CANDYBOUQUET.COM
No Royalties
Fun to Give
Fun to Receive
Fun to Eat
Storefront
International Presence
Low Start-Up Costs
Home Based
Exclusive Territory
Extensive Training
Unique Product
Great Markup
Flexibility
Advertising Materials
candybouquet.com®
A Thousand Dollars and a
Dream
This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a Franchise Offering Circular filed first with appropriate state agencies. Such filing(s) does not constitute approval by the state agencies.
a
CANDYBOUQUET.COM CANDY BOUQUET INTERNATIONAL, INC.
423 East Third Street • Little Rock, AR 72201Toll Free 1-877-CANDY01 (1-877-226-3901)
(501) 375-9990 • Fax (501) 375-9998Email [email protected]
Greetings from one of the strongest franchise companies in the world! We would like to thank you for your interest. The word franchise means freedom from servitude. For many, owning your own business is a desire to gain this freedom. Candy Bouquet International, Inc. is committed to supporting you in realizing this dream. Because of this, CBI does not overburden you with high fees that could end your dream before it is even started. This is the reason CBI is so successful. Our franchise fees are listed as one of the lowest among all franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine, and best of all there are no royalty fees!
Your business is your business. You have continuing support from our corporate office, fellow franchisees, and a VIP franchisee-only website with forums. You also have access to many downloads and resources, along with a full distribution center that supplies you with product. Correspondingly, you also have the freedom to operate your business independently. As a partner with CBI you will be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.
Our founder and CEO started the company in her garage with very limited funds and a mission to build the best franchise company that makes working fun! Our top priority is to give our franchisees the lowest costs with the best provisions available.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please return it with a check in the amount of $15 (U.S.) payable to Candy Bouquet International, Inc. You may also e-mail or fax your application with a credit card authorization for the $15 application fee. This fee will allow you to obtain a hard copy of CBI’s Offering Circular by mail. This fee is refundable if you buy a franchise from Candy Bouquet International, Inc. or return the document to us undamaged. There is no fee when requesting the offering circular by e-mail.
If you have any questions, please contact our staff through our toll free numbers, e-mail, or fax. You will be assigned a Franchise Representative to answer all of your questions. We hope to hear from you soon!
The Sweet Staff at Candy Bouquet International, Inc.
Our Mission Statement: “Let your light so shine before all that they may see your good works.”
1
b
It’s a business that can be custom-fit to your lifestyle. Many of the franchisees start out at home and eventually work their way into a retail location. Margaret says she worked out of her garage until she landed some corporate accounts and was able to grow from there. She’s got one of the fastest growing franchise opportunities and it’s getting worldwide attention. Candy Bouquet has a huge presence on the Internet with new product features, gift ideas, links to franchisee web pages, and support information for franchisees. Support is key and they do their best to make sure each franchisee is comfortable with their business. There’s a 650 page manual to go along with the one week of training at the corporate headquarters in
SO WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOUR 12-YEAR OLD JUST BEGAN HER FRESHMAN YEAR OF COLLEGE, YOUR TWO SONS ARE IN AN EXPENSIVE PRIVATE SCHOOL AND YOUR HUSBAND WAS NOW AT HOME FULL-TIME BECAUSE HIS OIL BUSINESS HAD FOLDED DUE TO INDUSTRY INSTABIL-ITY?For Margaret McEntire she pulled her kids out of private school to home school them and started her very own business in her garage to pay for the college tuition. She only had $1,000 and a dream. Today she’s the Founder of Candy Bouquet International, Inc., a franchise company of candy gifts – the very same little business she started in her garage back in 1989. “I’ve always been a creative spirit and I wanted to do something fun,” she explains with a laugh as if all of it was no big deal. The business she chose was creating bouquets of candy as an alterna-tive to pricey flower arrangements. The idea was so unique and visually appeal-ing that it took off right away. She spent a lot of time giving away her product, which paid off for her when she sent a bouquet to the mother of her daughter’s college roommate. “She want-ed to know how she could make them and right there I knew I had something. She was my first franchisee,” remembers Margaret. Today there are over 700 Candy Bouquet franchises in 49 states and 46 countries! Much of her success comes from an unorthodox franchise agreement, which delivers a proven system with no royalty fees. That’s right, no payments based on sales. You buy the franchise and territory and the earnings are yours. Franchisees often order supplies from Candy Bouquet and there are some nominal maintenance fees, but no royalties. “I’ve found that the success rate is better for the franchises. And it creates an open line of communica-tion where everybody shares their ideas. We become friends with the franchi-sees…I’m not breathing down their necks with royalties,” shares Margaret. The Candy Bouquet franchise starts as low as $3,600 and increases depending on size of territory.
Arkansas and a year follow-up program to help franchisees get started. There also is an advanced certification program to take you to a higher level ... for free. “We’ve had all different types of people from stay at home moms to florists look-ing to add to their business. We’ve also had a Malaysian princess and an Arabian sheik,” says Margaret. For more information about home-based or storefront franchise opportunities with Candy Bouquet and to see some of their products, visit candybouquet.com. You may also call them at 877-CANDY-01 or 501-375-9990 to see if a franchise is avail-able in your area.
2
a
Frequently Asked Questions PLEASE READ!
What is Candy Bouquet? A Candy Bouquet franchise can be store front or home based, depending upon your location and needs. A typical retail operation of one of our stores is a very unique concept of a candy store, a gift store including Candy Bouquet arrangements, plus much more. Many retail locations carry fresh fudge, chocolate cases filled with fresh chocolates, unique sugar—free candies, balloons, custom gift baskets, and a wide variety of candy gift ideas. Candy Bouquets are floral-like designer gifts that are crafted from unique candies from around the world, as well as the finest chocolates. Candy Bouquets are exquisite gifts for corporations, birthdays, weddings, holidays, get well, or any occasion. One of the unique values of our product is the personalization to fit a whim, mood, or occasion. No two arrangements are alike. Candy Bouquets can be delivered or they can easily be packed and shipped to your customer anywhere in the world, arriving in perfect condition. The average cost is similar to floral arrangements. The average mark up is 350%. There is very little waste in materials and they can last for months. Candy Bouquets can be made ahead of time to delight and draw customers into your store!
What is a franchise fee and why is it paid? What do I get for my money? A franchise fee is paid for the right to use the intellectual property and trademarks that have been established by the franchisor. As a result of time, skill, effort, and money, we have developed a distinctive system relating to the establishment, operation, marketing, and promotion of the Candy Bouquet Franchise. You will receive confidential operations & advertising manuals, protected territory, trademarked name and logo, business training, marketing training, Candy Bouquet design training, store layout and design recommendations, discounts from our preferred vendors, rights to private labeled items unattainable elsewhere, and much more. Remember, most of the
public will buy from a franchise instead of a single standing store. Candy Bouquet has been ranked #1 in its category 10 years in a row by the Entrepreneur 500!
What do I get for my association fee? Is there a royalty or advertising fee?
We do not charge a royalty or an advertising fee. Our company was developed on the concept that royalties are unfair. Royalty is a percentage of your sales. The association fee is a small, set amount similar to dues that are paid monthly. The association fee makes it possible to continually provide mail outs, new design updates, newsletters and continued support. We also provide handbook updates and an online catalog for instant ordering. We have an advanced training course,
3
INITIAL FRANCHISE FEE AND MONTHLYASSOCIATION FEE
Population Initial Franchise Fee
Monthly Association Fee
1-5,000 $7,000 $65
5,001-10,000 $9,000 $75
10,001-20,000 $12,000 $95
20,001-40,000 $15,000 $110
40,001-60,000 $18,000 $120
60,001-80,000 $21,000 $140
80,001-100,000 $23,500 $150
100,001-125,000 $25,000 $170
125,001-150,000 $27,000 $200
150,001-200,000 $30,000 $240
200,001-250,000 $35,000 $280
250,001 Plus $145 per 000 $1.25 per 000
b4
which we pay you to complete. We also provide a VIP website exclusively for our franchisees that is updated daily with a variety of information including marketing and design suggestions and downloadable material.
Can I incorporate this franchise with other products or anexisting store? Yes! Upon approval and guidance from us, you are able to incorporate many things. We suggest carrying candy, balloons, small gift items and gourmet chocolates. Many others have co-branded their retail stores with a bakery, florist, gift store, or card shop.
Can I operate from my home?
Many of our best franchises are home based. The franchise fees are still based on the population of your territory. Your territory must include your home because that is your business location. You choose the size of your territory by the population of your home zip code. Please check with your Candy Bouquet Franchise Representative for the zip code breakdowns in your area. You may want to begin from your home and eventually move into a retail store. Many franchisees stay home at first, learn how to perfect their bouquets, obtain corporate accounts, build clientele, and then begin looking for just the right retail location.
Please check with your health department and neighborhood associations for any applicable restrictions that apply.
How long has Candy Bouquet been in business?
Candy Bouquet was founded by Margaret McEntire in 1989, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Candy Bouquet has been franchising stores since 1993.
What is the term of the franchise agreement?
The Franchise Agreement is for a term of five years
and is renewable at ¼ of your initial franchise fee for each additional five–year period.
Where do I train and how long is the training?
Training for Candy Bouquet is at our corporate headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas. There is a mandatory training session included in the franchise fee, which includes two people. Additional trainees may attend for $500 per person. Training begins on Monday morning and ends Friday afternoon. You have an intensive handbook that is over 650 pages, as well as additional information, covered by our professionals on staff.
Do I have to buy my supplies from Candy Bouquet International? You do not have to purchase all of your supplies from CBI. You are required to buy your “starting inventory package” from Candy Bouquet International when you attend our training session.
Our franchisees order from the CBI Distribution Center, but are not required to purchase everything from us. We have competitive prices, quality control, logo items, and one—stop shopping with great discounts. You have the option to buy elsewhere if you wish. For quality control, there are certain proprietary items that you must buy from CBI.
As a franchisee, you will have access to our VIP site and online catalog. Ordering is fast and easy over the internet. The VIP site is updated daily with information from the corporate headquarters, as well as fellow franchisees. The VIP site is a great source for marketing tools, design ideas, and much more.
Can I learn how to make a Candy Bouquet? What if I am not artistic?
Yes, everyone can learn, with the exception of extreme physical limitations. You do not have to be artistic.
a5
We have franchisees that are color blind, legally blind, and many other physical limitations. We have several franchises that work as non-profit adult education centers where the disabled adults can work with the teachers and aides and earn money for their school centers.
If you are not an “artistic” person, you may want to pay close attention to our patterned Candy Bouquets and gift baskets. If you consider yourself a creative person, there is no limit to your creation of designs.
Can I make money doing this?Yes, you can make money in this business. It is similar to all businesses in that your success will depend on your commitment to your business. The amount of profit you can expect from a Candy Bouquet franchise depends on many variables, which include, but are not limited to, location, customer base, proper management, and advertising strategies. Everyone loves candy and flowers. Our product is a unique combination of the floral concept and candy. The average mark up per arrangement is 350%. We have franchises in towns with under 500 people that have been in business for years!
Candy Bouquet International, Inc. cannot make earning projections for your store. We do not charge a royalty, therefore we do not have access to the financial records of our franchises. Any earnings claims made directly to you are volunteered by our franchisees. These earnings are unaudited by Candy Bouquet International, Inc.
Does Candy Bouquet offer financing? CBI is a member of the SBA registry, which may speed up your loan process through the Small Business Administration.
How is my geographic territory determined?Exclusive territories are determined by you! They are usually defined by zip codes. We strongly suggest that you not buy a territory larger than you can efficiently
manage or that you can afford. We also have a process for determining international territories. Please feel free to call us at Candy Bouquet for additional information. Our Candy Bouquet Franchise Representatives can assist you with the statistics. We will work with you and try to solve any territorial questions…just contact us!
Can I transfer my franchise?
Yes. However, all transfers are handled by Candy Bouquet International, Inc. The remainder of your contract is assumable upon approval. The prospective buyer will go through the same steps that you went through, completing the application and approval process. Your contract will be transferred by Candy Bouquet International upon the training of the new franchisee. The Uniform Franchise Offering Circular signing, training and transfer of funds will also take place at this time. You will refer to your UFOC for the amount of the training and transfer fees.
How big should my retail store be? Where should my store be located?Our first store in Little Rock, Arkansas was only 90 square feet!
A retail location usually is 250 – 3,500 square feet in a “strip mall”. Through our experience we have learned that locations are excellent when they face the north, are in high foot traffic areas, and where there is plenty of parking. Locations vary, but we recommend that the store is located near other gift stores or florists.
Can I have a partner with this business?
Yes, we allow partnerships. Your partner will need to go through the same application process. We will require a partnership agreement on the day that you sign your contract. This partnership agreement will go in your file with your Franchise Agreement here at Candy Bouquet International, Inc.
b6
Are there available discounts?
Candy Bouquet International, Inc. is a member of the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran) program which allows qualified veterans of the US Armed Forces to acquire franchise businesses by providing financial incentives not otherwise available to other franchise investors. CBI also helps seniors fulfill a lifelong dream of owning their own business by offering a Senior Discount to all persons age 65 and older. We also offer special incentives for florists. Only one discount applies per buyer. Please contact a representative for more details.
What are the Advanced and Elite Certification Programs?
The Advanced Certification Program and Elite Certification Program are step-by-step programs that are designed to improve the marketing efforts of the Candy Bouquet franchises all over the world. Candy Bouquet franchisees who complete the programs, have reached the advanced levels of professionalism within the CBI organization and are considered star performers. Upon completion and verification, franchisees receive an official certificate noting your completion of the program and a special Candy Bouquet pin that notes your achievement. Franchisees are also awarded a gift certificate for the CBI Distribution Center, honored on our CBI Extranet, and recognized at our annual convention.
What are the steps that I take from here if I want to buy a Candy Bouquet Franchise?
Our Candy Bouquet Franchise Representatives will assist you in establishing your territory size and price.
First, fill out the “Request for Consideration Application” (attached to this packet) and send it in with your $15 application fee to receive the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular by mail. You
may also fax or fill out the application on-line at candybouquet.com. The application form also includes a place to sign and authorize us to charge the $15 (refundable) fee to your credit card, if you wish to receive the UFOC by mail. Please include the name of the card, account number and expiration date. The UFOC is free when requesting a copy by email.
Second, you will be notified if you are approved for a franchise. A Uniform Franchise Offering Circular will be sent to you. Your Franchise Agreement is included in the UFOC. A representative will call you to inform you that the document is on its way. Upon receiving the UFOC, please date and sign the receipt, and mail or fax it back to us.
Third, There is a 10-14 day waiting period before you can purchase your franchise. The waiting period begins the day after you sign and date your receipt. You should read your UFOC carefully. We suggest that you have an attorney, CPA, or other business advisor examine the UFOC.
You will want to call your Candy Bouquet Franchise Representative to have your questions answered.
Fourth, Upon your decision to buy the franchise, you must determine the territory you will be purchasing. After your territory has been determined, you will be sent an execution copy of the agreement (all material blanks completed). You will need to review this copy for 5 business days before being able to execute the agreement. Once your territory has been set and your 5 business day waiting period has been met, you will need to send CBI a ¼, non-refundable deposit of your franchise fee to reserve your territory (example: If your territory is $10,000, you will send a $2,500 deposit). This must be in
a
the form of a cashiers check, wire transfer, or money order. Your Candy Bouquet Franchise Representative will assist you with signing the Franchise Agreement. You also need a local zip code map attached, for your protection and for reference, which will be provided to you.
Fifth, Upon receipt of your non-refundable deposit and signed Franchise Agreement, we will contact you and mutually set up your training week. At this time we will send you a training package containing more training information. With early notification, fully furnished lofts above our corporate training center are available for rent. The information will also include what you should wear, times you need to be at corporate headquarters, etc.
Sixth, Before arriving for your training, make sure that you set up an appointment with your Candy Bouquet Franchise Representative to conclude the signing of your contract. Your Representative will assist you with a convenient time. This is when you remit the remainder of your franchise fee (3/4 of your franchise fee) in the form of a cashiers check made payable to Candy Bouquet International, Inc. You must also purchase your starting inventory package estimated at $3,500. If your starter pack is shipped, you will be billed separately for your shipping cost. Training begins promptly on Monday morning and the fun begins! We strongly encourage each new franchisee to meet with a local representative from the SCORE, SBDC, or SBA prior to coming to Candy Bouquet training.
Seventh, You will spend 5 days in Little Rock, Arkansas, at our corporate headquarters. You will be introduced to all of our staff, learn about our trade secrets and tour our International Distribution Center. You will attend computer training for our web and VIP site by one of our Computer
Technologists, and receive business training, quality control training, and much more. You will receive additional marketing training and an Advertising and Marketing manual. The week is fun, interesting and full of information, so please be rested and ready! We have a training manual with over 650 pages to assist you in starting your own business.
For a fast response, fill out our Request for Consideration online at candybouquet.com or fill out the application in this booklet, and fax or mail it to us! Please feel free to contact our office at any time with questions you may have. Our staff is trained to answer your questions and will be happy to do so. Call toll free 1-877-CANDY01.
7
b8
he woman who received IFA’s award for mentoring laughs when she recalls the support, or lack thereof, that she got when she started her own business.
“When I started, not only did I not have a mentor, but most people thought I had lost my mind,” says Candy Bouquet founder Margaret McEntire. “In fact, I had very little support until I had 175 stores and won the Business Woman of the Year Award in Arkansas,” she says good naturedly. Without benefit of a mentor or even prior experience (her previous two attempts at business ownership failed due to her partner bailing out on her), McEntire built her Candy Bouquet franchise to its current 510 stores in 37 countries and 49 states. It was an experience that made a lasting impression, and that formed the basis of her franchisee training program.
At the core of her business philosophy is taking care of the company’s franchisees. Although her franchisees, 95-plus percent of whom are women and minorities, are spread around the world, McEntire maintains personal contact with each one, taking phone calls and answering e-mails personally when they have questions or want to talk about the business. One franchisee wrote to her, “Just a small thank you for sharing your ideas and helping women all over the world.” Another wrote, “I know how busy you are and yet you always make time for us and all our questions or
T problems.” “My most precious commodity is my time, and if that’s what I’m giving, then I’m giving something very valuable in order to make a difference in someone’s life,” McEntire says of her hands-on leadership approach. McEntire has some advice for professional women in franchising. First, she says women ought to “listen to learn, but then form your own opinions.” Second, McEntire says women sometimes need to seek out their mentor, rather than wait for one to come to them. This is a preaching that she practices in her own career. Fresh out of college, McEntire wanted to put her new degree to use teaching children with disabilities. But, because there was no school for such children in Fayetteville, AR. where she lived, she wrote a grant and started one of her own. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew I wanted to do it, so I sought out people who could help me,” McEntire says. She found her mentors in a local priest, a preacher and a school board president, who she says knew the people, the connections and had the know-how to make her goal a reality. McEntire’s mentoring benefits not only the women in her company, but the community around her. She developed a concept called Rebuild America From Within, the goal of which is to infuse capital into inner cities across the U.S. by establishing franchised businesses there. McEntire also developed a college tuition reimbursement program for her employees, as well as a welfare-to-work program. One young (Continued on page 16)
“When I started, not only did I not have a mentor, but most people thought I had lost my mind,”
(Continued on page 14)employee with two small children has proudly left the welfare role and will enter college in the fall, thanks to the program. In addition, McEntire’s Teach a Man to Fish Program helps adults with disabilities find meaningful work experiences by encouraging her franchisees to hire them as employees. These individuals receive on-the-job training and paychecks, and raise funds for the organizations that provide housing and assistance to them.
Mentoring is important because it changes the world,” McEntire says emphatically. People in the US get obsessed with money, but as you get older, you start to think, ‘what am I going to leave my kids?’ Yeah, I can
leave them money, but why not leave them much more? You could make a lot of money and give it all away, or you could help somebody and change their lives forever,” she says. “My son wrote a paper for school
called ‘My Mom The Lunatic’ about how I started my company, but the last line was, ‘…and I hope I turn out just like her.’ It brought tears to my eyes,” McEntire says proudly. For her, that’s what mentoring is all about. ■
“I didnʼt know what I was doing, but I knew I wanted to do it, so I sought out people who could help me.”
a9
Tastymonials Working for a 7-Eleven® franchise for 15 years helped me realize that I wanted to own my own business. Deterred by the start-up costs and the time commitment involved in operating a 24 hour-a-day business, I started looking for a business that would allow me to be creative and spend time with my teenage daughter without investing tons of money. I found what I was looking for in Candy Bouquet. I liked being creative, and they let you be as creative as you want to be. I also liked the idea that I could start out from home. While I currently run my business with the help of six part-time staffers, I envision a time when I’ll move out of my home and into a store with a full-time staff. I’m anticipating Christmas this year to be really exciting and busy because last year I was caught off-guard with how busy I was. Now that I’ve built up a big customer base and a lot of repeat business, the future is unlimited.
Debra
A few posts from our Franchisees Only website:
I am having such a blast lately. Sales are way up and I just feel positive and creative. I love this franchisee website. It is so fun to chat with people in this environment. I get great ideas from this site and sometimes great laughs as well. I can’t imagine that a Burger King, McDonald’s or other franchises like that having near as much fun as we do. We get to create fun. We get to make people happy!!! I could not have chosen a better business to invest in than this!!! On another note, I got a request on Friday for a stork bouquet from a bank that was sending something to a very big client of theirs that had a baby. They saw the bouquet in my brochure. In conversation the woman ordering said she wished she could see the bouquet. I told her I would be right over with it. Well, it turns out that a friend of our family works in that office as well, I didn’t even realize this. Now that they know there is a connection there this will be a huge benefit to me!!! I told them everything I can do for them and they are very excited about the prospect!!!
Leslie
Hi everyone! Wow. These postings on this website have been nothing short of awesome! Thank you to everyone for sharing and lifting my spirits, renewing my focus. Thanks to another store, I showed the Puppy Bouquet a few weeks ago at a community meeting and it almost caused a riot! (In fact, the guy next to me who had to give his pitch after me, stood up and shook his head and said... ‘How in the world do I follow THAT??!!’). Margaret, thank you for sharing a bit of your life here with us. You are an amazing person. I heard a long time ago the keys to being Happy. They are: 1. Help others 2. Keep busy 3. Love others and be willing to be loved 4. Have Hope Everyone ... have a wonderful, positive and hopeful week! And thank you again for starting my week off with such a jump-start!
Jon
b10
Tastymonials
Well, I don’t know where to begin, but I guess I need to start by giving a great big thank you once again to all of you who sent in donations and prayed for us after Hurricane Katrina. It has almost been a year, and wow what a year it has been. Life has definitely changed. I have some really good news. After a whole year of thinking that we would not be able to reopen and meeting one obstacle after another, WE ARE REOPENING!!! We signed a lease in a great location. We have been working day in and day out doing all the work ourselves to cut costs. Our store is beautiful. It has turned out better than we ever expected. Every day when I get there I just have to stand back and look at it for a few minutes. I never thought this day would come. The enormous support that we received from Candy Bouquet was what got me through the hardest time in my life. I wanted to give up at one point, but Margaret would not let me. Without her inspiration, we would not have made it to this point. All I can say to that is thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have seen the lowest point in my life and one of the highest points in my life in this past year. It is amazing that your whole life can change in the blink of an eye, but it can, so always remember to live each day to the fullest. This is a dream come true for me. My store is in a better location, surrounded by restaurants, a shoe store, a doctor’s office, a dance studio, banks and lots of other businesses. Every day, people are stopping by and seem so excited. I just want to say thank you again to all of you. We are so blessed to be in The Candy Bouquet Family.
Julie
We opened on June 17th and everything is going great. We did all of the work on the store ourselves. I think it turned out wonderful. We had our grand opening on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of July. We also participated in the local 4th of July parade. The paper put a press release out the week of our grand opening and it was a huge success. We gave away a small popcorn box in a drawing each day. Everyone commented on how nice the store looked and we sold lots of bouquets.
We are also doing quite well with the fudge from Stone Brook Fudge Factory. Ernest, Mary Jane and Eric have been great. We also sell bulk candies by the pound, balloons, gift cards, fudge, and miscellaneous gift items.
I can’t thank you enough for all the help we have received from everyone at Candy Bouquet. Even though we have a very small town, I have been so busy I can hardly keep up. My 90 year-old mother comes in everyday and helps me, Amy works at the store approximately 3 days a week, my son Mark helps out with computer work and deliveries, and my husband, Ira, comes in every day at 6 pm when he gets done with work. It has been wonderful working together as a family. We really have a lot of fun.
Mary
I just have to share this. This gentleman ordered a “Garden Delight” bouquet for his wife’s birthday. I delivered it yesterday and he sent me this follow-up e-mail from her. This is why I love my Candy Bouquet!!!!!
“OH MY GOODNESS!!!! You are the greatest husband ever. The office clerk called me to the office. When I got there, everyone was around staring at my bouquet! I started crying! The girls were jealous, and my boss says you’re making him look bad :) It just made my day!I love you, Jess”
Monica
A while back I was searching for something to send to my son’s Kindergarten teacher for Valentine’s Day. We needed to find some-thing...different! Your services were exactly what we were looking for. I placed my order with a store in Lower Burrell, PA. Words cannot describe how absolutely satisfied we are! Any time I need to send [something], I will send a Candy Bouquet. I will also recommend your business to anyone who needs such services. Again, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for all your efforts to make one snowy Valentine’s Day absolutely wonderful for a much deserving teacher! School was cancelled because of snow, but before I even called, our local Candy Bouquet already had a plan in place to make sure the bouquet was delivered - now THAT is service!
Mrs. Denise Decheck, complimenting Lucy and Phyllis
a
Valentine’s Day was a big success! We are a small home-based business and I am pleased to report that we met our monthly goals. In addition we received many new customers as well. Candy Bouquet’s are quality products that really do sell themselves. I wanted to thank you for providing me with this opportunity to have a business of my own that I enjoy. With the training, assistance, and your continued support, we know our dream to have a successful family-owned; family-run, family-oriented business will come true. I can’t think of a better way to spend my day then by creating and delivering Candy Bouquets.
Judy
In March, I decided to venture into becoming a home based CBI franchisee. Who would have known that in less than 8 months I would purchase another Candy Bouquet franchise in a much larger city (3,000 pop. to 100,000 pop.) and opening a storefront? I feel so anxious and excited! We have already secured 3 corporate accounts. The first is a relocation specialist that brings top executives to our area. The bouquets go to the companies that are using her services. She saw our Halloween bouquet that we left at the Chamber of Commerce. The next is a company that mails coupons out to households. We have an agreement that he will include my coupon in his mailings and I will make bouquets in his logo mugs for his new customers. We have 20 bouquets to make that will go to all different types of businesses. The mailing would have cost around $600. We get a mailing into 10,000 households and bouquets into 20 different businesses for hardly any expense. The last is the company that is installing our flooring. They do a lot of commercial accounts. The sales representative is using us to send thank you bouquets to their customers. In closing, I am so excited about this venture and nervous at the same time. It has been nerve wrecking waiting for construction to be done, but I know it takes time. Also, every time I see the excitement one of the bouquets brings to the person receiving and giving it – it makes me happy about my decision to become a Candy Bouquet franchisee. Margaret, thank you for making this business a franchise.
Janet
We are a store front Candy Bouquet that has been in operation since May 1995. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. We learned so much at our training session and continually benefit from Candy Bouquet’s franchisee website. It keeps us updated with new marketing tools and bouquet ideas. Part of our success can be attributed to the fact that a lot of customers have become friends.
Kathie
I would like to report that I had a great Mother’s Day. As you know it falls on the last Sunday of May here on the island of Haiti. I had a huge order from this bank who wanted to give corsages to their customers the whole week leading to that Sunday. I was able to get the order out the day I promised, packed it really nice and put samples of the three colors they have asked on top of the box covered with clear cello. I was proud of my employees and myself because we worked hard to be able to deliver 1500 corsages. Great success and corporate contact!
Thank you Margaret, for this wonderful idea you had and which reached me all the way in Haiti. Now I carry the name here and I receive lots of compliments on how beautiful and professional my work is.
Johanne
For Christmas I tripled my business over last year .. and as it looks now for Valentine’s Day - I should make up to 4 times what I did last year ......
Ann11
Tastymonials
b
REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATIONComplete and return this form to:
CANDYBOUQUET.COMCANDY BOUQUET INTERNATIONAL, INC.
423 E. Third St., Little Rock, AR 72201Toll Free: 1-877-CANDY01 • Phone: (501) 375-9990
Fax: (501) 375-9998
To speed your process, go to candybouquet.com and complete online.It is understood that the purpose of this questionnaire is for general information and is in no way binding upon the company or the applicant. It is understood, however, that the applicant supplies the information contained herein to the best of his/her knowledge and ability and that the company relies on this fact when assessing the desirability and qualifications of the applicant. Each applicant is asked to complete a separate copy of the Request for Consideration. Photocopies of this form are acceptable. This document and all other correspondence between the applicant and Candybouquet.com will be kept confidential.
SECTION 1: PERSONAL INFORMATION (please print)
Applicantʼs Name M ❑ F ❑ Date of Birth SS/S.I.N. # D.L.# Spouseʼs SS/S.I.N. # D.L.#Spouseʼs Name Date of BirthName(s) of prospective business partner(s)Marital Status Number of Children AgesDo you have any dependents other than children & spouse?Residence AddressCity State/ProvincePostal/Zip Code CountyTelephone Number ( ) Fax Number ( )Current residence is (check) ❑ Owned ❑ Rented How longPrevious AddressCity State/Province Postal/Zip CodeI am a citizen of: Email Address:
SECTION 2: EMPLOYMENT/FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Applicantʼs Current Employment Status (check) ❑ Full-time ❑ Part-time ❑ Self-employed ❑ UnemployedEmployer/Business Name(if unemployed, state most recent employer)
Position Held How long there?Employer/ Business AddressAnnual SalaryTelephone Number ( ) Fax Number ( )May we contact your employer for reference? (check) ❑ Yes ❑ NoSpouseʼs Current Employment Status (check) ❑ Full-time ❑ Part-time ❑ Self-employed ❑ UnemployedEmployer/Business Name(if unemployed, state most recent employer)
Position Held How long there?Employer/ Business AddressAnnual SalaryTelephone Number ( ) Fax Number ( )May we contact your employer for reference? (check) ❑ Yes ❑ NoFinancial InformationAmount in Applicants Cash Savings & Checking: Applicants net worth of Current Investments:Other sources of income in addition to the above:
a
Where did you hear about Candy Bouquet International?Have you ever owned your own business? ❑ Yes ❑ NoIf yes, please describe the business. How many years?How long have you been looking for a business?Where do you want to locate your business?
Do you plan on starting home based or storefront?Can you devote your full time to the business? ❑ Yes ❑ NoIf approved, how do you propose to finance the purchase and development of your franchise?
If you are awarded a franchise, when would you be available for training?Who is your franchise representative at Candybouquet.com?
SECTION 3: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Your education: High School Graduate (check) ❑ Yes ❑ No College: # of Years DegreeOther special skills:
Your spouseʼs education: High School Graduate (check) ❑ Yes ❑ No College: # of Years DegreeOther special skills:
In which of the following areas do you have experience? (check all that apply)
❑ Management ❑ Bookkeeping ❑ Floral Design ❑ Retail ❑ Marketing ❑ Other Service Industry (please explain)
Have you ever owned (or currently own) another franchise? ❑ Yes ❑ No The franchise company?Are you a Veteran of U.S. or Armed Forces? Are you 65 or older ❑ Yes ❑ No
SECTION 4: BUSINESS INFORMATION
Page 2 of Request for Consideration
SECTION 5: LEGAL
Have you ever been refused a bond? (check) ❑ Yes ❑ NoIf yes, please explain.
Are you a defendant in any legal action? (check) ❑ Yes ❑ NoIf yes, please explain.
Have you ever had any judgments against you? (check) ❑ Yes ❑ NoIf yes, please explain.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? ❑ Yes ❑ NoHave you ever gone through a bankruptcy? (check) ❑ Yes ❑ NoIf yes, please explain by indicating when and for what amount.
We reserve the right to request a personal resume and financial statement.
b
SECTION 7: CONFIRMATION AND SIGNATURE
Upon receipt of your franchise application, and a $15.00 application fee, and upon approval of your application, Candy Bouquet International, Inc. will mail to you a copy of its Franchise Offering Circular. You can also request a free Offering Circular by e-mail. CBI will return your application fee if you decide to purchase a franchise or if you return the Franchise Offering Circular to us undamaged.
The undersigned agrees; 1) that the information will be used only for the purpose of evaluating the possible purchase of a Candy Bouquet Franchise; 2) that the information will not be copied or used for any other purpose, and (3) that they will not replicate or reproduce any similar type store or home-based business of candy arrangements. If I do not choose to buy a Candy Bouquet franchise, (4) the information will not be disclosed to any third party, except legal, accounting and business advice, (5) that CBI has complied with all legal issues and laws pertaining to this offering.
The undersigned authorizes Candy Bouquet International, Inc. to obtain credit information on me and my spouse.
By signing below, I signify that I have read and agree to all of the above, and have read and agree with the non-competition agreement. In addition, I understand that any deposits I make in the future on exclusive territory are non-refundable.
SECTION 6: PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT REFERENCES
Page 3 of Request for Consideration
Please provide us with one personal reference who can vouch for your character (NOT RELATIVES). Employer / Supervisor Company Address City State / Province Postal / Zip Code Telephone May we contact this reference? ❑ Yes ❑ No Length of Employment Reason for Leaving
1
I certify that all my statements and representations made in my Request for Consideration are true and correct, and I have withheld no relevant information which would, if disclosed, adversely affect my application. I understand that CBI relies upon such statements and representations in making its business decision concerning me. I authorize CBI to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, an investigation(s) to cover, without limitation, one or more of the following items:
the obtaining of:
information concerning my educational background from any institution or other source;information concerning my employment history (including United States military service, if applicable), from any prior employer or other source;information concerning me, if any which may be obtained from public records;a credit report concerning me;a consumer investigative report. In this regard, I acknowledge the following disclosure was made to me by CBI in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Public Law 91-508;
CBI may request an investigation which provides information concerning your character, general reputation, personal characteristics and mode of living, and that if one is made, additional information as to the nature and scope of the report will be furnished to you upon your request.
I authorize all persons, institutions, prior employers, organizations, and companies to furnish any and all pertinent information known to them about me, and all such parties can rely on the photocopy of this application as if it were an original.
I hereby release from liability all persons, institutions, prior employers, organizations, references, and companies, who furnish pertinent information concerning me. I also release from liability CBI, its employees or agents, in obtaining such information deemed appropriate to evaluate my application and make a business decision based on that information.
In addition, I understand that any deposits I make in the future on any exclusive territory are non-refundable.
Signature / Legal Name Date
Spouseʼs Signature Date
Type of credit card ❒ Visa ❒ Mastercard ❒ American Express ❒ DiscoverName on Credit Card
Credit Card Number
Expiration Date
Signature of Card Holder
❒ Or check here to receive a free UFOC by e-mail. E-mail__________________________________________
a15
Why People Invest in a Candy Bouquet Franchise
• Much less expensive than any of our competitors
• Internationally Recognized Name
• One of the World’s Fastest Growing Franchises
• No Royalty Fee
• Low Cost Investment
• Protected Territory
• Internet VIP site with daily support
• Online Ordering and Product Catalog
• High Internet Exposure & personalized web sitelets designed just for you
• Unique Products in High Demand
• Home Based or Storefront
• Internet Advertising with No Advertising Fee!
• You May Combine with Another Business or Franchise
• No Waste—Cost Effective—Great Markup!
• Worldwide Distribution Center
• Not Required to Buy All Products From Us
• You Pick Your Own Territory by Zip Code or Exclusive Area
• Ongoing Support and Newsletters
• Drop—Ship Suppliers at Reduced Costs
• One Week Hands—On Training included in your franchise fee
• Ongoing Classes and Conventions
• Marketing and Advertising in CBI Handbook
• “Easy to make” Patterned Bouquets available
Contact us at candybouquet.com or call toll free 1-877-CANDY01 for more information or a free franchise information packet.
b16
• #1; Food Gifts/Retail Sales category, Best of the Best, Entrepreneur, 1995-2006
• Top 20 Home—based Franchises, Entrepreneur, past 12 years
• Top 25 Hot Franchises, Specialty Retail Report, 2006
• 2004 Executive of the Year, Arkansas Business, 2005
• Bonny Levine Award for Top Woman in Franchising, International Franchise Association, 2001
• Top 100, International Franchise 100, Commercial News USA
• Working Woman Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
• University of Arkansas Alumni Hall of Fame, 2003
• #17; Top 100 Inner City Business’s in America, INC. Magazine, 2000 & 2001
• #71, Franchise 500, Entrepreneur, past 10 years
• Income Opportunities Platinum 100, 1998–2002
• Top 25 Low Cost Franchises, Entrepreneur, past 8 years
• Top Businesses Start Now, Entrepreneur, 2002, 2003
• #36, Top Fastest Growing Franchises, Entrepreneur, past 10 years
• 100 Companies on the Verge, Franchise Times, 2005, 2006
• Top 10 Retail/Specialty Franchises in America, Franchise Times
• #65; America’s Top Global Franchises, Entrepreneur, past 7 years
• CEO Philanthropist, Fortune Small Business, October 2000
• Nominated for top 500 Business Women in the United States, Working Woman, 1999
• Top 100 Business Women in Arkansas, Arkansas Business, 1999
• Congressional Medal of Merit, 1999
• US Chamber of Commerce Blue Chip Award, National Winner, 1998
• Small Business Person of the Year, awarded to Margaret McEntire, President/Owner, US Small Business Association, 1998
• Small Business Woman of the Year, awarded to Margaret McEntire, US Small Business Association, 1998
• Small Business Exporter of the Year, awarded to Margaret McEntire, 1998 President/Owner, US Small Business Association,
1998
• Ronald Reagan Award, awarded to Margaret McEntire, outstanding member of President Bush’s Business Advisory
Council, 2004
The Sweet Taste of Success Awards Not only do we know we have a great product, the experts think so too!
a17
Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 Top Franchises to Own
70 Arby’s Roast beef sandwiches, chicken, wraps, salads
71 Candy Bouquet Floral—like designer gifts and gourmet confections
72 Sport Clips Men’s sports–themed hair salon
73 Moe’s Southwest Grill Quick–service fresh–Mex restaurant
74 Sign–A–Rama Signs
75 CiCi’s Pizza All–you–can–eat pizza buffet
76 Home Instead Senior Care Nonmedical senior–care services
77 Fitness Together Personal fitness training
78 Comfort Keepers Nonmedical in–home senior care
79 Cruise Planners Franchising LLC/American Express Cruise/tour travel agency
80 Line-X Corp. Spray on truck bed liners and industrial coatings
Entreprenuer Magazine’s Best Home—Based Businesses
15 Novus Auto Glass Windshield repair and replacement
16 Coverall Cleaning Concepts Commercial cleaning
17 Coffee News Weekly newspaper distributed at restaurants
18 Candy Bouquet Floral—like designer gifts and gourmet confection
19 Comfort Keepers Nonmedical in–home senior care
20 Cruise Planners Franchising LLC/American Express Cruise/tour travel agency
One of the Best Franchises to Own
b18
Notes & Questions
19
b20
“...All it takes is a dream
and the belief that you can
Succeed”
“...Limited only by
Imagination”
CANDYBOUQUET.COM 423 East Third Street • Little Rock, AR 72201Toll Free 1-877-CANDY01 (1-877-226-3901)
(501) 375-9990 • Fax (501) 375-9998Email [email protected]
