#144
At a Glance
Products & Services: New & used children's clothing, equipment, furniture, toys
Number of Locations: 244
Total Investment: $204.2K - 309.5K
Founded: 1984
Began Franchising: 1992
Public Owned WINA
About Once Upon A Child
Founded in 1984 in Columbus, Ohio, Once Upon A Child specializes in selling new and used children's clothes, toys, furniture and equipment. Franchises were first offered in 1992. The company is owned by Winmark (formerly Grow Biz), which also franchises Music Go Round, Plato's Closet, and Play It Again Sports.Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 222 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | 215 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 211 | 23 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | 208 | 23 | 0 | 0 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $204,200 - $309,500
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $200,000
Liquid Cash Available: $61,260 - $92,850
Operations
25% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 5. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators).How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 2 weeks.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks,