Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost to open a Just Dogs! Gourmet™ store?

The answer is that it varies from location to location. Our experience thus far has shown that it costs between $75,000 and $150,000 to open a Just Dogs! Gourmet™ Outlet (includes the franchise fee). Again, we stress that these figures can vary depending on the location and type of store (kiosk, in-line or stand-alone store). (See UFOC for more details)

Where can I open a Just Dogs! Gourmet™ franchise?

Upscale pet product stores or boutiques require high foot traffic or advertising to create a customer base. Our experience tells us that you should locate your store in a mall or highly visited shopping or tourist area. We recommend that you select at least three malls and determine the one with the highest foot traffic, sales per square foot, and average consumer income. We can help you with this research, but you are required to select and negotiate your location.

Will I have a protected territory?

Yes. Ordinarily a franchise will have the exclusive right to operate a Just Dogs! Gourmet™ outlet within a five mile radius. The actual size of the protected territory can vary depending on the density of the population and commercial development.

What is the term of my Franchise Agreement?

The initial term is ten (10) years. You may renew for additional 10 year periods for a small fee of $2,500. (See UFOC for more details)

Will Just Dogs! Gourmet™ provide ongoing operational support?

When you become a Just Dogs! Gourmet™ franchisee you will receive training on how to operate your very own Just Dogs! Gourmet™ store. You will be trained on everything from day-to-day operations to in-store merchandising and customer protocol. Training takes place both at the home office located in Washington, PA and on-site at your store. Regional support and training is also provided on an as-needed basis.

How long does it take to become a franchisee?

The application and approval process can be completed in as little as 30 days. The amount of time it takes to open a store is typically 90-180 days and varies based on several factors. These factors include but are not limited to location selection, lease negotiation, training availability and store build-out.

Can I sell products other than Just Dogs! Gourmet™ in my store?

You must purchase all treats from Just Dogs! Gourmet™ and all merchandise from approved vendors. We accept recommendations from the franchisees and if the product meets our requirements (quality, price, image), then we may make it available to all franchisees under the aggregated buying strategy.

Can I wholesale products to other accounts?

Yes, you have the right to establish your own wholesale program by offering our Gourmet Market Treat line to local groomers, spas, veterinarians and other potential clients.

How much can I earn owning and operating a Just Dogs! Gourmet™ Outlet?

It is impossible for us to answer that question as there are many factors that affect the profitability of any retail business. Factors such as location, size of the outlet, annual rent, seasonality and your own business and management skills all come into play. We believe that if ten entrepreneurs were given the exact same opportunity; all ten would have differing degrees of success. Because you will be starting a business from the ground up, there may be periods of times that you will not be making income. This is why we require franchise candidates to fill out the “Confidential Questionnaire” to be sure that candidate has enough capital to sustain themselves for a minimum of one year.

Is the custom kiosk the only option I have to open a store?

No. Currently we offer three options. The custom kiosk, the inline store and the stand-alone store. In addition, we offer the “store-within-a-store” option for industry professionals.