Home-Based Franchise FAQs

Q1. How do I get started?

A1. Follow the steps outlined on the Franchise Process and see if a Friends & Family Enterprises (FFE) franchise is right for you!

Q2. How much does a home-based franchise cost?

A2. All cost information associated with our unique franchise offerings is included in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). The FDD will be sent to qualified candidates upon completion and submission of a Friends & Family Franchise application.

Q3. What will I be responsible for as a franchisee?

A3. Friends & Family franchisees will be responsible for the marketing and servicing of Friends & Family products within their given territory. Franchisees will be responsible for acting as the primary point of contact for their customers throughout the sales process. Also, they will need to communicate any product orders to FFE for order placement.

Q4. What sort of training can I expect to receive as a franchisee?

A4. All franchisees with FFE can expect a concentrated training program which will consist of both classroom and on-the-job sessions. This program will include the following: company orientation, basic sales training, computer and database training, production facility orientation, territory overview and management, and customer service and people skills.

Q5. Where will my revenue stream come from?

A5. Home-based franchisees will obtain revenue through their sales of Friends & Family products. Franchisees will essentially purchase products through FFE as they are ordered, and then will charge customers a suggested retail price which is higher than the wholesale purchase price. This margin will account for the franchisee’s revenue stream. FFE will handle all deliveries of the product which may include a delivery charge.

Q6. What products will I be selling?

A6. Franchisees will be permitted to sell and market any of the Friends & Family fundraising programs. The fundraising organization (FRO) makes its money by keeping a predetermined portion of the suggested retail price from each product sale. As a franchisee, you will be selling this concept to prospective FROs within your territory. In addition, you may choose to sell select Friends & Family products outside of the fundraising program to commercial locations in your protected territory such as grocery stores, convenience stores, school cafeterias, etc.

Q7. Will I have to manufacture or deliver any of the products myself?

A7. No. All Friends & Family products will be produced and packaged at a separate production center and then delivered to their final destination in a refrigerated (if necessary) delivery truck. (A delivery charge may apply.)

Q8. How quickly would I be able to get started as a franchisee?

A8. Once you have completed the franchise application process and have been personally interviewed and approved by FFE, you will need to participate in a mandatory franchisee training program. Upon completion of the training program, you will be free to begin marketing and selling to contacts in your territory. You will receive a complimentary supply of Friends & Family fundraising marketing materials which can be used for your first marketing “push.”

Q9. What does a specified “territory” consist of and how are they determined?

A9. A territory consists of at least 1,000 identifiable nonprofit fundraising organizations within a geographical region. This initial target list will be provided to franchisees by FFE. A territory may be as small as a couple of ZIP codes or as large as several counties – depending on demographics and population counts. Beyond this initial list, franchisees are permitted, and encouraged, to pursue other potential target customers within their territory.

Q10. What sort of resources are available to me as a franchisee?

A10. Upon being approved as a Friends & Family franchisee, you will receive an initial complimentary order of Friends & Family fundraising packets and Order Forms (future marketing pieces must be purchased from FFE). A portion of your initial franchise fee will cover some ongoing broad marketing initiatives by FFE which work to increase awareness of Friends & Family products within your territory. In addition, FFE will provide technical, logistical and customer service support to the franchisee. FFE will also take care of issues related to product production, packaging and delivery. This will be covered in more detail in the Operations Manual which you will receive during your training after you have been awarded your franchise.

Q11. When should I expect to start making sales?

A11. While customer sales cannot be guaranteed, FFE can confidently state that there is an ongoing need for fundraising programs such as the Friends & Family fundraising kits. Franchisees should expect a “ramp-up time” of anywhere between one to twelve months upon entrance into a new market. The volume of responses and sales received by franchisees will, in part, be determined by the amount of time and effort that is put into sales and marketing campaigns by you, the franchisee. Consistent marketing efforts by the franchisee and by FFE should help to spread awareness in your territory, thus impacting the number of responses received. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the franchisee to close the sales.

We are not authorized to offer or sell franchises in California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, or Wisconsin. OFFERS BY PROSPECTUS ONLY.