Computer Explorers

Founded: 1983 Franchising since: 1988
In 1984, personal computers were still considered a luxury, and schools were figuring out how to best use the new technology as a learning tool. Moms Karen Marshall and Mary Rogers saw the teaching potential of computers and began Computertots/Computer Explorers with $1,500, one computer and 10 young students. Franchisees can operate the business using either a manager model or an owner-operated model. A manager employs a staff to assist in the teaching and operation of the business; the owner of an owner-operated model not only teaches classes, but also operates the business.

In 2003, Computertots/Computer Explorers was acquired by The International Center for Entrepreneurial Development Inc., which also owns Kwik Kopy Printing, Kwik Kopy Business Centers, Franklin's Printing, American Wholesale Thermographers, Copy Club, Women's Health Boutique and Parcel Plus.

12715 Telge Rd. Cypress, Texas 77429

Phone: (888)638-8722/ (281)256-4100

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	84	1	15	0
2008	82	1	15	0
2007	99	1	9	0
2006	96	1	7	0
2005	95	1	5	0

Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North carolina, North dakota, New hampshire, New jersey, New mexico, Nevada, New york, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode island, South carolina, South dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West virginia, Wyoming
Outside the U.S.: Australia/new zealand, Canada, Central america, Eastern europe, Middle east

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: By population & number of childcare & community centers & schools

Total investment: $62.9K-73.3K Franchise fee: $35K

Ongoing royalty fee: 8% Term of agreement: 15 years, renewable

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	Yes	Yes
Startup Costs	Yes	Yes
Equipment	No	Yes
Inventory	No	Yes
Accounts Receivable	No	Yes
Payroll	No	Yes

Qualifications
Cash liquidity requirement: $40K
Business Experience:

• General business experience
• Marketing skills

Operations

• Franchise can be run from home
• 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6
• Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 10 business days
• At franchisee's location: 2 days

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Internet
• Security/safety procedures

Marketing Support

• National media
• Regional advertising

Other marketing support

• Direct-mail campaign

Franchise 500® rank:
#347 (2008); #315 (2007); #333 (2006); #414 (2005);

Ranked #1 in category in:
2007;

Low-Cost Franchises:
#86 (2006); #120 (2005);

Top Home Based Franchises:
#97 (2008); #91 (2007); #91 (2006);