Around Town Community Magazine vs Proforma Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Around Town Community Magazine vs Proforma including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Around Town Community Magazine Franchise
Proforma Franchise
Investment $37,600 - $54,800$44,030 - $59,695
Franchise Fee $25,000$34,500
Royalty Fee 5%5-8%
Advertising Fee -0.25% -1%
Year Founded 19961978
Year Franchised 20031986
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Around Town Community Magazine Franchise
Proforma Franchise
Experience -

Proforma is seeking individuals with good marketing, relationship building and sales skills. Industry knowledge or background is not necessary as product knowledge is taught during our training program.


Financing Options
 
Around Town Community Magazine Franchise
Proforma Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
Equipment No/NoNo/No
Inventory No/NoNo/No
Receivables No/NoYes/No
Payroll No/NoNo/No

Training & Support
 
Around Town Community Magazine Franchise
Proforma Franchise
Training -

Proforma Franchise Owners are provided with comprehensive training, proven marketing and sales techniques, and business development tools at Proforma's Success University, in an excellent week-long training program at the Worldwide Support Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Classroom Training: 25 hours Additional Training: At regional/annual convention

Support Meetings, Internet, Field operations/evaluationsOngoing Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Online Support Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing --
Operations Franchise can be run from home.

100% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Number of Employees Required to Run: 1

Expansion Plans
 
Around Town Community Magazine Franchise
Proforma Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion NoYes

Company Overviews

About Around Town Community Magazine

Around Town Community Magazine, Inc. ("Around Town") began franchise operations in September 2002 in Woodstock, Georgia. Around Town franchises niche community magazines, each has a goal of "strengthening communities."Around Town was founded by Gina Carr and Don Kyle. Gina has a BA from Georgia Tech in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from Harvard. Don has a BS in Accounting from Florida State University and also is a CPA. Together they started The TowneLaker magazine in June 1996 and Sixes Living magazine in June 2000. After many years of practice, they decided to franchise the niche community magazine concept through Around Town Community Magazine, Inc.

About Proforma

Gregory P. Muzzillo founded Proforma in 1978 with a college friend. Within one year, the business they started with $200 saw its sales grow to $250,000 and their clients expand to over 300. By 1982, sales reached $1 million and Proforma was named in successive years to Inc. Magazine's 500 Fastest Growing Companies - the only company in the business forms industry to make the list twice. To continue Proforma's rapid growth, Muzzillo looked to alternate routes. In 1986, he developed the Proforma franchise model - a network of independent distributors working together to build marketing clout and strong supplier relationships. This model proved successful, as Proforma, now in its fourth decade, has grown to nearly $400 million in sales. Proforma is the leading franchise opportunity in the $200 billion Print and Promotional Products industry. Proforma is a great opportunity for individuals who are looking for a professional opportunity to sell in a business-to-business environment. Our Franchises can be operated from a home-based office and no inventory, equipment, or retail storefront is required.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Start-Up Proforma franchise is from $44,030 to $59,695. This includes a $39,000 initial fee that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Relevant Industry Experience Proforma franchise is from $5,030 to $20,695. This includes no ($0) initial fee that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Conversion Proforma franchise is from $5,030 to $20,695. This includes no ($0) initial fee that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
Veteran Incentives  Franchise fee waived

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