The Little Gym vs J.W. Tumbles Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Little Gym vs J.W. Tumbles including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
The Little Gym Franchise
J.W. Tumbles Franchise
Investment $174,900 - $456,500$155,150 - $225,900
Franchise Fee $39,500 - $59,500$42,900
Royalty Fee 8%$500/mo.
Advertising Fee 1%-
Year Founded 19761985
Year Franchised 19921993
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
The Little Gym Franchise
J.W. Tumbles Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    The Little Gym Franchise
    J.W. Tumbles Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    The Little Gym Franchise
    J.W. Tumbles Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 55 hours Classroom Training: 100 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location

    In addition to the mandatory initial franchise training, we also offer optional training by request. An annual meeting as well as business training is also available.
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformMeetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet
    Marketing Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 7

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

    		 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: 6

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    The Little Gym Franchise
    J.W. Tumbles Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About The Little Gym

    After teaching grade school in public schools for years, Robin Wes used his physical education, psychology and motor development degrees to open The Little Gym in 1976. Although it started out focusing on physical education, the program has evolved to focus on children's intellectual and social development as well.
    Today Little Gym offers programs for various age levels, including Parent & Child, Developmental Gymnastics, Karate and Sports Skills Development.
    Franchises also hold birthday parties, summer camps, Creative Crafts Adventures and Parent's Survival Nights.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a The Little Gym franchise with a Standard Territory is $223,400 to $456,500. This includes $139,500 to $175,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a The Little Gym franchise with a Medium Market Territory is $174,900 to $392,000. This includes $114,500 to $141,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    If you elect to begin operation of a Multi-Unit Area Development, the additional costs for the estimated initial investment is $133,875 to $148,750 which must be paid to the franchisor.
    Veteran Incentives  50% off franchise fee
    #179 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About J.W. Tumbles

    Fewer than half of American children get the exercise they need for good health, and only about one-third of elementary and secondary schools offer daily physical education classes. Jeff and Melissa Woods opened the first J.W. Tumbles in Solano Beach, California, in 1985, hoping to remedy this situation. The company opened its first franchise operation in Tucson, Arizona.

    J.W. Tumbles is a skill- and confidence-building program that promotes self-esteem and physical health in children aged 4 months to 9 years. Each class in its 'Fun'damentals program delivers challenging, noncompetitive activities. The program focuses on improving motor skills, spatial awareness, manipulative skills, coordination, balance, agility, flexibility, rhythm, strength, social awareness and sportsmanship. Franchisees can teach the program at their locations or use a van to take the fitness programs to schools. The company also offers summer and winter camps.