training: 30 hours Additional Training: At toy fair, annual convention
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures ield Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad slicksCo-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 - 8

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8 - 12

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

    Expansion Plans
     
    EncouraGym Franchise
    Learning Express Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About EncouraGym

    Interested in a program for your home, church, school, or daycare? Don't invest $20,000 to $50,000 BEFORE you see what the others have to offer. EncouraGYM makes it possible to START YOUR OWN PROGRAM using our acclaimed lesson plans.
    Stop DREAMING and START LIVING your dreams.

    About Learning Express

                                                   Learning Should be FUN
    Learning Express Inc., is a specialty toy store franchise, with more than 100 locations across the country. As the leader of the specialty toy and children's gift category, Learning Express Inc. provides a fun and friendly shopping environment, with a knowledgeable sales staff that provides expert advice to parents looking for that perfect toy. At Learning Express Inc., we pride ourselves on the quality and uniqueness of our toy selection. We carefully select each product to ensure shelves are stocked with unique and innovative products that encourage learning through play, including games and puzzles, developmental toys, arts and crafts kits, science and nature products, construction toys, books, dolls, plush and other unique items exclusive to Learning Express Inc. and specialty toy retailers.

     Our Learning Express Inc. stores offer special services to all of its customers, such as VIP Programs, free personalization and free gift-wrapping. Our loyalty programs and incentives for repeat buying, including gift registries and many other customer services, continue to attract new customers while generating loyalty and sense of community from existing customers. Participation in fund-raising opportunities for schools and civic organizations is what makes the stores a hub for interactivity and community spirit! Storeowners enjoy the chance to give back to their community that has made them such a success. Each store captures the imagination and enthusiasm of its storeowners! Our knowledgeable team is comprised of dedicated, hard-working folks committed to providing the highest quality toys and exceptional customer service to customers and franchise owners. We're more than just colleagues - we're one big family!

    The estimated total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Local Store Franchise Business is $189,875 to $364,150 including the initial franchise fee of $35,000.
    The estimated total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Conversion Store is $25,825 to $88,875 including the initial franchise fee of $15,000. This is the total sum of all initial fees and payments for services or goods received from the franchisor and its affiliates before the business opens.
    Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #452 in Franchise 500 for 2020.