To ivestigate this or any franchise properly you need to do the proper due diligence. We can help.

Web reference: www.entrepreneuroption.com

Stay away from this franchise. The centers may appear clean and new, however there is always a high turnover in staff, because they cannot pay enough to keep qualified persons on board. Likewise there are literarlly hundreds of complaints filed at the Better business bureaus and in NJ the child welfare agencies. For all their appearances their reputation is quickly being tarnished and you may not want to be stuck with a long term contract and loose your money investing in a company that has had numerous reported cases of child abuse and neglet.

I have looked at 2 locations in NJ. Both facilities were modern, clean and very large. The problem with both locations is that corporate headquarters (the Franchisor) entered into a long-term leases, then assigned them to the respective franchisees. The rent at both locations was way too expensive and out of proportion with competing RE leases in the areas. The rent payments and franchise fees were approximately 35% of revenue (excluding RE taxes – the leases are triple net, so the tenant pays the RE taxes). Not a good formula for a successful business. As one person previously commented, it seems the franchisor and the landlord make out best..

It seems pretty risky. You invest almost 500K without anything on your name. Two people I can surely see getting rich the franchisor and builder/landlord. Did anyone call existing franchises?

Jyoti, I am also deep in the process of evaluating TLE in Colorado. Have you found additional information of interest? perhaps we can share directly?
Carlos
clgdtulsa@hotmail.com

Did anyone find out more details about this franchise? I am also looking to find more details around investing in "The Learning Experience".

Any updates from anyone on TLE would be helpful.

See the link and make up your mind yourself. A class action suit is being contemplated by the current franchisees.
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/07/tutor.shtm
Talk to franchiees in NC, NJ, MA and MI - - many of them have lost their lifesavings!

Web reference: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/07/tutor.shtm

If you are thinking of starting a franchise, check-out http://www.franchiseexpo.com. Their franchise directory is full of information to help you make your decision.

Web reference: http://www.franchiseexpo.com

Hi Anil
were you be able to find an informations about TLE? could you please provide any further informations you have collected?

If you are looking at moving into business ownership you have three options. Start your own business, buy an existing business or buy the rights to a franchise. If you plan to buy the rights to a franchise the best thing you have going for you; if the franchisor considers you are qualified to enter their system, is that before you put a penny down you can call each and every franchisee in their system and get feedback on their "view of the world." You get this information through the FDD or Franchise Disclosure Document which used to be called the UFOC or Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. Before calling the franchisees, make sure you prepare a set of questions and ask each franchisee the same set of questions. You are looking for consistent feedback. Also, remember the franchisee is probably at work - make sure they have time to speak with you or organize a time to call them back that's convenient to both of you.
And based on some of the posts on this topic - you already have the answer to your question. If franchisee's are "scary" that's not a good place to be.

Web reference: www.Andrew-Rogerson.com

Hi. Were you able to proceed with TLE? I'm also interested in opening a TLE franchise. I just can't
seem to find enough information/feedback. I will be calling some existing franchisees in the next week or so; but I was just wondering if anyone had any other feedback. I agree that their contract is a little scary; but I don't have much experience in franchising, so I don't know what is typical or not...Currently doing a lot of reading and research. Any feedback on The Learning Experience would be greatly appreciated. M. Ross

Out of almost 60 operating locations, I will be surprised if more than 6 are making any money. The franchisor is extremely shrewd and uses convoluted tactics to minimize chance of franchisee making any meaningful profit. Save your capital! Call existing franchisees - - all of them.

TLE franchise agreement looks pretty risky, you will loose all your assets if anything goes wrong and its not running well. some people are doing good in the business but they say its a lot of work and its not so easy as it look. some people say that they are not making enough out of it. it depends on your location and economy. you need to do your research regarding the location.

Anil,
The best way to learn about a Franchise is to review the FDD document and more importantly make validation calls by contacting existing Franchisees. They will be able to speak to you in more details about their experience, profits, etc. Make as many calls as you can, visit an existing location if possible, that is the best way to do your due diligence for any Franchise. Child Care businesses carry a great deal of responsibility, so in my opinion that is the most challenging thing about the business.

Web reference: www.franchiseadvisorygroup.net