Frequently Asked Questions

How did the franchise get started and what is the background of your executives?
The founder, Susan Schopp, has extensive experience working with neighborhood and community leaders. She is the founder and owner of Neighborhood News, Inc. which is the business the Neighbors Choice® concept came from. She has a background in journalism and advertising and was Chair of the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) for 12 years. The NRC is a non-profit organization that offered assistance to neighborhood leadership In San Antonio, Texas.

Who were the founders?
Susan Schopp was the founder of the original concept as well as the franchise organization, Neighbors Choice®. Her former husband, John, came along a few years later as the business began to grow. John is an entrepreneur and salesperson at heart and has instrumental experience in sales and business development.

What was their motivation for starting the business?
Neighborhood News, Inc. was founded out of her desire to help the community, utilize her experience and work at home with her children when they were young.

What personality traits fit best with the Neighbors Choice® concept?
The ideal candidate will be a go-getter and have excellent sales experience. They will also have the socialization skills to network heavily in the community as well as the ability to handle advertising sales to all sizes of businesses. It is a deadline-oriented business and requires organization, technology understanding, and managerial experience.

How much do I have to invest before I can open my doors?
The introductory franchise fee is $35,000.  Estimated start-up costs can range from approximately $59,500 to $83,550 depending on whether you choose to start at home or in an office environment. Franchisees may also have to purchase computer equipment, internet and phone service as well as other basic office equipment.

How much liquid capital will I need to maintain to cover the franchise until it breaks even?
You should be able to maintain your normal living expenses for a period of up to 6 months.

What are the ongoing fees?
Royalty fees are the greater of 6% of gross sales or $1,000/month.  You will also be required to contribute .5% of sales for an Advertising Fund. There are additional service fees for graphic designing, printing and mailing.

How many other locations are there and what is your success rate?
We are looking for our first few franchises in the Texas market.

How much money can I make?
Your success is completely dependent on your efforts. The concept requires consistency, persistency and if you follow our program, you can have the opportunity for a very successful business.

What sets you apart from your competitors?
Hyper-local targeted advertising is all the rage these days, however, our product is unique because we work with neighborhood leadership and offer products that HELP neighborhoods communicate, not just advertise TO them.

What support do you offer beyond the initial training?
We offer full-time assistance during working hours.  Support representatives are always available to help with any problems you may face. We have seen it all and can help you with anything you can throw at us. Additionally, we have video presentations that you can refer to after training as well as a weekly video conference to discuss issues with staff along with other franchisees.

How do you resolve disagreements or disputes?
It is our goal to be innovative and always listen to your suggestions. However, it is important that the franchise system is followed closely. Disagreements will be heard and considered but all disagreements will be resolved with the best intentions for the franchise organization as a whole.

What are your expectations of your franchise owners?
We expect franchise owners to adhere to the plan and reach goals. Additionally, we want the type of individual that participates in company-wide events, training, and support.

What will my territory be and how will it be protected?
Territories are based on a number of factors such as population, business density, as well as neighborhood groups in defined geographic areas.  The territory will be protected.

What kind of input will I have in marketing and advertising?
Neighbors Choice® will make suggestions for local market advertising and marketing. You will have the tools to put together advertising that complies with our standards. We are a publishing company at heart and insist that all advertising is professional and accurate.

What is a typical day like for a franchisee?
Depending on how you like to organize your workday, you may wish to focus on the following on dedicated days of the week:

• Talking to neighborhood leaders about the challenges their community has regarding communication, whether it be a newsletter, their website, social media or other avenues they may be using.
• Spending time calling on area businesses of all sizes. Educating them on your products and services.
• Reviewing ad copy, editorial and other items that will be published to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Entering invoices, collecting payments, and general bookkeeping.
• Organizing your time and efforts in order to meet deadlines, respond to corporate needs, and help ensure that publications are timely.