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Updated RecentlyComputertots vs Childrens Lighthouse Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Computertots vs Childrens Lighthouse including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $47,700 - $66,300 | $440,600 - $630,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 8% | 7% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1997 |
| Year Franchised | 1988 | 1999 |
| Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 15 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 15 years | 15 years |
| Renewal Fee | 5% of franchise 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 | Yes/No | No/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/Yes |
| Equipment | No/No | No/Yes |
| Inventory | No/No | No/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | No/Yes |
| Payroll | No/No | No/Yes |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | 4 weeks: 2 weeks of training at the Children's Lighthouse home office, one week of in-school training with seasoned Children's Lighthouse franchise owners and one week of post-opening training in your school. |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures | Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
| Marketing | National media, Regional advertising | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising |
| Operations |
Franchise can be run from home. International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | - | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Company Overviews
About Computertots
Computertots is now a subsidiary of ComputerExplorers In 1984, personal computers were still considered a luxury, and schools were figuring out how to best use the new technology as a learning tool. Moms Karen Marshall and Mary Rogers saw the teaching potential of computers and began Computertots/Computer Explorers with $1,500, one computer and 10 young students. Franchisees can operate the business using either a manager model or an owner-operated model. A manager employs a staff to assist in the teaching and operation of the business; the owner of an owner-operated model not only teaches classes, but also operates the business.
In 2003, Computertots/Computer Explorers was acquired by The International Center for Entrepreneurial Development Inc., which also owns Kwik Kopy Printing, Kwik Kopy Business Centers, Franklin's Printing, American Wholesale Thermographers, Copy Club, Women's Health Boutique and Parcel Plus.
About Childrens Lighthouse
Childrens Lighthouse is currently offering franchises in all 50 states. We are totally committed to the support and service of our franchises. We've worked hard to develop quality management support systems to help you become successful in your new business. Targeted crew and management training programs, proven local neighborhood marketing tactics, aggressive advertising programs, labor and inventory control aids, equipment and supplies innovations are all examples of Childrens Lighthouse support tools. When you become a Childrens Lighthouse franchisee, you benefit from our many years of business experience. Although we are growing rapidly, we are not so big that you can't join us. Unlike some franchises, there is plenty of development territory still available. We are aggressively seeking new franchisees to expand existing markets as well as develop new ones. Opportunities range from single-unit franchises to multi-unit territories. And, we offer a variety of investment options for you to choose from. With Childrens Lighthouse, you can be in business quickly and at an investment level that best fits your particular situation and initial goals. Our program is designed to guide you from the moment you make the decision to purchase a franchise. In addition to counseling you in necessary financial matters, the most important step is selecting an appropriate site to build your childcare center and gaining exclusivity to that territory. The right location is critical to the success of your center and we have been successful in determining appropriate sites.