Computer Explorers
Tech training for schools, kids & adultsBackground
Founded: 1983 Franchising since: 1988
In 1984, personal computers were still considered a luxury, and schools were figuring out how to best use the new technology as a learning tool. Moms Karen Marshall and Mary Rogers saw the teaching potential of computers and began Computertots/Computer Explorers with $1,500, one computer and 10 young students. Franchisees can operate the business using either a manager model or an owner-operated model. A manager employs a staff to assist in the teaching and operation of the business; the owner of an owner-operated model not only teaches classes, but also operates the business.
Franchise Growth
Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North carolina, North dakota, New hampshire, New jersey, New mexico, Nevada, New york, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode island, South carolina, South dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West virginia, Wyoming
Outside the U.S.: Australia/new zealand, Canada, Central america, Eastern europe, Middle east
Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: By population & number of childcare & community centers & schools
In 1984, personal computers were still considered a luxury, and schools were figuring out how to best use the new technology as a learning tool. Moms Karen Marshall and Mary Rogers saw the teaching potential of computers and began Computertots/Computer Explorers with $1,500, one computer and 10 young students. Franchisees can operate the business using either a manager model or an owner-operated model. A manager employs a staff to assist in the teaching and operation of the business; the owner of an owner-operated model not only teaches classes, but also operates the business.
In 2003, Computertots/Computer Explorers was acquired by The International Center for Entrepreneurial Development Inc., which also owns Kwik Kopy Printing, Kwik Kopy Business Centers, Franklin's Printing, American Wholesale Thermographers, Copy Club, Women's Health Boutique and Parcel Plus.
|
12715 Telge Rd. Cypress, Texas 77429 |
Phone: (888)638-8722/ (281)256-4100 |
Franchise Growth
| Year | U.S. Franchises | Canadian Franchises | Foreign Franchises | Company Owned |
| 2009 | 84 | 1 | 15 | 0 |
| 2008 | 82 | 1 | 15 | 0 |
| 2007 | 99 | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| 2006 | 96 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| 2005 | 95 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North carolina, North dakota, New hampshire, New jersey, New mexico, Nevada, New york, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode island, South carolina, South dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West virginia, Wyoming
Outside the U.S.: Australia/new zealand, Canada, Central america, Eastern europe, Middle east
Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: By population & number of childcare & community centers & schools
Costs and Fees
|
Total investment: $62.9K-73.3K Franchise fee: $35K |
Ongoing royalty fee: 8% Term of agreement: 15 years, renewable |
Type of Financing Available
| In-House | Third Party | |
| Franchise Fee | Yes | Yes |
| Startup Costs | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment | No | Yes |
| Inventory | No | Yes |
| Accounts Receivable | No | Yes |
| Payroll | No | Yes |
Qualifications
Cash liquidity requirement: $40K
Business Experience:
- General business experience
- Marketing skills
Operations
- Franchise can be run from home
- 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit
- Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6
- Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)
Training and Support
Training
Ongoing Support
Marketing Support
Other marketing support
- Available at headquarters: 10 business days
- At franchisee's location: 2 days
Ongoing Support
- Newsletter
- Meetings
- Toll-free phone line
- Internet
- Security/safety procedures
Marketing Support
- National media
- Regional advertising
Other marketing support
- Direct-mail campaign
Rankings
Franchise 500® rank:
#347 (2008); #315 (2007); #333 (2006); #414 (2005);
Ranked #1 in category in:
2007;
Low-Cost Franchises:
#86 (2006); #120 (2005);
Top Home Based Franchises:
#97 (2008); #91 (2007); #91 (2006);
#347 (2008); #315 (2007); #333 (2006); #414 (2005);
Ranked #1 in category in:
2007;
Low-Cost Franchises:
#86 (2006); #120 (2005);
Top Home Based Franchises:
#97 (2008); #91 (2007); #91 (2006);