The spotlight on LCF Fun Languages franchise
How would you define your brand? Fun, educational, easy, value for money, innovative and world-leading.
How old is the company and when did you start franchising? We started franchising in Australia in 2007 but the international company is about 20 years old.
How many franchises do you have? In Australia, 20
How many are multi-unit franchisees? Multi-unit franchising is not relevant to our business model.
Where do you expect the business to be in 2010? Another good question – at least double in size.
What are the start-up costs for a franchisee and what working capital should they have? We have two different entry levels with different royalty fees. Our fees are set to increase on July 1 but anyone with $10,000 to $15,000 including working capital will fit our criteria.
What is the length of agreement? Five years
What are the royalty fee and marketing levy? Depending on the entry level chosen 12.5 per cent or 20 per cent royalty; we have a three per cent marketing levy
What skills does the franchisee need? We look for well-organised people who can manage their time effectively and who have the entrepreneurial gene.
Some of our franchisees are trained teachers and speak several languages fluently. Some of our franchisees only speak English and have limited experience teaching children. All franchisees have a passion for working with children and an appreciation of the benefits of early language learning.
What will you teach them? How to teach languages to children using the LCF methodology; how to market and run a small business; assertiveness training and communication skills; how to employ and manage teachers if they choose to.
What is the most common mistake made by new franchisees? Because we have experience as a franchisee and franchisor in New Zealand, we try to work on overcoming any pitfalls before a new franchisee signs up. We work on developing a strategy early on, and discuss the potential risks, how to manage them and, if successful, what the benefits will be.
Contact: Nickie Race-Jones; ph: 0413 163 807
Email: nickie@lcfclubs.com.au
Website: www.lcfclubs.com.au
To read Q&As from Cafe2U, CRA Cost Reduction Analysts and Spray Pave Australia, see the latest edition of Franchising magazine (July/August) out now in newsagencies.