Franchise FAQs

1. What type of person is best suited to become an Andy's Parties' franchisee?

Andy's Parties caters to professional, high-end clients who expect the very best for their children. Consequently, we carefully select franchisees who possess three important qualities: tons of energy, strong organizational skills, and of course, a desire to make every child's birthday party a memorable event. Each party is the most important day, ever, for the child's family. So it is critical that our franchisees possess a strong attention to detail and the ability to execute flawlessly (while always smiling)!

2. Do I need to have a PhD in children to become an Andy's Parties franchisee?

Actually, we'd prefer you didn't have a PhD. It may scare the children! We do not require any prior business experience or specific educational background. We recognize that entrepreneurs come in all makes and models! However, you must demonstrate a commitment to building the business to its full potential in your territory through a combination of hard work, energy, and execution.

3. What types of ongoing support will you provide?

We will succeed only if our franchisees are successful, so we are committed to providing top-notch training and support. First, we will train you and your staff to run the best parties possible. Next, we intend to develop new theme parties and roll-out additional product and service offerings to provide you with additional opportunities to generate revenue. Third, we continue to develop relationships with suppliers to offer you great products for your parties at the best possible prices. Finally, we will provide assistance in growing your business, including providing marketing materials and programs as well as site selection and design assistance for your store. You will not be stranded once you are in business - we continue to offer advisory assistance once you're up and running.

4. What is the "Andy's Parties Training Event" like?

The Training Event begins with two intensive days of operations training, where we'll take you through the entire business operation at our suburban DC headquarters, including booking, staffing, and running successful parties; building vendor relationships; hiring and training employees; and marketing and promoting your business. After the two-day intense program, it's time to show you how to party like Andy's Parties, so we'll spend two days running many great events. On the fifth day, we'll provide the wake-up call and some smelling salts, debrief, and spend some time talking to clients about future events.

5. How long does it take to start running parties once we decide to become a franchisee?

Once you sign the Franchise Agreement, you can be up and running within 30-60 days. During this period, you will complete training, hire employees and begin marketing. As part of your initial investment, you will purchase a Start-Up Package, which includes a targeted direct mailing to 7,000 local families, costumes, theme party supplies, basic supplies, marketing collateral, and much more. Yes, we call it a Start-Up package, but it should be called the "Getting You Up & Running Quickly" package!

6. What are the staffing requirements?

You will need to recruit staff who will represent Andy's Parties as you would. We find that high school and college students and young professionals have the type of energy and rapport with children necessary to run an Andy's Parties event the right way. Depending on the child's age, the type of party, and the seniority of staff, you will typically send one staff member for every 5-7 children for a full-service party package. As part of our franchise training program, we cover hiring, training and managing employees, as well as methods to attract qualified candidates.

7. What kinds of theme parties does Andy's Parties have available?

We have many theme parties available and are adding more all the time. Please check our website at www.andysparties.com for current offerings.

8. Do I need to lease space for a store right away?

No! We have designed the franchise model to permit franchisees to grow into a store operation. Our corporate location was home-based for the first year to permit us time to grow the business to the point where a store location made sense. We are happy if you choose to follow the same plan. However, we will advise you in finding, preparing, and opening your store location sooner if you choose to do so. To maximize your potential you will need to open a store location within 18 months of starting your Andy's Parties franchise.

9. How much money can I earn?

We do not actually provide an estimate as to your potential earnings. In our UFOC, however, we disclose ranges of your estimated initial investment and the current price list used by our parent company, Andy's Parties, LLC.

10. I live in a Franchise Registration State, how soon can I receive information concerning the franchise?

Currently, the following states in the U.S. regulate the offering and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you reside in one of these states, our franchise must first be registered by your state before we may discuss the franchise with you. If you would like to know the status of our registration with your state, please contact us for additional information.

11. How do you determine my exclusive franchise territory?

We work with you to determine your actual territory. Your exclusive territory will be defined using either zip codes or county lines.

12. I'm interested. What's the next step?

#1 Call Andy or Paula Ross to discuss the business in more detail. They will be happy to answer your questions and help you determine whether opening an Andy's Parties franchise is right for you to do. The store phone number is 301-309-2FUN, or you can reach Andy on his mobile phone at 301-529-2056. Rather communicate by email at first? Either click on the "Contact Us" tab above or email Andy at .

#2 We will ask you to fill out our Confidential Information Form to learn more about you.

#3 Request a copy of our UFOC document. The document includes the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular, the Franchise Agreement and the other related exhibits. We recommend that you review the document with an attorney.

#4 Schedule a personal visit to our suburban DC headquarters. We will spend a day showing you every aspect of our business. If possible, we recommend that you visit with us on a Saturday or Sunday so that you have the opportunity to experience a party or two firsthand.