Kidding Around Children Make money with: kids' recreation services, auto restoration.
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
There's no longer a reason to stand on the sidelines whilechildren have all the fun at birthday parties and company picnics.If you're a kid at heart who enjoys obstacle courses, wackyrelays, water and parachute games, you can turn work into play withthe Ton of Fun 2Go franchising opportunity.
While many amusement and recreation services let their equipmentdo the entertaining, Ton of Fun 2Go takes its company sloganseriously: "We Stay to Play." You or your employees actas Play Coaches at every occasion, interacting, organizing,supervising and creating Ton of Fun 2Go's unique brand ofoutdoor fun. "The convenience of traveling to customers'locations, plus the human interaction of our Play Coaches, [makesthis] a unique family recreation and entertainmentalternative," says founder Frank W. Price.
The $20,000 franchise fee includes comprehensive operations,marketing and service manuals, as well as hands-on training. Youalso receive a personal success coach who provides assistancethroughout the early stages. First-year advertising expenses areincluded. Additional start-up costs run approximately $20,000 forequipment such as game props, obstacle course materials and the Tonof Fun 2Go airbounce. The company charges a service fee of 7percent of monthly gross revenue and an advertising royalty of 2percent to 3 percent. For more details, call(888) 899-7529.
Smooth Operators
Everyone has been the victim of poor parallel parking, a runawaygrocery cart, or a hazardous shopping trip that leaves freshscratches on the car door or bumper. Whatever the damage, Colors OnParade, an automotive restoration service company based inNorcross, Georgia, helps repair it, using patented technology tosmooth out scrapes without repainting the entire vehicle.
Since 1996, the number of Colors On Parade franchises hasdoubled, bringing the total to more than 300 in 20 statesnationwide. While some automotive experience is helpful,franchisees learn all technical aspects of the business duringtheir three-week training session in Conway, South Carolina; theyalso receive management training and learn business basics.
A franchise fee of $5,000 covers a protected territory, servingprimarily car dealerships. Other costs include $10,000 to $20,000for a cargo van and $15,000 for the patented restoration systemcosts. A 30 percent royalty fee is deducted monthly from grosssales.
Colors On Parade seeks franchisees nationwide, particularly inChicago and Denver. Call (800) 7-COLORS to learn more.
Is Your Refrigerator Running?
Utility companies and appliance manufacturers tell us regulartuneups are a necessity to keep appliances working efficiently. Butmany people ignore this advice, and refrigerators and furnacesoften go unnoticed.
Not anymore, thanks to BIZ Experiencess such as Michael Gross,whose Energy Wise Inc. helps consumers maintain home appliances.The Sebastopol, California, company also sells products that ensureappliance efficiency, home safety, and improved air and waterquality.
Gross got the idea for a major-appliance tuneup service afterstumbling upon some books explaining ways to save energy in thehome. He started Energy Wise in 1990; the first franchisee signedon in 1996.
After a one-week training course, franchisees are assigned anexclusive territory with a minimum of 25,000 owner-occupied homes.Franchisees work from home and receive a manual explainingaccounting, company procedures and frequently asked questions, plusa toll-free support number.
The $23,500 start-up cost includes a $12,500 franchise fee andestimated expenses for a vehicle, computer, inventory and tools.The monthly royalty is 5 percent of gross sales; there's noadvertising fee. For more information, call(707) 824-8775.
Contact Sources
Colors On Parade, http://www.colors.net
Ton of Fun 2Go, http://www.tonoffun.com
