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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Around Town Community Magazine vs The Scout Guide including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $37,600 - $54,800 | $63,500 - $70,000 |
Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $50,000 |
Royalty Fee | 5% | 10% |
Advertising Fee | - | - |
Year Founded | 1996 | 2011 |
Year Franchised | 2003 | 2013 |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | - |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | - |
Renewal Fee | - | - |
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 | -/- |
Start-up Costs | No/No | -/- |
Equipment | No/No | -/- |
Inventory | No/No | -/- |
Receivables | No/No | -/- |
Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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Training | - | Classroom Training: 15 hours |
Support | Meetings, Internet, Field operations/evaluations | Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations |
Marketing | - | National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email 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) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | - |
International Expansion | No | - |
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.
The Scout Guide connects readers with local, independently owned businesses
in their communities. Browse The Scout Guide city guides and search the The Scout Guide
directory on thescoutguide.com to discover excellent small businesses in your hometown and favorite destinations.We are looking for a tastemaker, an influencer, a connector. An advocate, an ambassador for all things local and unique to your city. We are seeking the ultimate insider to join our team of owners, and our movement to support the people who enhance our communities.
For both locals and travelers alike, The Scout Guide provides inspiration and information for living beautifully, living well, and living like an insider - wherever you are.
Want to learn more about owning The Scout Guide in your city?
Attend one of our "Day In the Life" webinars providing real life experiences, expectations, and a glimpse of what this job entails.