Back in 2006 we wrote about Dutch Postbank's campaign to facilitate the efforts of kidpreneurs, and now a Florida-based company is taking the notion a step further by offering mini-franchises for kids.
Founded last year, Florida-based FranChild enables kids ages 5 to 15 to go way beyond lemonade stands and operate a "grownup-style" business instead. Parents and kids begin by picking a product to sell: beeswax candles, organic soap, jewellery or apparel. The initial startup cost is just USD 25, which gets the child a FranChild Company Certificate to acknowledge his or her business launch; business cards ready to print from FranChild's ready-made templates; how-to instructions for marketing and selling products; access to the My First Franchise Resource Center, a USD 75,000 marketing system for creating customized packaging products; discount pricing on inventory and supplies; and access to newsletters, updates and a members-only forum. For an extra USD 2 per month, kids can also get their own business webpage. Kids then order their inventory and create their business cards and packaging, and they're ready to start selling. In addition to extra spending money (which can be considerable, according to the testimonials), FranChild gives kids valuable business and life lessons, and it provides an educational context in which parents and kids can spend time together.
FranChild's founders stress that the time commitment is small for both kids and parents, though overscheduled families may still want to think twice before stretching those schedules even further. Nor should earnings be the primary motivation, FranChild warns. Far be it from us to promote child labour; on the other hand, could be a fun way to while away the time during those long summer months! FranChild operates only in the US—one to bring to a country near you?
Website: www.franchild.com
Contact: info@franchild.com
Spotted by: Bill McMahon
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Dear Sirs,
Congratulations for such great idea!
I am from Brazil and I am interested to launch your brand here.
Please, visit our website www.fransystems.com.br
Best regards,
Batista S. Gigliotti
President
FRAN SYSTEMS CONSULTORIA LTDA.
Phone: +55-11-9910-5611
I like the sound of the introductory product line and the overall service is clever, but the target market seems way too young if you ask me.
Am I the only one that thinks a 5-year-old doesn't need a marketing plan and a firm handshake?
Dr.MOZ
http:www.deardrmoz.com
A great idea that I just came across is Java Jolt Energy Soap. The founders claim that you can absorb caffeine in the shower through your skin by using their soap. We just covered them on our startup blog College Mogul.
http://www.collegemogul.com
Alex Lindahl | April 10, 2008 8:31 PM