Hello Hummer,

To start, of the information you provided on my last question, which
of the links you submitted would be most helpful in my search?

Which links are most practical for discovering even those hard to find
franchises? Also, since most small businesses do list with business
brokers, which sites cover the broadest number of businesses? You
included broker pages and nationlist, can you deduce which brokers
have a truly national coverage? Sunbelt claims to be the biggest broker
nationally. Come across them?

Now for my parameters: I'm interested in businesses and/or franchises
in Texas and in the East Coast from Phiadelphia down to Florida. In
order, Florida, Texas, Atlanta, Maryland and Virginia, Pennsylvania
and the Carolinas.

My passions in life are aviation and travel(no travel agencies).
However, I'm also interested in environmental and recycling companies,
education, health care, senior care and food services offering healthy
choices. ( Subway is too popular and too expensive).

In looking at the various franchises mentioned in Entrepeneur, the
ones that piqued my interest were Fiducial?, Comfort Keepers?,Kumon
Math and Reading Centers, Results!Travel, Tutoring Club and Plato's
Closet. I'm not interested in a Jani-King, Jiffi-lube, or Dunkin
Donuts. Although fitness is of interest, gyms generally have a hard
time making money and I think Curves will be a fad.

As for pricing, I would like to put down no more than 150k. Total
sales price should be no more than 300-350 k. In addition, for franchises,
I'd like to investigate those companies with master or area franchise
offerings available.

Primarily, my question is what are the best sites/links for
discovering the most businesses/Franchises that are available?

Please contact me before answering with any questions, comments,
clarifications you need.

Thank you.

---

Request for Question Clarification by hummer-ga on 01 Apr 2004 07:05 PST

Good morning, johnster,

I'll begin working on this today, but I doubt if I will be able to
finish today - there is quite a bit here to cover. I'll keep you
updated and let you know if I need clarification.

Thank you for requesting my assistance,
hummer

Dear johnster,

Okey dokey, here we go -

Consider becoming a member of the The American Association of
Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD), a national non-profit trade
association (I'm sorry I didn't find this for your first question),
after you read this page:

The AAFD Road Map to Selecting a Franchise:
http://www.aafd.org/roadMap_selecting_franchise.cfm#things

By the way, here is what they say about brokers:
"Brokers and consultants specializing in franchise sales; BUT
REMEMBER, These are often sales people!  The AAFD may be able to make
a reliable referral."

Associate Membership: Ideal for prospective franchise buyers.
"Dues for Associate members are currently $119 for the first year, and
$69 per year thereafter."
http://www.aafd.org/member_benefits.cfm

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1. Which of the links you submitted would be most helpful in my search?

The AAFD Road Map to Selecting a Franchise:
http://www.aafd.org/roadMap_selecting_franchise.cfm#things

IBBA: Find A Broker:
http://www.ibba.org/broker_search.asp

International Franchise Association (IFA):
http://gamma.franconnect.net/ifa/control/ifahome

Federal Trade Commission:
Pamphlets to read before you buy:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menu-fran.htm

Entrepreneur: Franchise 500® 2004 Rankings:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/rank/0,6584,12-12-F5-2004-0,00.html

Broker Pages:
http://www.brokerpages.com/

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

2. Which links are most practical for discovering even those hard to find
franchises? 

I spent some time testing out various search databases, similar to this one:

EveryFranchise:
http://www.everyfranchise.com/pages/

I found them frustrating. I could come up with a list of, say, health
franchises, but I had to click on each one to find out such vital
statistics as price, geography, and a short description. I have not
been able to find a website which is easier to use and more
imformative than Entrepreneur.

3. Since most small businesses do list with business brokers, which
sites cover the broadest number of businesses?

Sunbelt Business Broker Network:
http://www.sunbeltnetwork.com/buyers/results.jsp

Business Brokers Network:
"America's Largest Network of Business Brokers"
http://www.bbn-net.com/

4. You included broker pages and nationlist, can you deduce which brokers
have a truly national coverage? 

Broker Pages:
This is a good website - it will be a matter of clicking on "View" for
each individual broker and searching their businesses for sale.
http://www.brokerpages.com/

Here is an example of one I found by clicking on "Florida":

Search Businesses for Sale:  ALL STATES:
http://bizmls.com/cgi-bin/a-bus2.asp

Nation-List:
No, you need to register to view the data:
"Obtain your own personally-chosen password to search the Nation-List
Networks database of hundreds of available manufacturing, distribution
and service companies!"
http://www.nationlist.com/buyer/BuyRegForm.asp

5. Sunbelt claims to be the biggest broker nationally. Come across them?

SUNBELT

Yes, they come up quite a bit in searches (I didn't mention them on
your first question because you had said that you had already
contacted them), but guess what? *Sunbelt is actually a franchise!*

Sunbelt Business Advisors Network: Business brokerage:
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 100,000/500,000 population
Start Up: $51K-100K
Rating: 74/500
Contact:
474 Wando Park Blvd., #204
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: (800)771-7866
Fax: (843)284-2419
www.sunbeltnetwork.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282842-,00.html

Five Steps to Owning a Sunbelt Franchise:
http://www.sunbeltnetwork.com/five-steps.jsp

Sunbelt Franchise inquiry:
http://www.sunbeltnetwork.com/franchise-sales.jsp

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

General:
Services offered by business brokers: Buyer Benefits:
# Evaluate the buyer's goals
# Formulate the buyer's acquisition criteria
# Locate appropriate acquisition candidates
# Evaluate acquisition candidates
# Negotiate and structure a successful purchase or other transaction
# Assist in obtaining financing
http://www.ibba.org/whatBroker.asp

Certified Business Intermediary (CBI):
"This highly regarded designation proves you have satisfied the
educational requirements set forth by the IBBA and you understand the
ethical standards of the IBBA."
http://www.ibba.org/default.asp

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Primarily, my question is what are the best sites/links for
discovering the most businesses/Franchises that are available?

I went through Entrepreneur's list of 500 and came up with the
following franchises which meet all of your criteria. I must say,
yesterday I was wondering why you would use the services of a broker,
but I'm beginning to understand why. The task is overwhelming,
especially if you don't have a specific business and location in mind.
See if any of the franchises below tweak your interest, try to
eliminate most of the categories so you can begin to narrow your
search. It would be much easier to search for only one category and
concentrate on it. Never-the-less, searching on Entrepreneur is
certainly easier than on most websites, and the information is easy to
retrieve. As far as I know, you can contact these franchises directly,
a broker is not needed.

TRAVEL (no travel agencies)

1) Results! Travel: Travel services
Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South
Carolina, Texas, Virginia
Start Up: $25-8.9K
Rating: 71/500
Contact: 
P.O. Box 59159, Carlson Pkwy
Minneapolis, MN 55459-8207
Phone: (888)761-1234
Fax: (763)212-2765
www.resultstravel.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---284291-,00.html

2) Carlson Wagonlit Travel: Travel agency:
"The new company serves travelers in more than 140 countries."
Nationwide
Start Up: $2.5K-164K
Rating: 119/500
Contact:
P.O. Box 59159
Minneapolis, MN 55459-8207
Phone: (800)678-8241/(800)337-2537
Fax: (763)212-2302
www.carlsontravel.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282179-,00.html

3) CruiseOne Inc.: Cruise-only travel agency:
"CruiseOne agents sell cruise packages and air/sea tours to
individuals, couples, families, businesses and groups."
Nationwide
Start Up: $9.8K-26.3K
Rating: 137/500
Contact:
1415 N.W. 62nd St., #205
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (800)892-3928
Fax: (954)958-3697
www.cruiseone.com/franchise
email: www.franchise@cruiseone.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282261-,00.html

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

ENVIRONMENTAL

1) Wild Birds Unlimited: Bird-feeding supplies & nature gift items:
" Wild Birds Unlimited is involved in several conservation efforts,
including the Pathways to Nature Conservation Fund, the Junior
Naturalist Program, Project FeederWatch and many more."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Varies
Start Up: $78K-132K
Rating: 153/500
Contact:
11711 N. College Ave., #146
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (888)730-7108
Fax: (317)208-4050
www.wbu.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282942-,00.html

2) Wild Bird Centers of America Inc.: Bird watching & feeding supplies:
"Besides selling bird watching and feeding equipment and gifts, Wild
Bird Centers and Wild Bird Crossings provide demonstrations, kids?
programs and other educational events."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 25-100 square miles, 40,000-250,000 population
Start Up: $102.1K-143.2K
Rating: 356/500
Contact:
7370 MacArthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, MD 20812
Phone: (800)945-3247/(301)229-9585
Fax: (301)320-6154
www.wildbirdcenter.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282941-,00.html

3) NaturaLawn of America Inc.: Organic/biological-based lawn care:
"The company uses organic-based fertilization in conjunction with an
integrated pest management program."
Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South
Carolina, Texas, Virginia
Start Up: $55K-60K
Rating: 308/500
Contact:
1 E. Church St.
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: (800)989-5444
Fax: (301)846-0320
www.nl-amer.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282627-,00.html

4) Critter Control Inc.: Urban/rural wildlife management:
"Remove animals from attics, decks and other areas for pest control
companies. Critter Control was incorporated in 1986 to offer
businesses and homeowners a variety of wildlife control services.
These services include repairing damage made by the animal and
performing pest management such as screening vents, installing chimney
caps and closing entry holes to make sure animals can?t come back."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Up to 2 million population
Start Up: $9.8K-66K
Rating: 347/500
Contact:
9435 E. Cherry Bend Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231)947-2400
Fax: (231)947-9440
www.crittercontrol.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282259-,00.html

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

RECYCLING

1) Plato's Closet: Retailer selling used clothing and accessories for teens:
" Since 1998, Plato?s Closet locations have sold the latest in gently
used, name-brand teen fashions. Stores in the chain only buy current
fashions that are in good condition. Plato?s Closet also sells used
accessories, books, CDs, games, picture frames and other items."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 5-mile radius
Start Up: $139.8K-243.2K
Rating: 198/500
Contact: 
4200 Dahlberg Dr., #100
Minneapolis, MN 55422-4837
Phone: (800)269-4081/(763)520-8581
Fax: (763)520-8501
www.platoscloset.com
email: pc-franchise-development@platoscloset.com

2) Once Upon A Child: Used/new children's clothing, equipment, furniture & toys:
"Once Upon A Child specializes in selling new and used children?s
clothes, toys, furniture and equipment. Franchises were first offered
in 1992. The company is owned by Winmark (formerly Grow Biz), which
also franchises Music Go Round, Plato?s Closet, and Play It Again
Sports."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 5-mile radius
Start Up: $133.9K-218.1K
Rating: 380/500
Contact:
4200 Dahlberg Dr., #100
Minneapolis, MN 55422-4837
Phone: (800)445-1006/(763)520-8490
Fax: (763)520-8501
www.ouac.com
email: ouac-franchise-development@ouac.com 	
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282652-,00.html

3) Children's Orchard: Children's products resale stores:
"Each store buys and sells used children?s clothes, toys and other
items, selling them for 50 to 80 percent less than retail"
" Children's Orchard and its franchisees sponsor the Interstate
Program of the Family Builders Adoption Network (FBAN), a national
non-profit organization that matches up families with abused,
neglected and special-needs children."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Determined by demographics
Start Up: $69.5K-144.95K
Rating: 435/500
Contact:
2100 S. Main St., #B
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (800)999-5437
Fax: (734)994-9323
www.childrensorchard.com
email: franchiseheadquarters@childorch.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282198-,00.html

4) Kid to Kid: New & used children's & maternity clothing & products:
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: States, foreign countries
Start Up: $96.8K-127.1K
Rating: 483/500
Contact:
452 E. 500 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (888)543-2543/(801)359-0071
Fax: (801)359-3207
www.kidtokid.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282496-,00.html

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

EDUCATION

1) Kumon Math & Reading Centers: Supplemental education:
"Today, Kumon franchisees apply this method of daily practice and
self-paced advancement to children's math and reading skills."
Nationwide
Start Up: $8K-30K
Rating: 16/500
Contact:
300 Frank W. Burr Blvd., 5th Fl.
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Phone: (866)633-0740/(201)928-0444
Fax: (201)928-0044
www.kumon.com
email: franchise@kumon.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282507-,00.html

2) Mad Science Group, The Provider of science activities for children:
"Franchising began in 1995, with initial franchises in Florida and
Toronto, and now has franchises worldwide offering educational
demonstrations to preschools, in-class and afterschool programs,
community centers and scout programs. The company also provides
entertainment for birthday parties, special events, camps and more."
Nationwide
Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 100-120 schools grades K-6 within 1-1.5 hour driving distance
Start Up: $36.9K-78.5K
Rating: 209/500
Contact:
8360 Bougainville St., #201
Montreal, PQ H4P 2G1 Canada
Phone: (800)586-5231
Fax: (514)344-6695
www.madscience.org
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282546-,00.html

3) FasTracKids Int'l. Ltd.: Enrichment education for young children
"Founded in 1998, FasTracKids International offers an enrichment
education system for children ages 3 to 6. The program is a 2-year
curriculum covering 12 academic subjects, including astronomy,
biology, economics, literature and mathematics."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Start Up: $30K-60K
Rating: 215/500
Contact:
6900 E. Belleview Ave.
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Phone: (303)224-0200
Fax: (303)224-0222
www.fastrackids.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282340-,00.html

4) Sylvan Learning Centers: Supplemental education:
"Supplemental education to provide enrichment and remediation for
kindergarten through high school students"
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 8,000-30,000 school-age population
Start Up: $142.1K-220.3K
Rating:
Contact:
1001 Fleet St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (800)284-8214/(410)843-8000
Fax: (410)843-6265
www.sylvanfranchise.com

5) Drama Kids Int'l. Inc.: Drama classes for children:
"Drama Kids franchisees offer children age 5 to 17 drama classes at
schools, community centers and churches. The program runs on a 40-week
school year basis, made up of a single hour-long session per week.
Each year ends with a performance for family and friends."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 400,000 population
Start Up: $33.4K-39.6K
Rating: 364/500
Contact: 
3225-B Corporate Ct.
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Phone: (410)480-2015
Fax: (410)480-2026
www.dramakids.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---289721-,00.html

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

HEALTH CARE

1) Gymboree: Parent/child play program:
"Gymboree Play and Music centers offer different classes each week for
children ranging from newborn to 4 years old. Classes are designed to
stimulate the senses and encourage children?s development."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 100,000 minimum population
Start Up: $76.7K-214.2K
Rating: 77/500
Contact:
700 Airport Blvd., #200
Burlingame, CA 94010
Phone: (800)520-7529/(650)579-0600
Fax: (650)696-7452
www.gymboree.com
email: play_franchise@gymboree.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282404-,00.html

2) Interim Healthcare: Home health care & medical staffing services:
Nationwide
Start Up: $123K-404K
Rating: 180/500
Contact:
1601 Sawgrass Corporate Pkwy.
Sunrise, FL 33323
Phone: (800)338-7786
Fax: (954)858-2870
www.interimhealthcare.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---309889-,00.html

3) Stretch-N-Grow Int'l. Inc. On-site children's fitness program:
"Each Stretch-n-Grow class is about 45 minutes long, with 30 minutes
of exercise and 15 minutes of discussion. Classes are taught at
child-care and recreation centers, elementary schools, YMCA and YWCA
centers, Mothers? Day Out programs and Head Start facilities.
Instructors also provide classes for after-school programs, birthday
parties and sports camps."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 100,000 population, 50 child care centers
Start Up: $15K-20K
Rating: 260/500
Contact:
P.O. Box 7955
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727)596-7614
Fax: (727)596-7633
www.stretch-n-grow.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282835-,00.html

4)Fitness Together: Personal fitness training:
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 5-mile radius and/or 80,000 population base
Start Up: $130K-175K
Rating: 263/500
Contact:
399 Perry St., #300
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Phone: (303)663-0880
Fax: (303)663-1617
www.fitnesstogetherfranchise.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---295047-,00.html

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

SENIOR CARE

1) Comfort Keepers: Non-medical in-home senior care:
" Comfort Keepers is based in Dayton, Ohio and provides seniors with
non-medical care. The company offers companionship, meal preparation,
light housekeeping, grocery shopping, recreational activities and
other services to individuals and couples still living in their own
home."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 175,000 population
Start Up: $40K-60K
Rating: 68/500
Contact:
6640 Poe Ave., #200
Dayton, OH 45414
Phone: (800)387-2415
Fax: (937)264-3103
www.comfortkeepers.com
email: admin@comfortkeepers.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282228-,00.html

2) Right at Home Inc.: Senior home care & medical staffing:
"Right at Home is a meaningful business where you can feel good about
making a difference in the lives of those you serve."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available. 
Start Up: $28.5K-64.9K
Rating: 410/500
Contact:
2939 S. 120th St.
Omaha, NE 68144
Phone: (402)697-7537
Fax: (402)697-7536
www.rightathome.net
email: info@rightathome.net
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---294793-,00.html

3) Home Instead Senior Care: Nonmedical companionship and home-care
services for the elderly:
"Provides part-time, full-time and live-in nonmedical service for the
elderly who can manage their physical needs but require assistance,
supervision, light housework and companionship to remain in their
homes"
Start Up: $30.2K-39.5K
Rating: 78/500
Contact: 
604 N. 109th Ct.
Omaha, NE 68154
Phone: (888)484-5759/(402)498-4466
Fax: (402)498-5757
www.homeinstead.com
email: franinfo@homeinstead.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282432-,00.html

4) Homewatch Caregivers: Home-care services for seniors:
"The company?s clients include the elderly, people recovering from
illnesses and people being rehabilitated after injuries. Caregivers
provide nonmedical and limited health care services."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 25,000 people 65+ years old
Start Up: $23.8K-43.7K
Rating: 323/500
Contact:
2865 S. Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80222
Phone: (800)777-9770/(303)758-7290
Fax: (303)758-1724
www.homewatch-intl.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282437-,00.html

5) Right at Home Inc.: Senior home care & medical staffing:
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available. 
Start Up: $28.5K-64.9K
Rating: 410/500
Contact: 
2939 S. 120th St.
Omaha, NE 68144
Phone: (402)697-7537
Fax: (402)697-7536
www.rightathome.net
email: info@rightathome.net
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---294793-,00.html

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

HEALTHY FOOD SERVICES

1) GNC Franchising Inc.: Vitamin & nutrition stores:
"It specialized in yogurt (which his father had helped introduce to
the United States), but also carried health-food products such as
honey and grains. Beginning with $35 in receipts his first day,
Shakarian expanded to six Pittsburgh-area stores in five years."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available. 
Start Up: $132.7K-182K
Rating: 58/500
Contact:
300 6th Ave., 4th Fl.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (800)766-7099/(412)402-7121
Fax: (412)402-7105
www.gncfranchising.com
email: livewell@gncfranchising.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282377-,00.html

2) Smoothie King: Smoothies & healthy products:
"Each Smoothie King store sells smoothies and a variety of vitamins,
minerals, low fat snacks and nutritional supplements."
Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South
Carolina, Texas, Virginia
Start Up: $126.5K-204.5K
Rating: 125/500
Contact:
2400 Veterans Blvd., #110
Kenner, LA 70062
Phone: (800)577-4200/(504)467-4006
Fax: (504)469-1274
www.smoothieking.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282804-,00.html

3) Purified Water To Go: Retail water & nutrition stores:
"Each location sells purified water by the gallon, purified ice as
well as related products like crocks and coolers, dispensers, bottles
and shower filters."
Nationwide / Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Varies
Start Up: $100K-157K
Rating: 277/500
Contact:
5160 S. Valley View Blvd., #100
Las Vegas, NV 89118-1778
Phone: (800)976-9283/(702)895-9350
Fax: (702)895-9306
www.watertogo.com
email: info@watertogo.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---282732-,00.html

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

OTHER

1) Fiducial Inc.: Tax, accounting, payroll & financial services:
Nationwide
Start Up: $44.4K-115.6K
Rating: 67/500
Contact:
10480 Little Patuxent Pkwy., 3rd Fl.
Columbia, MD 21044
Phone: (866)434-3824
Fax: (410)910-5903
www.fiducial.com
email: franchise@fiducial.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---305663-,00.html

2) Ident-A-Kid Services of America: Child identification products & services:
" Working with public and private schools, Ident-A-Kid franchisees
sell credit-card-sized identification cards to parents. Each card
includes the child's photograph, fingerprint, physical description and
contact information."
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas
Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Congressional districts (according to the 1980 census)
Start Up: $29.5K-64.96K
Rating: 207/500
Contact:
2810 Scherer Dr., #100
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Phone: (727)577-4646
Fax: (727)576-8258
www.ident-a-kid.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/details/0,5885,12-12---294380-,00.html

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

HUMMER'S PICKS

1) Wild Birds Unlimited: Bird-feeding supplies & nature gift items

2) Children's Orchard: Children's products resale stores

3) Comfort Keepers: Non-medical in-home senior care

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I managed to find one business listed for sale which meets all of your criteria:

BUSINESSES

Industry:   	  Educational
Geography:  	  North Carolina > Raleigh-Durham
Asking Price:  	  $150,000
Gross Revenue:  	  $120,000
Value of Equipment: $90,000 (Included in Asking Price)
http://www.ibba.org/listings/view.asp?listing=722867

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

That all said, I would like to emphasize the importance of following a
"how-to" guideline - the more homework you do, the better your chances
of operating a successful business for years to come. Even if you use
the services of a broker, you should still do some homework first.

How to Research and Buy a Franchise:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/guide/0,3422,,00.html

Related Articles: Links:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/article/0,5847,285800----4-,00.html

Well, there you have it, johnster. I think it is time to post this
before I start going around in circles, not knowing where I am going
or where I have been. Please do not consider this question closed
until you are completely satisfied with my answer. You have a huge job
ahead of you - I hope I've been able to help you make an informed
decision. Think of me when you open your doors and perhaps drop me
alittle note to let me know.

Thanks again,
Sincerely,
hummer

---

Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 02 Apr 2004 09:04 PST

Hello again johnster,

I thought it best if I clarify my "Hummer's Picks". They aren't based
on anything substantial - they just reflect my personal interests and
preferences and I included them more for fun than anything else. We
enjoy birds immensely and so the first two were easy picks, especially
the first one who seems to have a social conscience.

I hope you have been enjoying all of the links - please let me know if
you have any questions or if you need further assistance (I'll be here
all day) - I'm not under the illusion that I probably covered all of
the bases in one fell swoop.

Sincerely,
hummer

Hummer you did an excellent job. Now I have my work cut out for me.
Just like another researcher, I would have given you six stars if they
offered it.

Good Luck Hummer, you have your work cut out if you are going to do
justice to the question and hundred dollars both I suspect. If you get
frustrated I will slip you another one of my questions to exercise
your research muscles  a little, i.e on something not quite so long
and complex

 John From Melbourne

Hi John from Melbourne!

I don't know, it did cross my mind that this question is actually an
April Fool's Day joke and when I'm on my third cup of coffee tonight
at midnight, it will suddenly disappear (just kidding, johnster 8-).

Thanks for your note - it's nice to know you're there.
Sincerely, hummer

Please contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions, etc.
while doing research.

I'm glad to hear from you and I will tip you generously.

Also, I'm surprised someone like Johnfrommelbourne can critique the
question and the amount initially proposed. If only some people would
mind their own business and affairs,the world would be a better place.

Hummer you've got my vote.

I just now read your note to johninmelbourne.

Please contact me with any concerns you might have. You may also tell
me that there are some things that I should research and not you. I'm
not asking you to find everything and I would appreciate hearing from
you with any constructive criticism or constructive suggestions.

Please advise.

Dear johnster,

Not to worry, all is well. At the moment, everything is under control
and I've neither criticism nor suggestions - as I already mentioned on
your previous question, I will do my best for you. The work is a bit
"heavy" and I think John from Melbourne was just trying to lighten it
up alittle - I enjoyed hearing from him. I replied by trying to make a
little joke, but I'm not famous for my joke-making abilities, and I'm
sorry if it was ill-placed. I do appreciate the fact that you posted
this question for me and I'm taking it quite seriously. I best get
back to work - hummer

Dear Johnster,

What to say? I cleared my desk and was all set to do some more work
for you and instead of a clarification, you send me a very generous
tip enclosed in a nice note sealed with six stars - how lovely, thank
you!

Good luck - I enjoyed matching up franchises for you because we have
similar interests. I hope all goes well (with or without a broker!) -
I'd love to hear how the story ends (I'll root for the birds - they
can't have too many friends).

Take care, hummer

Hi Hummer, 

This is Johnster. I appreciate your comment.

Got a question for you. When you pulled up at the very end of your
research, the "perfect business" for me in North Carolina, had you
looked at all the states and used all the criteria I gave you. In
other words, is this all that came from a thorough search of IBBA or
was it a cursory search to give me an idea of what's out there?

This is not a criticsm, I just wonder whether it's worth it to dabble
with the IBBA web site. Please advise.

Thanks

John

Hi John,

Hmmm, well, I know Florida was always my default because that was
first on your list of preferred states. Hmmm, I'm thinking. That
business in North Carolina wasn't the last thing I found, I had that
saved for quite awhile but I wasn't quite sure where to place it. It
spent most of its time before all of the franchises, but I moved it to
the end at the last minute. I did try finding more, but it was hard to
match all of your criteria, especially price. However, I'm sure I
didn't look at all eight states, so it wouldn't hurt to give it a go.
I remember I was very happy to have found at least one business to
give you - hopefully you will have better luck than I did.

hummer

Thanks Hummer.

You and Umiat are winners.