Candy Express vs The Fudge Company Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Candy Express Franchise
The Fudge Company Franchise
Investment $125,000 - $175,000$32,000 - $45,000
Franchise Fee $25,000$12,500 - $15,000
Royalty Fee 7%3%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19881978
Year Franchised 19891981
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $2K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Candy Express Franchise
The Fudge Company Franchise
Experience -
  • Retail experience preferred

  • Financing Options

     
    Candy Express Franchise
    The Fudge Company Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Candy Express Franchise
    The Fudge Company Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesGrand opening
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising-
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (75% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3

    95% of current franchisees are owner/operators


    Expansion Plans

     
    Candy Express Franchise
    The Fudge Company Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Candy Express

    Beginning with four company-owned stores in1988, Candy Express locations have served a variety of sweets to customers in malls and shopping centers throughout the United States and into Saudi Arabia, the site of the company's first international license.

    About The Fudge Company

    Based in Charlevoix, Michigan, The Fudge Company began in 1978 and started franchising in 1981.