1.  What kind of qualifications do I or does my group need to become a Sports and Activities Franchisee?

Outstanding sales skills are a must.  Entrepreneurial drive and determination are also very important components in taking on this franchise.  Prior print publishing knowledge would be helpful, but isn’t required.  Beyond small, one-person franchises, a proven ability to attract, retain and motivate others is critical.  Above all, franchisees must have a passion for the Sports and Activities Directory philosophy, product, and brand.

2.  What initial investment is required and what is the term of the franchise?

The initial franchise fee ranges from $10K - $35K, depending on franchisee aggressiveness and territory size.  It gives you the right to use the Sports and Activities Directory trademark, templates and models to create a Sports and Activities Directory.  The franchisee fee covers the cost of your initial training, territory approval, and the initial support you need to launch your first Sports and Activities Directory.  Franchisees SHOULD have approximately two to three times the franchise fee in additional working capital to invest in the launch of your Sports and Activities Directory.  The term of the franchise is 5 years, with the option to renew for additional terms.

3.  How much money can I expect to make?

Your profitability will vary and will be a function of a number of internal and external factors.  Internal factors include:  your rate of advertising sales, your costs for generating these sales, and your individual skills and drive as the local publisher of The Sports and Activities Directory.  External factors include:  the prevalence and ferocity of your local competition, the prevailing advertising rates in your territory and other individual territory characteristics.

4.  Do I need journalism or sports related experience to become a Sports and Activities Directory Franchisee?

No.  However, our publication is a magazine and an almost 100% focus on sports and activities in the respective city, cities, or county. Not necessary, but it helps.  A great portion of the journalism can be written by your advertisers.  The number 1 skill that is needed is the ability to sell advertising (or hire others who can).  Being computer literate is also a must. 

5.  What staff do I need to hire?

A Sports and Activities Directory can be small enough for one person to operate.  However, most franchisees will want to hire a small staff of salaried or commission-only salespeople to boost the number of people selling, as well as hire some part-time people to help distribute newspapers each quarter.

6.  Will the Sports and Activities Directory help me find a territory?

Yes.  We will work with you to identify the boundaries of an exclusive territory that is right for your business aspirations and for the Sports and Activities Brand overall.

7.  Who determines what goes into my Sports and Activities Directory and what it looks like?

You do, but we have a specific Sports and Activities Directory template and specific editorial and advertising standards that all franchisees must adhere to.  We have developed and refined them over the years, in order to create a very compelling product for readers and advertisers alike.

8.  What royalty does the Sports and Activities Directory Franchise charge?

Our monthly royalty is 7% of your gross sales.  In addition to the continuous support we provide to all franchisees on all facets of their businesses, this royalty pays our costs for creating and delivering fresh, interesting and informative syndicated content for use by our franchisees Sports and Activities Directory each quarter.

9.  Are multiple Sports and Activities Directory territories available?

Yes.  In fact, multi-unit operators are strongly encouraged.  Multi-unit operators may be able to increase each individual units profitability, by taking advantage of economies of scale by sharing services, employees and local content across contiguous territories.

10.  Can I sell my franchise?

Yes.  You may sell your business, with our consent, as long as the sale complies with the provisions of the Franchise Agreement.