Learning Express vs Bellies to Babies Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Learning Express Franchise
Bellies to Babies Franchise
Investment $25,825 - $364,150$60,975 - $195,525
Franchise Fee $25,000 - $35,000$20,000 - $32,000
Royalty Fee 5%5% of gross revenues
Advertising Fee -Currently $150 per month
Year Founded 1987-
Year Franchised 1987-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee 10% of then current fran. fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Learning Express Franchise
Bellies to Babies Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • People skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Learning Express Franchise
    Bellies to Babies 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
    Bellies to Babies Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 30 hours Classroom Training: 30 hours Additional Training: At toy fair, annual convention -
    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 -
    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
    Bellies to Babies Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    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 Bellies to Babies

    Bellies to Babies businesses operate retail stores which buy and sell pre-owned maternity clothing, nursing wear and pre-pregnancy accessories and related items for expecting women. Stores buy and sell thousands of previously loved maternity items every month, creating a positive impact on the community and a successful business model for our store owners. Founded in 2008, Bellies to Babies has grown each year and taken the local community by storm. Today, we are looking for owners who want to grow with our brand, where we supply the know how, technology, and operational expertise to run a successful franchise.