What type of
franchise is available?
KIDS N CLAY offers you the opportunity to
operate an instructional pottery studio, where students, who range
in age from 3 though 18 years of age, are encouraged to explore
their creativity while they learn the craft of ceramics. Kids N Clay focuses on
the real life benefits of creative problem solving, pride,
accomplishment and comradeship. In addition, the physical
layout of the studio and the equipment used allows Kids N Clay
franchisees to also tap into another market as well that of the
paint-your-own ceramic studio. This presents you with an
additional business opportunity, yet leverages the same physical
location, equipment and staff.
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Do I
need a background in the arts or
ceramics?
While familiarity with the arts, ceramics
or teaching is a plus, it is certainly not
required.
Part-time instructors are sourced from
local colleges, or from the pool of local working artists, and
trained in the Kids 'N' Clay teaching styles and
methods.
What IS important is that you share the
same passion for creating a positive influence on children's
lives.
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Is financing
available?
Most, or all, of the start-up costs can be
financed. Popular
options include a Home Equity Line of Credit and tapping an IRA
and/or 401(k) retirement account assets. Information about HELOCs
is available through most commercial banks. If you are interested in
exploring the option of putting your retirement assets to work, we
can put you in touch with the firms offering that option. Loan programs
through the SBA (Small Business Administration) are another
option, although this route requires more time and administration
work. We will advise
you on your options as you proceed with
us.
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Will I have an
exclusive territory?
KIDS N CLAY DEVELOPMENT, LLC does not
grant you an exclusive territory. However, we do grant you an
"Approved Location" in the area known as a "Protected Territory"
containing approximately 200,000 persons, of which the percentage
of the school-age population is approximately the national average
(~15% of total population).
We use available demographic data to determine the assigned
territories, ensuring that each franchisee has a protected
territory sufficient to build their
business.
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How
much training is provided in the KIDS N CLAY
system?
You will participate in an initial training
course of approximately two weeks. The initial program will focus
on all aspects of the KIDS N CLAY franchise system and is
comprised of classroom and on-the-job training. Topics covered
include studio operations, managing the classroom environment,
marketing and promotional programs, instructional techniques that
have gained Kids N Clay significant acclaim. Also covered are business
operations such as billing systems, inventory management and
financial management.
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What
form of business start-up assistance and ongoing support will I
receive?
Prior to your grand opening, KIDS N CLAY
representatives will assist with choosing the proper location for
your KIDS N CLAY studio.
Then, before and at your grand opening, you will be
provided with in-depth training and on-site support in operations,
marketing and promotion and ongoing consultation on questions that
you may have.
KIDS N CLAY representatives will
periodically schedule visits throughout the course of the
franchise term, which are designed to provide operational
assistance and guidance in various aspects of your KIDS N CLAY
franchise business. You will also receive the KIDS N CLAY
confidential Operations Manual that contains specifications,
standards, operating procedures, and suggestions to aid you in the
operation of your KIDS N CLAY franchise
business.
In
addition to the experienced team of experts that comprise
the Kids N Clay franchise organization, periodic teleconferences
and in-person meetings with your peers, facilitated by Kids N
Clay management, gives you a peer support organization to share
ideas about promotion, studio operations and instructional
techniques. As a KIDS
N CLAY franchise, youre backed by a team with the expertise and
dedication to help you reach your full
potential!
Additional resources are
provided to you as a KIDS N CLAY franchise, such as access to
our team via our toll free number: 866.KID.CLAY (866.543.2529),
email (zsupport@kidsnclay.com) and our proprietary, password
protected franchisee support web site.
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What about
advertising?
The KIDS N CLAY name and reputation is an
important part of your business. You will need to invest a minimum
of $2,500 on grand-opening advertising during the first three
months of operations. You will also spend at least 2% of your
gross sales per month on local advertising. In addition, if we
should establish fees for a Marketing Fund, you will be expected
to make Marketing Fund contributions of up to 2% of your monthly
gross sales.
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What
is the term of the KIDS N CLAY Franchise
Agreement?
The initial term of the Franchise Agreement
is ten years from the date the Franchise Agreement is signed. The
franchise is renewable for three additional successive terms of
five years each, providing you have complied with the provisions
of the Franchise Agreement.
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What is my next
step?
Simply complete the Confidential Franchise
Evaluation form and return it to us. If, after reviewing your
qualifications, we feel you have the potential to join the KIDS
N CLAY franchise system, you will be invited to meet with us in
person.
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Reader)
If you
have any questions, in the meantime, please feel free to call us
at 866.543.2529, select option 1.
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