EncouraGym vs Gymboree Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
EncouraGym Franchise
Gymboree Franchise
Investment $25,600 - $69,400$81,143 - $267,593
Franchise Fee $10,500$45,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 20011976
Year Franchised 20041978
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee 10% of current franchise fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
EncouraGym Franchise
Gymboree Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Desire to work with children

  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    EncouraGym Franchise
    Gymboree Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees Yes/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    EncouraGym Franchise
    Gymboree 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, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Ad slicksCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, 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)

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 44% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    EncouraGym Franchise
    Gymboree Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    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 Gymboree

    San Francisco mother Joan Barnes created the Gymboree Play and Music Program in 1976 when she couldn't find a safe place for new parents and children to play and exercise together. There are now locations across the United States and throughout the world.

    Gymboree Play and Music centers offer different classes each week for children ranging from newborn through 4 years old. Classes are designed to stimulate the senses and encourage children's development.