WOOPS
WOOPS! offers luxury gifting services and French-style macarons through mobile businesses, boutiques, or shops. Known for high-end confections and gift packages, WOOPS! operates in the luxury food retail and gourmet confectionery industry.
WOOPS franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin the operation of a single WOOPS! Mobile Business ranges from $64,875 to $165,475. For a WOOPS! Boutique, it ranges from $98,475 to $235,675, and for a WOOPS! Shop, it ranges from $157,425 to $400,675. [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $45,000 for a Shop or Boutique unit and $40,000 for a Mobile/Trailer unit. This payment is fully earned by the franchisor and due in lump sum upon signing the Franchise Agreement; it is not refundable under any circumstances [p.9].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is at least 4% of Gross Revenue from the Franchised Business, but it can be increased up to 6% by the franchisor's sole discretion [p.76]. For advertising, the franchisee must spend monthly not less than the greater of 2% of the Franchised Business's Gross Revenue or $400, with this amount potentially increasing at the franchisor’s discretion [p.99].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial franchise agreement typically lasts for a period of five or ten years [p.186]. Upon expiration, you have the right to enter into a new franchise agreement as a successor franchisee, subject to payment of a renewal fee equal to 50% of the current initial franchise fee or $5,000 for a WOOPS! Mobile/Trailer Business [p.74].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
Yes, you can sell or transfer your franchise. However, a transfer fee equal to 50% of the current initial franchise fee must be paid to the Franchisor unless the transfer is among existing shareholders/members without changing management control, or to a spouse upon death or permanent disability [p.109]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for other types of transfers.
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor may terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.248]. However, termination without reasonable cause is unlawful under the Virginia Retail Franchising Act [p.256], meaning that provisions for termination must comply with legal definitions of 'reasonable cause.'
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, outlets owned by the company, or other distribution channels controlled by the company [p.44, p.45]. This protection is limited, and the company retains the right to engage in various activities through different distribution channels within your designated area [p.45, p.46].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial training which includes approximately 308 hours conducted over one to three months at their headquarters or affiliate-owned/ franchised outlets. This is followed by post-training applications completed remotely. Additionally, upon request, the franchisor can provide on-site remedial training and assistance with trained representatives, though this comes with associated fees [p.79, p.81]. The franchisor also offers ongoing services such as special events and training, recognizing their revenues from these in the period they are provided [p.186].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
According to [p.58], as of December 31, 2024, there were a total of 24 franchised outlets. However, the excerpts do not specify the number of outlets that have closed or been terminated; it only mentions a high percentage of franchised outlets being terminated in the last three years on [p.4].
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not make any representations about future or past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets, either orally or in writing [p.62]. However, if you are purchasing an existing outlet, they may provide actual records of that outlet's performance [p.62]. The franchisor compiles financial performance representation using information from franchisees' POS systems but has not independently verified this information [p.58].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted to offering and selling all products and services that are part of the System, and any new services and products incorporated into the System in the future [p.49]. You must purchase or lease items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them, which may be more expensive than other options [p.3, p.30].