Basics of a Build-A-Bear Franchise

If you’re thinking about buying a Build-A-Bear franchise, there are many things to consider before signing on the dotted line. Becoming a Build-A-Bear franchisee is not a guarantee of success, but rather a blueprint that can assist you in achieving success. Given the correct market conditions, skills and dedication, being a Build-A-Bear franchisee might be financially rewarding.

Owning a Build-A-Bear franchise is a serious commitment and works best when you make a thoughtful, educated decision.

  • Just because you love Build-A-Bear’s products or services doesn’t mean that you will be able to successfully operate a Build-A-Bear franchise.
  • Being emotionally attached to the idea of becoming a Build-A-Bear franchisee is not a state of mind in which you can effectively evaluate an opportunity.
  • Your positive experience as a customer of Build-A-Bear should not form the basis for deciding to become a franchisee.

As an example, just because you love Big Macs doesn’t mean that you should become a McDonald’s franchisee.

Are you looking for some free resources to help you determine if a Build-A-Bear franchise is for you?

Build-A-Bear Due Diligence

You must conduct smart due diligence and determine from a business perspective whether owning a Build-A-Bear franchise is right for you.

If you truly want own a Build-A-Bear franchise, get all the information you can from Build-A-Bear and secure a qualified advisor who has experience helping people like you purchase franchises.

You may also want find that gaining a better understanding of the terms related to franchising would be helpful.  If so, you may want to visit A Glossary of Franchise Terms.

Make sure that owning a Build-A-Bear franchise fits in with both your skills and life style objectives. If you don’t want to work evening and weekends, don’t purchase an ice cream shop. If you’re an introvert, don’t buy a franchisee that requires you to be extroverted.

Are you interested in more questions to ask Build-A-Bear franchisor, Build-A-Bear franchisee, or even yourself? Get to know the terms.

Build-A-Bear Franchise Disclosure Document

Carefully read the Build-A-Bear Franchise DisclosureDocument (Also known as an FDD). They can be intimidating.

As you are reviewing Build-A-Bear’s Franchise Disclosure Document you will have a number of calls with Build-A-Bear’s franchise team before you will be allowed to call Build-A-Bear franchisees.

When you are allowed to call Build-A-Bear franchisees make sure you speak to at least five to eight franchisees. You will find that most Build-A-Bear franchisees will be honest and unbiased about Build-A-Bear. If you would like more information on how to dissect a Build-A-Bear FDD consider the following resources:

  • The Educated Franchisee Chapter 8 – ' Dissecting the Franchise Disclosure Document' - Click Here
  • The FDD Exchange - Franchise Disclosure Document Checklist' - Click Here
  • PodCast with Franchise Attorney Nancy Lanard – 'What to look for in a Franchise Disclosure Document' - Click Here

Does a Build-A-Bear Franchise Make Money?

A critical part of your due diligence is to build an estimated P&L (profit and loss statement) and see what the numbers might look like if you become a Build-A-Bear franchisee. Reading Chapter 13 of The Educated Franchise teaches you the secrets of this key step.

The decision making tools in Chapter 15 of The Educated Franchise and in Step 13 of The Franchisee Workbook shows you how to honestly evaluate whether or not buying a Build-A-Bear franchise is the right move for you.

If you’re serious about becoming a Build-A-Bear all franchisee and want to explore owning a Build-A-Bear franchise, take the best first step you can and grab your copy of The Educated Franchise today!