Dippin' Dots vs Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Dippin' Dots vs Kilwin's Chocolates including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Dippin' Dots Franchise
Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
Investment $112,204 - $366,950$177,534 - $937,415
Franchise Fee $15,000$20,000 - $40,000
Royalty Fee Varies5%
Advertising Fee Varies1%
Year Founded 19881947
Year Franchised 20001982
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Dippin' Dots Franchise
Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Kilwin's Chocolates 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

     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 12 hours Classroom Training: 19 hours On-The-Job Training: 173 hours Classroom Training: 43 hours Additional Training: Online training; store visits
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing
    Operations 95% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3

    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: 6 - 10
    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans

     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Dippin' Dots

    Research biotechnologist Curt Jones used his expertise in cryogenic freezing processes to find new ways to produce ice cream. After nearly a year of experimenting with the idea of flash-freezing his family's homemade ice cream, Jones created and sold his first cups of Dippin' Dots ice cream in 1988. Because of Jones' flash-freezing process, Dippin' Dots ice cream forms into little balls (hence the term 'dots'), but unlike freeze-dried products, the ice cream can still melt.

    Seeking new franchise units Worldwide.

    Veteran Incentives  15% off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #207 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #276 in Franchise 500 for 2021.




    About Kilwin's Chocolates

    Since 1947 Kilwins has been a celebrated part of Americana having earned a reputation for providing high quality products and excellent service. Our heritage was built on the simple premise of creating our products from the finest ingredients and providing customers with great service. Today we continue the tradition by uniquely combining high quality products with a warm friendly customer experience that is supported through a successful community of caring owner operators. We continue to offer the finest quality traditional down-home confections and ice cream that are kitchen made fresh from premium ingredients and original recipes.

    Seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states:
    Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia

    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #105 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #121 in Franchise 500 for 2021.