Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$31,500 - $55,500
Franchise Fee
$7,500
Business Summary
Vacation Planners operates a travel agency business model with a unified nationwide brand, offering extensive back-end and marketing support to existing travel agencies or new travel advisors. The Vacation Planners brand also provides an established resale market for advisors who are looking to retire or transfer their ownership.
Corporate History
Vacation Planners, LLC was formed as a Florida Limited Liability Company on May 15, 2023. The company began offering franchises in April 2024. Vacation Planners, LLC has two key affiliates: Travel Planners International, Inc., which has operated since 1988 and offers a Dealer Program since 1998, providing back-office and payment processing services to franchisees; and Travel Planners Academy, LLC, formed on October 3, 2023, which provides training services to franchisees.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$31,500 - $55,500
Franchise Fee (Low)
$7,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$7,500
Royalty %
10%
Equipment Costs (High)
$1,700
Working Capital
$22,500
Audited Financials
No
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Vacation Planners is a new franchisor and has not been in business for three years or more, therefore it cannot include all financial statements typically required by the Federal Trade Commission's Franchise Rule. The company has provided an unaudited opening balance sheet as of March 31, 2024.
Financing Details
Vacation Planners does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations that franchisees may incur.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
0
Franchised Units
0
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2024
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Vacation Planners has no litigation to report in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
Vacation Planners has no bankruptcy history to disclose in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
5 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, Vacation Planners franchisees must notify the franchisor between 90 and 180 days before the current term ends. They must be in full compliance with all contractual obligations to Vacation Planners and third parties, and agree to make any changes necessary for their business to meet Vacation Planners' then-current brand standards for new franchisees. Franchisees and their owners will need to sign Vacation Planners' current standard franchise agreement and related documents, including a personal guarantee. They will also be required to sign a general release of any claims against Vacation Planners.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening their business, Vacation Planners provides franchisees with suggested staffing levels and hiring guidelines, operational instructions from its Brand Standards Manual, and a list of specifications and approved suppliers for equipment, signs, fixtures, inventory, and supplies. Vacation Planners also conducts an initial training program for up to two people, reviews pre-opening business plans and financial projections upon request, advises on the market introduction plan, and provides up to one week of on-site support for the business opening. After opening, Vacation Planners provides advice by telephone or electronic communication for improving the business and resolving operational problems. In-person support is available for a fee. The franchisor offers recommended pricing strategies, administrative, bookkeeping, and accounting procedures, and manages the Marketing & Technology Fund. Vacation Planners also maintains a brand website that includes each franchisee's business information.
Initial Training Hours
152
Training Location
Online/virtual and at Vacation Planners headquarters in Maitland, FL
Ongoing Support
After opening, Vacation Planners provides ongoing advice by telephone or electronic communication to help franchisees improve and develop their business and resolve operational problems. In-person support is available for an additional fee. The franchisor offers recommended pricing strategies, as well as administrative, bookkeeping, and accounting procedures. Vacation Planners also manages the Marketing & Technology Fund and maintains a brand website that includes each franchisee's business information. Additionally, franchisees receive one-on-one coaching twice a month during their first 12 months, and weekly group education sessions.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Vacation Planners is seeking individuals who are either existing travel agency owners or new travel advisors, interested in operating a home-based business with a unified nationwide brand. Franchisees are required to participate personally and devote substantial time and attention to the direct operation of their business. The designated 'Principal Executive' for the business must own at least 10% of the business, complete the initial training program, and make reasonable efforts to attend all required meetings, including regional or national brand conferences.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Home-Based
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Vacation Planners defines territories as an Area of Primary Responsibility (APR) with boundaries specified by zip codes, county or city lines, or other limits. While franchisees are permitted to market to potential customers outside their territory, they cannot implement area-specific marketing that names an area not within 50 miles of their business location.
Staffing Notes
Vacation Planners provides suggested staffing levels and hiring guidelines, along with operational instructions in its Manual that franchisees can use for training new employees. Franchisees are solely responsible for all hiring decisions and employment conditions for their personnel. Franchisees have the option to expand their team by adding additional selling travel advisors or non-selling associate advisors, either as independent contractors or employees, with specific setup and monthly fees for each type of associate.