EncouraGym vs Children's Orchard Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
EncouraGym Franchise
Children's Orchard Franchise
Investment $25,600 - $69,400$174,700 - $326,500
Franchise Fee $10,500$25,000
Royalty Fee 6%4%
Advertising Fee -$2K/yr
Year Founded 20011980
Year Franchised 20041985
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee 10% of current franchise fee$3K


Business Experience Requirements
 
EncouraGym Franchise
Children's Orchard Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Desire to work with children

  • Customer service experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    EncouraGym Franchise
    Children's Orchard Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/YesNo/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
     
    EncouraGym Franchise
    Children's Orchard Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Ad slicksCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 - 8

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

    		 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
     
    EncouraGym Franchise
    Children's Orchard Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About EncouraGym

    Interested in a program for your home, church, school, or daycare? Don't invest $20,000 to $50,000 BEFORE you see what the others have to offer. EncouraGYM makes it possible to START YOUR OWN PROGRAM using our acclaimed lesson plans.
    Stop DREAMING and START LIVING your dreams.

    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