Franchise FAQ

Who finds the location for a franchise?
We are not responsible for finding the location. We do understand that the location of the store is most important, so we offer our expertise throughout the process. We will consult you on various issues like the site location, rent and the necessary renovations. We do require that we approve all final decisions. We enjoy creativity and new ideas, the sky is the limit!

What is the Franchise Fee?
The franchise fee will cost you 22,500. We require a royalty fee of 6 ½ percent of your gross sales and an additional 2 percent is collected for our marketing fund.

What is the total investment for a franchise?
A Polish Water Ice franchise will cost you between 75,000 and 170,000. These costs could be more or less depending on different factors such as renovations, leasing etc…Each store has its own unique personality and the price will reflect that.

What do I receive for my investment?
You receive instant experience from our staff and corporation. You also receive training, operations manual, legal documents, a well protected trademark and continuous invaluable consultation. We will be involved with you throughout the process. We take the approach that our franchises are our extended family. There is no waste with our product, so this alone will save you tens of thousands of dollars down the road.

Finances could be broken down as follows:

Franchise Fee: 22,500
Royalties: 6 ½ percent of Gross, 2 percent for marketing
Lease Deposit: generally the first two months rent is required
Improvements: 20,000 – 100,000
Equipment: 45,000 – 60,000 +, this equipment can be leased
Permits and licenses: 100 – 1,000
Signs and Awnings: 3,500 – 15,000
Prepaid Ins. Premium: 1,500 +
Initial Inventory: 4,500 – 8,000
Grand Opening: 1,750 – 2,000
Training: 250 – 1,000/person
Legal Fees: 1000 – 2,500, varies as incurred
Utility Costs and Deposits: 500 – 1,500
Miscellaneous Funds: 2,500 – 10,000, this depends upon the amount of capital desired to cover expenses through the first quarter.

What can we sell?
Over the years we have increased our product line from just Water Ice to Ice Caps, Polish Freezes, Polish Shakes and Chillers. This is all you will need to please your customers. We want you to be successful! We may allow other products on a case by case, year by year basis. Maintaining our image as Polish Water Ice and providing the public with the best product is the most important thing.

How many employees do I need?
This is another benefit that separates us from our competition. Due to our equipment you can save on thousands of dollars over the years. Where most stores need two to three employees, you will need only one or two. Our machine does all the work! Like other businesses, we expect owners to be highly involved in the daily operations to ensure their success. This way you can make sure that the customers are being treated with the utmost respect and leave with a smile on their face. This is why franchises have a 30 percent higher success rate than starting your own business.

What do I need to purchase through the franchisor?
We provide the recipe, cups (logo) and minor signage. Every other need we can meet through supplying you with the contacts of our distributors and manufacturers. You may purchase supplies elsewhere, but due to our long lasting relationships and bulk ordering, our vendors would be able to offer you significant savings.

Do I need prior experience to operate or own a Polish Water Ice?
Again, we consider our franchises to be our extended family. The Operators of our shops range from housewives to engineers to businessmen. Due to the packaging of our supplies and equipment, you couldn’t find a business more owner friendly than Polish Water Ice.

Who is responsible for construction and installation procedures?
The franchisee is responsible for any construction or installation involved in the development of their location. We will help and assist you through this process. We will help provide drawings and design your layout to minimize your cost and maximize your efficiency. You will need to acquire final approval from us in these matters.

What does the training program consist of?
The training program will last you 2 to 4 days. This will include customer service, staffing, making the product, inventory, sanitation, daily operations and accounting.

How long can I own a franchise?
We want this to be a life long investment! Every 10 years there will be an Option to extend the franchise agreement for an additional 10 years. The cost of this is currently set at 2,500 for the first term. The second term will be negotiated prior to execution of the Option.

Why should I franchise vs. starting a business on my own?
FRANCHISES HAVE A LOWER FAILURE RATE : Only 2% to 4% of franchisees of a proven franchise concept fail, whereas 65% of new businesses fail within the first three years of operation. The reason that Franchise are usually more successful is that the Franchisee has access to proven business procedures, developed by the Franchisor, and thereby eliminates many costly errors that cause a non-franchised business to fail.