Candy Express vs Sweet Factory Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Candy Express Franchise
Sweet Factory Franchise
Investment $125,000 - $175,000$355,500 - $1,500,000
Franchise Fee $25,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 7%6%
Advertising Fee -1%-2%
Year Founded 19882003
Year Franchised 19892004
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years+5+5
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years+5+5
Renewal Fee $2K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Candy Express Franchise
Sweet Factory Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Candy Express Franchise
Sweet Factory Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
Equipment No/Yes-/-
Inventory No/Yes-/-
Receivables No/Yes-/-
Payroll No/Yes-/-

Training & Support

 
Candy Express Franchise
Sweet Factory Franchise
Training --
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising-
Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (75% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

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Expansion Plans

 
Candy Express Franchise
Sweet Factory Franchise
US Expansion --
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion Yes-

Company Overviews

About Candy Express

Beginning with four company-owned stores in1988, Candy Express locations have served a variety of sweets to customers in malls and shopping centers throughout the United States and into Saudi Arabia, the site of the company's first international license.

About Sweet Factory

Sweet Factory is the market leader in the one-price bulk candy industry, one of the fastest growing retail phenomena sweeping the country! We are executing a winning formula that sets the standard for bulk candy retailers. Owning a Sweet Factory franchise can provide you with an exciting and rewarding business opportunity - not to mention a fun place to work. We seek well-qualified candidates who share the same passion as we do. To get you started, we will provide you with market evaluation, site selection, and lease negotiation assistance; store design assistance in accordance with our standards; educating you in our comprehensive training program; support you during your pre-opening setup and store grand opening; and provide you with a copy of our confidential Franchise Operations Manual. Throughout your association as a Sweet Factory franchise owner, you will continue to receive the benefits of operational support and consultation from Corporate Support left staff. In addition, we will provide merchandising, special event, and holiday promotional support throughout the year. Of course there are creative marketing programs to enhance your store performance. Equally as important, our ongoing support, service, and quantity discount programs will enhance your opportunity for success.
Enjoy the satisfaction of becoming your own boss and part of the Sweet Factory family.