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Updated RecentlyCookies in Bloom vs South Bend Chocolate Company Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Cookies in Bloom vs South Bend Chocolate Company including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $75,000 - $116,000 | $85,700 - $676,460 |
| Franchise Fee | $19,500 | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 4% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1988 | 1991 |
| Year Franchised | 1992 | 1997 |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 4 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 4 years |
| Renewal Fee | $1K | $150 |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | ||
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | No/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/No |
| Equipment | No/No | No/No |
| Inventory | No/No | No/No |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | On-the-job training at corporate-approved shop | Ongoing (monthly visits) |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising |
| Operations |
International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
0% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 20
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | Yes | No |
Company Overviews
About Cookies in Bloom
Mary Pinac had been working in the wholesale apparel business and was tiring of dressing up and traveling every day. Her husband, Robert, was involved in the executive suite industry until the real estate market faltered in the late '80s. Looking for a new business they could start together, the Pinacs decided cookie gifts were the idea they wanted to pursue. In 1989, the couple founded Cookies in Bloom, a store that creates and ships bouquets and gifts made with sugar shortbread cookies. The Pinacs began franchising their concept in 1991, and now the company's franchisees operate stores in the West, Midwest and South making cookie arrangements for all holidays and occasions.