Learning Express vs Kazoo Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Learning Express Franchise
Kazoo Franchise
Investment $25,825 - $364,150$135,200 - $389,500
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000$39,000
Royalty Fee 5%7%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19871980
Year Franchised 19872011
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee 10% of then current fran. fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Learning Express Franchise
Kazoo Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • People skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Learning Express Franchise
    Kazoo 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/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Learning Express Franchise
    Kazoo Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 30 hours Classroom Training: 30 hours Additional Training: At toy fair, annual convention 3 days of training, which is comprised of 16 hours of classroom training and 4 hours of on the job training.
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures ield Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform �The products and services authorized for sale by procedures relating to Franchise specifications. �Purchasing approved equipment furnishings, signs, supplies, and anything else you need to outfit your Kazoo & Company Store �Help develop local advertising and promotional programs �Accounting, bookkeeping, administrative, and management procedures �Establishing and conducting employee programs at the Franchise
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app -
    Operations 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8 - 12

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

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Learning Express Franchise
    Kazoo Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Learning Express

                                                   Learning Should be FUN
    Learning Express Inc., is a specialty toy store franchise, with more than 100 locations across the country. As the leader of the specialty toy and children's gift category, Learning Express Inc. provides a fun and friendly shopping environment, with a knowledgeable sales staff that provides expert advice to parents looking for that perfect toy. At Learning Express Inc., we pride ourselves on the quality and uniqueness of our toy selection. We carefully select each product to ensure shelves are stocked with unique and innovative products that encourage learning through play, including games and puzzles, developmental toys, arts and crafts kits, science and nature products, construction toys, books, dolls, plush and other unique items exclusive to Learning Express Inc. and specialty toy retailers.

     Our Learning Express Inc. stores offer special services to all of its customers, such as VIP Programs, free personalization and free gift-wrapping. Our loyalty programs and incentives for repeat buying, including gift registries and many other customer services, continue to attract new customers while generating loyalty and sense of community from existing customers. Participation in fund-raising opportunities for schools and civic organizations is what makes the stores a hub for interactivity and community spirit! Storeowners enjoy the chance to give back to their community that has made them such a success. Each store captures the imagination and enthusiasm of its storeowners! Our knowledgeable team is comprised of dedicated, hard-working folks committed to providing the highest quality toys and exceptional customer service to customers and franchise owners. We're more than just colleagues - we're one big family!

    The estimated total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Local Store Franchise Business is $189,875 to $364,150 including the initial franchise fee of $35,000.
    The estimated total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Conversion Store is $25,825 to $88,875 including the initial franchise fee of $15,000. This is the total sum of all initial fees and payments for services or goods received from the franchisor and its affiliates before the business opens.
    Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #452 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About Kazoo

    Kazoo & Company Toys has been delighting its customers with toys, puzzles, and other games for over 30 years. Kazoo & Company has been recognized as a leader in the specialty toy industry and is now opening up to franchisees interested in sharing their secrets of success. Kazoo & Company Toys is an award-winning, community-oriented toy store that offers something new to kids. Their philosophy lies on educational, non-violent, toys, games and puzzles, and values itself on quality entertainment. Ever since 1980 Kazoo & Company has been helping to shape the lives of kids and parents since 1980. The Kazoo & Company Difference �Utilizing a progressive business approach and code of ethics �Offering non-violent, educational, positive toys and games �Being community-involved and recognized �Commitment to excellence in business ethics �Award-winning toys and business philosophy A Booming Industry! In the United States alone, overall revenue for toy and hobby stores topped over $16.8 billion in 2010, with 2% revenue growth for that year. This industry employs 142,343 people, with more than 22,000 established stores generating nearly $2 billion in total wages (2010). The gross product for the hobby and toy store industry is nearly $2.5 billion. This industry offers a unique opportunity for investors and Kazoo & Company Toys gives you all the tools necessary to succeed. Kazoo & Company is dedicated not only to your monetary success, but also the success of your brand. Developing customer satisfaction and retention is the foundation of continued profitability.