CFO Today vs BookSmarts Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
CFO Today Franchise
BookSmarts Franchise
Investment $24,400 - $40,000$50,000 - $100,000
Franchise Fee $24,000N/A
Royalty Fee Varies-
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19892003
Year Franchised 19902003
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $4.8K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
CFO Today Franchise
BookSmarts Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
CFO Today Franchise
BookSmarts Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/No-/-
Equipment No/No-/-
Inventory No/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support

 
CFO Today Franchise
BookSmarts Franchise
Training --
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising-
Operations Franchise can be run from home.

20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1

Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

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Expansion Plans

 
CFO Today Franchise
BookSmarts Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion Yes-

Company Overviews

About CFO Today

John Harrison felt that many small businesses were failing because they couldn't afford accountants, so he began providing 'professional services at bookkeeper's rates.' In 1989, Harrison established Accountant's Choice, which has since changed its name to CFO Today.

Franchising started in 1990, and there are now locations across the United States offering accounting services to local small businesses.

About BookSmarts

For those who want to be their own boss and serve clients who need honest, smart people to keep their books straight, let's talk business. Your business. Welcome to the franchise opportunity called BookSmarts Tax & Accounting Services. We provide: * Everything you need in selecting the storefront location you want. * Proven accounting and tax preparation software. * The experienced CPAs who will teach you the method and the methodology. * The marketing tools and support to target and attract customers. You provide: * The passion and a surprisingly low start-up fee. And in a very short time, you're in the business of minding other people's business.BookSmarts is a year-round premiere tax and accounting service utilizing cutting edge systems and processes. We offer the following: VIRTUAL TURNKEY PROGRAM * Total buildout is handled for you! SMART PLAN * A 12-month marketing and advertising program implemented for you! REFUND OPTION * An industry-first option providing a refund of your Franchise Fee after 12 months that includes one full tax season! LOWER INVESTMENT * Under $100K