Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a typical franchise owner earn?
- What are the qualities that you look for in a franchisee?
- Can franchisees secure development contracts for more than one store?
- How can I open a Russell Watergardens & Koi franchise?
- How much money do I need to open a franchise?
- How much are the royalties and other annual fees?
- What are the average annual sales, and how much can I make as a Russell Watergardens & Koi franchisee?
- Aren't water features seasonal - what happens in the winter?
- Does Russell Watergardens & Koi offer financing?
- How long does it take to open the store?
- What kind of training can I expect as a franchisee?
- How is Customer Service and the Customer Experience consistency maintained?
- Will I receive an exclusive territory?
- When can I review your franchise agreement?
What does a typical franchise owner earn?
Earnings will vary depending on market conditions, your store location, and the effort you put into your business. While opening a business involves risk and uncertainty, Russell Watergardens & Koi provides the business and marketing support as you develop a strong customer base. Back to FAQ
What are the qualities that you look for in a franchisee?
We're looking to award franchises to people who appreciate the sights and sounds of waterfalls, and the majestic beauty of Koi and water lilies. We're looking for outgoing, energetic individuals who like people, and have outstanding customer service and relationship oriented talents. You don't need experience in the pond and water feature industry. If you're enthusiastic, and possess the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and a drive for excellence - we call it "Russell-tude" - then we'll teach you everything else! Back to FAQ
Can franchisees secure development contracts for more than one store?
Yes. In addition to single store operations, we offer Area Franchiser and Master Franchiser programs to qualified business people. Back to FAQ
How can I open a Russell Watergardens & Koi franchise?
We are selectively seeking highly-qualified individuals to become franchisees. First, you must meet our requirements. Prior business experience, coupled with personal financial qualifications, individual motivation and a track record of success are important factors in our evaluation process. If you are interested in pursuing a single unit or area development opportunities as a Russell Watergardens & Koi franchisee, please click here to answer a few simple questions about yourself.Back to FAQ
How much money do I need to open a franchise?
Individuals will need $90,000 in non-borrowed personal resources (liquid assets, e.g. cash, marketable securities, stocks, etc…) along with an overall net worth (total assets minus total liabilities) of $350,000 to qualify. Financing is to be secured through third-party lending sources. The total cost of each unit varies by size and location.Back to FAQ
How much are the royalties and other annual fees?
Royalty and Continuing Services fees are 6% of gross sales and a Marketing Fund of 1.0% of gross sales.Back to FAQ
What are the average annual sales, and how much can I make as a Russell Watergardens & Koi franchisee?
We are restricted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from providing you with sales information and profit projections. Total sales and/or overhead costs can be affected by region, climate, and other factors. To get a better idea of what the water feature business as a whole is doing in your region, go to home improvement shows to see and ask local contractors how their water feature installation sales are doing. And while you're at it, ask them how easy it is to clean the filters they are trying to sell to you. As a Russell Watergardens & Koi Franchise owner, all those contractors you see and talk to - and their customers - could become your customers! Also, check your local area for pond stores, garden centers that sell pond supplies, and anyone selling Koi and/or Goldfish. Look at their facilities and product lines. Then come to our Flagship Store in Redmond, Washington. Look at our products, store layout, and how we do what we do - then compare us to what's available in your local area. A little local research on your part will help answer this question for you. To see many of the benefits of a Russell Watergardens & Koi Franchise, click here.
Back to FAQ
Aren't water features seasonal - what happens in the winter?
In northern climates, yes, the water feature business is seasonal. In southern climates, not so much. If you're in the north you have some wintertime options, you can stay open full time, be open limited hours, or simply close the doors for a few weeks and go on an extended vacation to a warmer climate. All this depends on your region's weather. Here in the Seattle area, our Flagship Store stays open all year long. The holiday season brings Gift Card sales and other gift items for pond and water feature owners. Also, in freezing climates, water feature winterization products and services are a necessity. Winter storms can cause damage to water features, so replacement items, repair kits, and service calls can be a revenue stream during the winter months.
What ever you decide is best for your location during the winter; staying open full time, open with limited hours or days, or closing for a few weeks - part of our training program teaches you how to plan, budget, and be prepared for the winter months. Back to FAQ
Does Russell Watergardens & Koi offer financing?
We do not offer direct or indirect financing. We do not guarantee your lease or other obligations. However, Russell Watergardens Franchise Corp. may direct potential franchisees to sources that may provide financing options in the areas of equipment leasing, construction and SBA loans.Back to FAQ
How long does it take to open the store?
Each location is different, depending on a variety of factors, including site selection, build-out requirements and training. However, it may take approximately 6-8 months from signing the franchise agreement to opening day at your Russell Watergardens & Koi store.Back to FAQ
What kind of training can I expect as a franchisee?
We provide you an initial training program that covers material aspects of the operation of the franchised store. Training is offered at our headquarters in Redmond, Washington, or another location we designate. One assistant of your choosing may also attend at your option. The time frames provided in the chart below are an estimate of the time it will take to complete training. We do not charge for initial training. You must pay for all travel costs and living expenses for yourself and any of your attendees. This initial training is in addition to the on-site opening assistance we provide to you. Your franchised store must at all times be under the day-to-day supervision of a designated manager who has satisfactorily completed our training program.
TRAINING PROGRAM
SUBJECT |
HOURS OF CLASSROOM TRAINING |
HOURS OF ON-THE-JOB TRAINING |
LOCATION |
Russell Watergardens & Koi History, Philosophy, Mission |
6 |
- |
Corporate Headquarters |
Equipment & Supplied Product Line |
16 |
16 |
Corporate Headquarters, Franchised Store |
Competing Products |
4 |
8 |
Corporate Headquarters, Franchised Store |
Customer Service |
4 |
4 |
Corporate Headquarters, Franchised Store |
Marketing & Advertising Methods & Strategies |
8 |
4 |
Corporate Headquarters, Franchised Store |
Record Keeping & Reporting, Financial Controls |
3 |
3 |
Corporate Headquarters, Franchised Store |
Water Feature Design & Specifications |
8 |
8 |
Corporate Headquarters, Franchised Store |
POS Training |
8 |
20 |
Corporate Headquarters, Franchised Store |
Store & Display Maintenance |
2 |
4 |
Corporate Headquarters, Franchised Store |
Bookkeeping |
3 |
3 |
Corporate Headquarters, Franchised Store |
Hiring, Human Resources |
4 |
- |
Corporate Headquarters, Franchised Store |
Livestock – Aquatic Plants & Fish – Maintaining, Displaying, Selling |
6 |
16 |
Corporate Headquarters, Franchised Store |
The training will include the following instructional materials: the Operations Manual, written materials and hands on experiences. The training will occur at both our corporate headquarters and your franchised store. The dates and location of the training will be communicated to you in the Operations Manual. Back to FAQ
How is Customer Service and the Customer Experience consistency maintained?
Strict store cleanliness, and store maintenance guidelines coupled with frequent franchise representative field visits to the franchise store ensure a consistent Customer Experience at the Russell Watergardens & Koi Store. Training programs, corporate web site, informational materials, employee grading programs, and frequent franchise representative field visits ensure consistent Customer Service in the Russell Watergardens & Koi store. Back to FAQ
Will I receive an exclusive territory?
You will not receive an exclusive territory. The area that you receive (called an “area of primary responsibility” or “area”) will be described and depicted in a map attached to the Franchise Agreement. We determine the boundaries of the area based on a variety of factors, including population, median population age, proximity to competitors, proximity to other franchisees and natural, physical or political boundaries. Back to FAQ
When can I review your franchise agreement?
One you have completed our Confidential Evaluation and Application form and have been approved by our Franchise Review Committee we will provide you with our Franchise Agreement and Franchise Disclosure Document. At which time, you and your council have two weeks (14 days) to review all documents. After the 14 days, you will then pay the franchise fee. Back to FAQ
FRANCHISE DISCLAIMER
- Message From the Founder
- Benefits of a Russell Watergardens & Koi Franchise
- Why a Russell Watergardens & Koi Franchise is FUN & UNIQUE!
- FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
- Financial Requirements
- States In Which Franchise Opportunities Are Available
- Cities In Which Franchise Opportunities Are Available
- Inquire about a Russell Watergardens & Koi Franchise
Note: This is not an offer to sell you a franchise. An offer can only be by the prospectus in the form of a Franchise Disclosure Document. This document will be presented to you at a meeting set up at your convenience.
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states and countries regulate the offer and sale of franchises:
In the U.S.: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
International: Australia, Brazil, Canada (Alberta only), France, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and Spain.
If you are a resident of one of these states or countries, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable presale registration and disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction.
