Sylvan Learning Centers vs Portal Languages Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Sylvan Learning Centers vs Portal Languages including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
Portal Languages Franchise
Investment $70,270 - $163,625$25,000 - $50,000
Franchise Fee $24,000$15,000
Royalty Fee 16%7%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19792008
Year Franchised 19802013
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
Portal Languages Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Education background preferred but not required
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
    Portal Languages Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
    Portal Languages Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media-
    Operations 41% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2 - 4

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

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
    Portal Languages Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Sylvan Learning Centers

    Based in Baltimore, Sylvan Learning Centers was founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1979 to provide personalized instructional services to students of all ages and skill levels. Sylvan has been franchising since 1980 and has learning centers in North America and Asia.

    *Royalty includes monthly royalty; national advertising; mandatory assessment fees; SylvanSync server, support, and ongoing educational program updates; initial franchisee training; online staffing training.

    For more information, see our Franchise Disclosure Document.

    "Top
    #123 in Canada's Top franchises.
    #252 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About Portal Languages

    Portal Languages began as a private language tutoring service by our founders from their apartment in Costa Mesa, California.  The spark that launched the company came from a continuous demand for their language tutoring service.  In January 2009, the founders decided to establish Portal Languages - " Costa Mesa in a 400 sq./ft. office space.
    A website and a functional space was then created for the school.  We decided to adopt the Language Teaching Methodology Series - “The Natural Approach, Language Acquisition” developed by Stephen D. Krashen and Tracy D Terrell.
    What followed were several years of quick expansion as internet marketing campaigns, student referrals and a sound business principle began to pay off.
    Portal Languages has been helping students acquire a foreign language for over 5 years. As a franchise owner, you’ll have continual support to develop a profitable and simple business.  This is the Ideal business for an experienced language teacher with entrepreneurship skills who is interested in starting his/her own business and contribute to the community.
    -Royalties and marketing are about 8% of gross sales;
    -Average unit volumes are $200,000.