Creative Colors Int'l.

Founded: 1980 Franchising since: 1991

In 1980, Jim and JoAnn Foster answered an ad in their local paper that described a new technique for dyeing vinyl and leather. The couple bought the license to use the technique in their area and began J&J's Creative Colors.

To strengthen their business, the Fosters began researching, practicing and refining various techniques for repairing vinyl, leather and plastic, incorporating them into their business. J&J's worked with automobile, boat and recreational vehicle dealers, making repairs at the dealers' lots.

The company began franchising in 1990 under the name Creative Colors International. Now franchisees across the country use the Fosters' techniques to repair the interiors of various vehicles at dealer lots before they are sold.

Address: 19015 S. Jodi Rd., #E Mokena, Illinois 60448

Phone: (800)933-2656/ (708)478-1437

Franchisor has 10 employee(s); 10 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	41	1	0	2
2008	-0	-0	-0	-0
2007	57	1	0	10
2006	54	1	0	11

Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 50 new car dealerships

Special Programs
Franchisees can earn CCI Bucks by doing things like helping other franchisees, offering tips to the system and talking with prospective franchisees. Bucks can be used for purchasing gifts and trips.

Total investment: $53,440 - $66,250
Franchise fee: $27,500
Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable


Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	No
Startup Costs	No	No
Equipment	No	Yes
Inventory	No	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $50,000
Cash liquidity requirement: $20,000
Business Experience:

• General business experience
• Marketing skills

Operations

• Franchise can be run from home
• 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 4
• Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 3 weeks
• At franchisee's location: 1 week

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations

Marketing Support

• Ad slicks
• Regional advertising

Franchise 500® rank:
#356 (2007); #386 (2006);

Low-Cost Franchises:
#95 (2007);