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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Ace Hardware vs Kazoo including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $41,000 - $2,110,230 | $135,200 - $389,500 |
Franchise Fee | $5,000 | $39,000 |
Royalty Fee | 0 | 7% |
Advertising Fee | - | 2% |
Year Founded | 1924 | 1980 |
Year Franchised | 1976 | 2011 |
Term Of Agreement | - | - |
Term Of Agreement | - | - |
Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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Experience | Minimum Financial Requirements: * $250,000 Liquid Assets * $400,000 Net Worth | - |
Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-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 |
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Training | Training in all functional areas of operation, service and promotion: * Effective store management * Strategies and management of each revenue center * Purchasing and inventory strategies * Implementing helpful customer service * Financial management and "back-office" procedures * Hiring, training and managing employees * Effective store marketing techniques | 3 days of training, which is comprised of 16 hours of classroom training and 4 hours of on the job training. |
Support | Hands on, in-store training at opening - Ongoing contact from dedicated Ace support staff - In-store tools for continual improvement * In-store customer survey * Customer comment card program * Mystery shopper program A district manager will be assigned to your store to facilitate ongoing business needs and help you develop store growth plans to maximize retail sales and profits. | �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 | - | - |
Operations | - | - |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | - | Yes |
Canada Expansion | No | - |
International Expansion | No | - |
What started as a little chain of stores built up by a gathering of Chicago retailers in 1924 has advanced into one of the country's driving "useful equipment" merchant possessed cooperatives. Ace has developed from a couple of Chicago-region tool shops, to incorporate more than 4,700 stores in 50 states and more than 70 nations. However one thing has stayed unaltered - Ace's dedication to conveying accommodating equipment administration to shoppers.
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.