COOKIES BY DESIGN FRANCHISE FAQ

Interested in opening your own Cookies by Design franchise? Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our low cost franchise opportunity.

What products does Cookies by Design sell?

Cookies by Design is, at its heart, a cookie gifting company. We are the original Cookie Bouquet Company so our headline product is the custom, hand decorated cookie bouquet. Additional core products include gourmet cookies, cookie cakes, cupcakes and brownie truffles along with local seasonal favorites.

What qualifications does Cookies by Design look for in franchisee applicants?

Cookies by Design will review the initial application and conduct phone interviews to determine the existence of specific factors that we have found to be essential to a franchises' success -- including business experience, net worth, financial liquidity, education, the individual's personal experience, aptitude and attitude.

How long does the application and approval process take?

We at Cookies by Design endeavor to keep the franchise process simple and straight forward. From first inquiry to approval decision takes 4-6 weeks.

How much does the typical Cookies by Design cost to open?

The estimated investment for a new Cookies by Design franchise ranges from $115,000 – $215,000, which includes the initial franchise fee. Among the major capital expenditures is the cost of configuring an existing retail site into a Cookies by Design retail location. This is site-specific and varies widely, as does the availability of landlord-funded tenant improvements.

What is the initial franchise fee?

The initial franchise fee to open a Cookies by Design location is $30,000. This fee is used by Cookies by Design to assist you with site selection, help in planning the layout of your Cookies by Design location, your initial training, the use of the Cookies by Design system and secures a Protected Territory. As a participant in the VetFran program Cookies by Design offers a discount on initial fees to our military veterans.

What is a Protected Territory?

Each Cookies by Design franchise location has a protected service area defined by zip codes. Gift orders to be delivered inside the Protected Territory are automatically sent to the location for fulfillment.

How much can I expect to pay in Royalties and Fees?

Each Cookies by Design franchise location pays a monthly royalty of 6% of product sales (delivery revenue and sales tax not included) and 3% of product sales into the nonprofit national marketing fund.

Is there an opportunity to own more than one Cookies by Design location?

Yes! If you have the aptitude and organizational skills necessary, Cookies by Design encourages multi-unit ownership through area development. Owning multiple locations offers the opportunity to develop your own management organization, multiply marketing ROI and customer service area.

Can I operate this business as a home-based business or in conjunction with another business?

Since location and the attention of the franchisee are two of the most important factors to continued success, a Cookies by Design shop must be located in an approved retail business area and is generally independent from any other businesses. Some of the most important location factors include: high visibility, heavy foot traffic, and proximity to major transportation arteries.

Does Cookies by Design provide financing?

Cookies by Design does not directly or indirectly finance franchises, we can however provide information on available resources for financing.

How many employees do I need?

The number of employees required is determined by shop sales volume and the level of the franchisee’s participation in the daily business routine. There are three core positions inside every Cookies by Design location: a baker, a decorator and the customer service representative who greets customers in shop and via telephone to help them make an informed buying decision. In addition depending on the delivery system chosen for your territory, delivery drivers may be employed. A Cookies by Design store typically employs around 8 people total (many part time and seasonal).

How profitable can I expect a Cookies by Design shop to be?

Due to various federal and state laws and regulations relating to the marketing of franchises, Cookies by Design does not represent any specific profit potential to prospective franchisees. However, we do encourage you to contact existing franchisees or request an introduction from your Cookies by Design representative to discuss this type of information. Although they are not obligated to provide you with sales or profit figures, normally our franchisees are excited about their business and will willingly discuss their operations with potential franchisees and may be willing to answer some of your questions.

What type of training will I receive before I open my shop?

Each new franchisee is required to attend a comprehensive, hand on training course -- Cookie College®. Each course includes; production, marketing and operational training curriculum developed specifically for newly licensed franchisees and their employees in addition to daily routine and skills training in one of our corporate Cookies by Design shops. Additionally Cookies by Design offers onsite training and assistance during your initial opening.

Can I purchase an existing Cookies by Design shop?

Yes. Some current Cookies by Design franchise locations are available for resell. Contact the Cookies by Design franchise department for additional information. [email protected]

Am I allowed to use my own menu and recipe ideas?

Cookies by Design welcomes innovative and local product ideas. As part of a national brand we have a required product testing and approval process for non-core local product offerings.

Why should I choose to operate my cookie shop as a Cookies by Design franchise rather than operate on my own?

As a Cookies by Design franchisee you have access to key resources that will help your business grow and be successful:
- A nationally recognized brand name and product line originator
- National marketing penetration and online sales platform that provides you with the opportunity to reach customers and receive orders from areas beyond your local marketplace
- An established operating system that is continuously being refined and improved
- Support materials and services

What is my next step in becoming a Cookies by Design franchisee?

You need to complete the application and personal financial statement and submit to Cookies by Design. An overview of the major steps involved in becoming a franchisee is explained on the Owning A Cookies by Design page.

Request Franchise Information

Name
First* Last*
Phone*
Email*
City / State in which you are interested in opening a Cookies by Design shop*

Submit

FOR FRANCHISE INFO, CALL

469.326.2532

Request Info

Fill out this form to receive free franchise information

Name*
First Last
Phone*
Email*
City / State in which you are interested in opening a Cookies by Design shop*