Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$77,614 - $165,116
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total US Locations
20
Business Summary
Seniors Blue Book businesses create a senior resources publication and advertising directory that provides seniors, caregivers, and senior professionals with a comprehensive source of services, housing options, resources, and information within a specific geographic area. Seniors Blue Book franchisees primarily sell advertising space within this publication and on the system website. These businesses can be operated from a franchisee's home or a commercial office space.
Corporate History
Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC, the franchisor, was formed as a Colorado limited liability company on August 20, 2012. It began offering franchises for Seniors Blue Book Businesses in October 2012. The underlying business concept, however, originated from licenses established between 1997 and 2003 by family members of the principal officer, Oliver Hersch, who still operate these licensed units. These original licenses formed the basis for the current franchise model.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$77,614 - $165,116
Franchise Fee (Low)
$50,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$80,000
Royalty %
6%
Equipment Costs (High)
$3,000
Working Capital
$2,565
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The franchisor's financial condition, as reflected in its financial statements, raises questions about its ability to provide ongoing services and support to franchisees.
Financing Details
Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees, nor does it guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
20
Franchised Units
12
Corporate Units
8
Franchising Since
2012
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC has no litigation history to report, as no litigation is required to be disclosed in Item 3 of the FDD.
Bankruptcy History
Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC has no bankruptcy history to report, as no bankruptcy is required to be disclosed in Item 4 of the FDD.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
7 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC franchisees must provide timely written notice, be in full compliance with the Franchise Agreement and all System Standards, cure any existing deficiencies, maintain possession of and agree to remodel, refurbish, or replace any operating assets as required to meet current System Standards for new businesses. Franchisees must also sign the then-current form of franchise agreement and related documents, which may have materially different terms and conditions, and pay a successor franchise fee of $12,000 for a comparable territory. Additionally, franchisees must sign a general release of claims against Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC and its affiliates.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC provides pre-opening assistance to franchisees by offering mandatory and discretionary specifications for marketing materials and other brand elements, identifying necessary operating assets and approved suppliers, lending or making available a Brand Standards Manual, and conducting an initial training program for up to two individuals at no charge (at corporate headquarters in Salida, Colorado, or by webinar/teleconference, or at the franchisee's location). During the operation of the business, Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC offers advice based on reports or inspections, informs franchisees of mandatory System Standards, continues to provide the Brand Standards Manual, issues and modifies System Standards, allows ongoing use of confidential materials and trademarks, and maintains System Websites to advertise and promote businesses. The franchisor also provides advertising and promotional materials. Optional assistance includes modifying the System, making periodic business visits (for which expenses and training charges may apply if requested), potentially establishing and administering a national advertising fund, holding periodic national or regional conferences (with an associated convention fee), and enabling franchisees to participate in servicing national or corporate accounts with a 14% commission on sales within their territory.
Initial Training Hours
24
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Salida, Colorado, franchisee's location, or by webinar/teleconference
Ongoing Support
After opening, Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC provides ongoing assistance by offering advice regarding business operations based on reports or inspections, informing franchisees of mandatory System Standards, and continually providing access to the Brand Standards Manual. The franchisor issues and modifies System Standards for businesses and maintains and administers the System Website to advertise, market, and promote Seniors Blue Book Businesses and their services. They also provide advertising and promotional materials. Optionally, Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC may modify, update, or change the System, conduct periodic visits to businesses to assist with operations and management (with reimbursement for expenses and training charges if requested), and may establish and administer a national advertising fund (though not currently collected). They may also hold periodic national or regional conferences and allow franchisees to participate in servicing national or corporate accounts, earning a 14% commission on sales in their territory.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC grants protected territories that are defined by geographic area, the number of qualified event locations, and demographic characteristics. Specifically, territories are sized based on a population of approximately 10,000 to 500,000 individuals aged 65 and older. The precise population limit depends on the Initial Franchise Fee paid, and population statistics are determined using the current U.S. Census report along with other available statistical sources.
Staffing Notes
Seniors Blue Book Franchising LLC does not anticipate franchisees will hire any employees within the first three years of operation. However, the System Standards may regulate staffing levels, employee qualifications, training, dress, and appearance. The franchisee or their designated Managing Owner is responsible for controlling their employees and the terms and conditions of their employment.