Athlete's Foot vs D-Bat Academies Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Athlete's Foot vs D-Bat Academies including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Athlete's Foot Franchise
D-Bat Academies Franchise
Investment $201,600 - $640,300$494,650 - $967,100
Franchise Fee $35,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 5%40% of membership fees
Advertising Fee -2.5%of fees
Year Founded 19721998
Year Franchised 19732007
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Athlete's Foot Franchise
D-Bat Academies Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Athlete's Foot Franchise
    D-Bat Academies Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/Yes-/Yes
    Payroll No/Yes-/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Athlete's Foot Franchise
    D-Bat Academies Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 40+ hours Classroom Training: 16 hours Additional Training: As needed
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Template Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 21% 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)

    		Number of Employees Required to Run: 2 - 5

    Expansion Plans
     
    Athlete's Foot Franchise
    D-Bat Academies Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Athlete's Foot

    Robert and David Lando had a unique vision in 1971--to open a store specializing in athletic footwear. That year they opened the first The Athlete's Foot in Pittsburgh. The first franchise opened in 1972 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and the first international location opened in 1978 in Adelaide, Australia. The Athlete's Foot now operates company-owned and franchise locations in more than 40 countries. The company develops stores in malls, shopping districts and as freestanding locations. Each store sells name-brand athletic footwear and apparel. There are also The Athlete's Foot For Her stores, which specialize in athletic footwear and apparel for girls and women.
    The Athlete’s Foot is more than just a retail store; it’s a destination for athletic street style. At The Athlete’s Foot, we want to be known for encouraging our customers to break the rules and explore the unexpected. So we’re transforming into a place with a pulse on the street that offers them the chance to craft their own story through clothing and style.

    About D-Bat Academies

    D-BAT was founded in 1998. D-BAT opened its original location in a small facility in North Dallas with 6 employees.
    D-BAT Academies feature an exceptionally well-lit, indoor climate-controlled facility,with an environment that invites parents to be a part of their ballplayer’s development along with a top notch pro shop to provide all your equipment needs.
    D-BAT began franchising operations in 2008 and today is the Largest network of training facilities in the country. Our current staff is over 300 strong and we are still considered the premier facility in the country. This is due in large part to the innovative way that D-BAT has connected the player and parent with coaches and facilities to better the game.
    D-BAT is now moving to expanding its prestigious academies to reach even more players and enhance the baseball and softball experience for players at all levels. We never stop innovating and enhancing our methods to make players better.

    From developmental youth camps and private lessons… to the latest equipment and hottest apparel, D-BAT is your premier baseball and softball training center, with the following:
    Memberships
    Lessons
    Camps
    Cage Rental
    Pitching Machines
    Pro Shop
    Birthday Parties
    Weight Training
    Vending
    Tournaments
    Uniforms

    Convinced? Apply For Your Franchise Now!


    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a D-BAT® Facility ranges from $398,025 to $699,975. This includes $121,500 to $144,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.
    If you are acquiring development rights under our development program, then you will sign our area development agreement and, upon signing, you will pay us a development fee equal to 100% of the Initial Franchise Fee due for the first Facility and 50% of the Initial Franchise Fee due for each additional Facility you commit to develop under the area development agreement.


    "Entrepreneur
    #344 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #74 in Franchise 500 for 2021.