Massage Envy vs Great American BackRub Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Massage Envy Franchise
Great American BackRub Franchise
Investment $567,850 - $840,000$100,000 - $150,000
Franchise Fee $45,000$37,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 2%-
Year Founded 20011998
Year Franchised 20031998
Term Of Agreement 10 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years5 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Massage Envy Franchise
Great American BackRub Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Massage Envy Franchise
Great American BackRub Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
Equipment No/Yes-/-
Inventory No/Yes-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support

 
Massage Envy Franchise
Great American BackRub Franchise
Training To ensure Massage Envy Spa franchisees can maximize their potential as massage therapy business owners, the company's comprehensive training and marketing is focused on building and sustaining a profitable business and strong brand identity. Franchisees benefit from a robust support system that includes everything from field training to massage therapist recruitment support. On-The-Job Training: 40+ hours Classroom Training: 32.5 hours Additional Training: As requestedAll new franchisees must attend and successfully complete the 5-day franchisee-training program at specified GABR Canada facilities.
Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform-
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app-
Operations 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5

Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (80% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

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Expansion Plans

 
Massage Envy Franchise
Great American BackRub Franchise
US Expansion --
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion No-

Company Overviews

About Massage Envy

From its inception, the Massage Envy concept was designed to be a great business to own.
As a Massage Envy franchise owner, you'll enjoy a number of advantages, including:
-A Truly Unique Approach to Massage
-Innovative Facility Design
-Aggressive Marketing Programs
-Multiple Revenue Opportunities

Veteran Incentives  20% off franchise fee
#203 in Franchise 500 for 2021.  Not in Franchise 500 for 2020.

About Great American BackRub

The Great American Backrub is a reliable and reputable provider of on-site Massage Therapy services in Toronto. We have been in business since June 1998 and have 8 stores in the Greater Toronto area. Our stores are all located in prime shopping malls.