Once Upon A Child vs Children's Orchard Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Once Upon A Child vs Children's Orchard including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Once Upon A Child Franchise
Children's Orchard Franchise
Investment $254,700 - $396,600$174,700 - $326,500
Franchise Fee $25,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee $1K/yr.$2K/yr
Year Founded 19841980
Year Franchised 19921985
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $5K$3K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Once Upon A Child Franchise
Children's Orchard Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Customer service experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Once Upon A Child Franchise
    Children's Orchard Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Once Upon A Child Franchise
    Children's Orchard Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 24 hours Classroom Training: 55 hours-
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/appCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations Number of Employees Required to Run: 3 - 5 15.6% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (98% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Once Upon A Child Franchise
    Children's Orchard Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion YesNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Once Upon A Child

    Founded in 1984 in Columbus, Ohio, Once Upon A Child specializes in selling new and used children's clothes, toys, furniture and equipment. Franchises were first offered in 1992. The company is owned by Winmark (formerly Grow Biz), which also franchises Music Go Round, Plato's Closet, and Play It Again Sports.

    "Entrepreneur      ""

    #110 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #233 in Franchise 500 for 2021.








    About Children's Orchard

    Former flight attendant Karen Lynch opened the first Children's Orchard store in 1980. Each store buys and sells used children's clothes, toys and other items, selling them for 50 to 80 percent less than retail. The first Children's Orchard franchise opened in 1985, and it now has locations across the United States.
    At Children’s Orchard we believe we can be the difference in the world. By recycling and reusing current kids gear we are creating a sustainable lifestyle that you will be proud to be a part of. You can find like new children’s clothing, shoes, accessories, toys and equipment at up to 70% off mall store prices. All of items are gently loved, and actually like new. We pay you cash on the spot for your children’s gear and buy items that are in good condition and are current styles.
     
    Veteran Incentives  $2,500 off franchise fee