Children's Orchard vs Fitness Machine Technicians Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Children's Orchard Franchise
Fitness Machine Technicians Franchise
Investment $174,700 - $326,500$71,450 - $118,490
Franchise Fee $25,000$40,000 - $45,000
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee $2K/yr1%
Year Founded 19802002
Year Franchised 19852012
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $3K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Children's Orchard Franchise
Fitness Machine Technicians Franchise
Experience
  • Customer service experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Children's Orchard Franchise
    Fitness Machine Technicians Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesYes/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/Yes-/Yes
    Payroll No/Yes-/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Children's Orchard Franchise
    Fitness Machine Technicians Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 80 hours Classroom Training: 46 hours Additional Training: Field training
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesMeetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingAd Templates Social media SEO Website development
    Operations 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)

    Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 1 - 2

    Expansion Plans

     
    Children's Orchard Franchise
    Fitness Machine Technicians Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    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

    About Fitness Machine Technicians

    At Fitness Machine Technicians, we pride ourselves on offering aspiring business owners the opportunity to build their franchise quickly and efficiently so they can thrive in their new career path.
    As a service based franchise, we don’t have many of the expenses that burden the brick and mortar franchise owners. The benefits are:
    • You can work from a home-based office or small leased space (500sf).
    • You can lease or buy your technicians’ field vehicles.
    • Inventory is on demand direct from suppliers as needed for repairs, so minimal storage space is needed.

    #208 in Franchise 500 for 2021.  Not in Franchise 500 for 2020.