Franchise Family!
Franchise Question & Answer
Putt-Putt, LLC is franchising locations throughout the United States and other countries. However due to the nature of our product, locations in warmer climates tend to be more successful.
- For a 36-hole golf only franchise
- Net worth of at least $1,000,000 with $200,000 cash to invest in the business.
- For a 36-hole golf and games franchise (Requires a building of at least 3,500 square feet)
- Net worth of at least $2,000,000 with $300,000 cash to invest in the business.
- For a multi-attraction family entertainment center with golf, games, party areas and at least one other attraction
- Net worth of at least $3,000,000 with $500,000 cash to invest in the business.
- Putt-Putt® Golf only franchise – $20,000
- Putt-Putt® Golf and Games franchise – $30,000
- Putt-Putt® Fun Center franchise – $50,000
Putt-Putt® Golf
(36 holes) only:-
- Franchise fee $20,000
- Construction and other estimated costs through opening $550,000-$800,000
- Total estimated costs $570,000-$820,000
Putt-Putt® Golf
(36 holes) and Games (3,500 sq. ft. building):-
- Franchise fee $30,000
- Construction and other estimated costs through opening $950,000-$1,400,000
- Total estimated costs $980,000-$1,430,000
Putt-Putt Fun Center®
(36 holes of golf, outdoor go-karts, bumper boats, and batting cages laser tag arena, bumper cars, arcade, snack bar and party rooms in a 10,000 sq. ft. building):-
- Franchise fee $50,000
- Construction and other estimated costs through opening $2,100,000-$3,000,000
- Total estimated costs $2,150,000-$3,050,000
*The costs for purchasing or leasing real estate is not included in any of the estimated costs provided above.
Everyone wants a business where they invest a little money and don’t have to work very hard; a Putt-Putt® franchise is not that. We know from experience that you must have a person at the park virtually every day watching every aspect of the business. It is not a difficult business to run, but it requires constant attention from someone who cares about the success of the business.
We don’t require that you work at your fun center, but if you are not going to be the general manager, then we strongly suggest that you let us manage your franchise for you for some period of time to get off to as successful a start as possible.
We will discuss development agreements for territories if they are not already taken by existing franchisees. We will need to agree on a reasonable build-out schedule.
Basic design and architectural drawings:
Putt-Putt® will provide basic plans for the level of park that you plan to build (golf only, golf and games or full fun center). We will review these plans with you during the franchising process. Access to basic drawings is covered by your franchise fee. We also have an arrangement with one of the top amusement park architects in the country and they will provide the detailed drawing and site plans for your specific site for a very reasonable fee. We will be glad to participate with you in discussing your needs with them and will assist you during this critical process at no cost.Construction:
A consultant from Putt-Putt, LLC will assist you by suggesting possible contractors, reviewing bids, and providing general expertise and the benefit of our experience. Our consultant will also visit your site during construction to provide a hands-on review of the work. We do have a general contractor that works all over the United States building Putt-Putt Fun Centers® and other family entertainment centers. Using these services will be both cost effective for you and ensure that you get the full benefit of his experience building our franchises.Training before the doors open for business:
The owner-manager and key staff needs to spend at least two weeks working at an existing Putt-Putt® location that has attractions similar to the ones you will have at your facility. During this time, your staff members will go through the employee training for all attractions and actually work shifts at the location. There is no substitute for this hands-on training. You will be responsible for your travel and personal expenses during this period and you will not be paid by the franchisee where you are training.
Grand opening assistance:
Your Putt-Putt® consultant will be on-site for the first week that you are open to assist in the continued training of your staff. S/he will actually work at your site alongside your staff to make sure they are doing things correctly and that they understand the culture of Putt-Putt®.
On-going training:
Putt-Putt® will provide you with training materials and procedures for training new staff and retraining existing staff in new roles.
Putt-Putt® provides franchisees with a complete, online marketing manual that outlines what to do from January 1 to December 31. The manual has a detailed calendar for each month that not only explains when to run what promotions, but also provides advance notice on when to order materials, tips on how to use them, and other important information. Putt-Putt® also has created every ad, poster, banner and other item you will need to implement the marketing program. All you have to do is follow the detailed instructions. You can also contact your Putt-Putt®consultant at any time for help, guidance or answers to questions. You will be responsible for production costs, but the designs are already complete and the digital files you need for printing are ready for use.
Putt-Putt, LLC also looks for input from the franchisees on ideas and recommendations for the development of new promotions and the use of the Marketing Fund dollars. The franchisees elect the majority of the members of the Marketing Advisory Board that oversees the use of the Marketing Fund dollars. This board approves the budget, reviews the recommended creative and provides valuable input to the home office on what is needed by the franchisees.
Your consultant will help you plan an effective opening promotion for your location. Different locations and different types of facilities need different approaches, and we will help you plan the best possible opening. We want you to succeed, but we don’t want customers to get frustrated, because they have to wait too long or you are not ready for them. Therefore, we generally recommend a staggered opening, rather than a big event and then going quiet. The time of year is also a significant factor in the best type of opening. All of the elements you need are already designed and available on the franchisee website.
Our Brand
Since 1954, the Putt-Putt® name has been synonymous with family fun and has some of the highest name recognition of any entertainment company in the country. As the leading franchisee of miniature golf courses in the world with 29 locations, Putt-Putt® is a great choice for someone wanting to get into the business.
Although Putt-Putt® has continued to test and add new attractions at franchise locations over the years, the classic Putt-Putt® miniature golf remains the heart of each location. Some locations are still focused solely on Putt-Putt® Golf, while others have added go-karts, batting cages, arcades, bumper boats, bumper cars, laser tag, climbing walls, and more.
With strong brand recognition, a family-oriented reputation and attractive pricing for our guests, Putt-Putt® offers franchisees a great business opportunity. Join us as a Putt-Putt Fun Center® franchisee and see how the Putt-Putt® name and reputation will bring families, groups and organizations to your Fun Center for an affordable good time.
In November 2010, Putt-Putt® launched its new park prototype in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Later in July 2015, this prototype was further expanded to the existing model. This complete Putt-Putt Fun Center® includes modernized attractions, an updated park layout, and other design-specific elements that facilitate a successful and attractive business.
Our Culture
To provide families with a
safe, clean, wholesome entertainment venue
where they can have an enjoyable experience
for a reasonable cost in their own community.
To support our mission statement and core values, Putt-Putt® has created the Commandments of Culture that guide us in everything we do concerning our guests.
We have approached these commandments in a fun, light-hearted way, but they truly are the key to the success of your franchise.
If you can get every employee to live by these commandments every day,
you will have happy guests that want to come back.
We have a simple, inexpensive program that franchisees can implement in their location to give employees constant reminders of these commandments.
- People Just Wanna Have Fun!
- When Guests Complain, Make It Right...Right Now!
- Don't Cut Corners - Clean Them!
- Just Fix It!
- Make It Shine!
- Smile and Be Happy!
- Dress to Impress!
- Be Respectful!
- Who Doesn't Love a Bargain?
- Go the Extra Mile!
Benefits
- Use of the Putt-Putt® name (a strong national brand synonymous with family fun), logo, collateral system, promotional materials, signage, etc.
- Support and consultation from an experienced Putt-Putt® representative every step of the way
- Site selection consulting
- Facility design assistance, including design assistance from your Putt-Putt® representative and connection to a family fun center design specialist
- Initial training for you and your key staff, as well as access to the ongoing training for all of your employees
- Access to a complete step-by-step marketing program
- Contacts and discounts from key vendors for everything from insurance and employee benefits to putters and redemption toys
- On-site support during your grand opening
- Ongoing support from the corporate office staff through site visits, a toll-free number and secure website once you are open for business
- Group meetings with other franchisees to network for ideas and assistance
- Research and development results on new attraction options and marketing programs
- And much more!
We know that our success is dependent on your success. Your Putt-Putt® consultant will continue to be there for you to answer questions, provide suggestions, and give you whatever support you need to be successful.
Requirements
The following information provides guidelines for potential franchisees, whether they are individuals, families, or investment groups. Meeting these requirements in no way guarantees approval for a franchise. However, we have found that meeting these requirements is important in your ability to run a successful family entertainment center. The minimum financial requirements cited below do not represent the cost to build the facility.
Once you have reviewed all of the information on this website, follow the steps outlined on the “Get Started” tab if you are interested in becoming a Putt-Putt® franchisee.
Putt-Putt® does not require that owners manage their facility. However we do recommend that if the owner will not be the full-time general manager, that the owner/owners contract with Putt-Putt® to manage the facility for the first few years of operation. This will ensure that you have experience on your staff and the full benefit of our expertise in all aspects of the business.
Minimum Financial Requirements for an Individual Franchisee or Franchise Group
- For a 36-hole golf only franchise
- Net worth of at least $1,000,000 with $200,000 cash to invest in the business.
- For a 36-hole golf and games room franchise
(Requires a building of at least 3,500 square feet)- Net worth of at least $2,000,000 with $300,000 cash to invest in the business.
- For a multi-attraction family entertainment center
with golf, games, party areas and at least one other attraction- Net worth of at least $3,000,000 with $500,000 cash to invest in the business.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Putt-Putt® franchisee. If you have read all of the information we have provided on our franchising program and have a strong desire to become a franchisee, here is the process you need to follow:
-
Complete the FRANCHISE CANDIDATE INFORMATION REQUEST FORM provided here
and submit your information and any questions for our review. - After reviewing your information we will contact you for a phone conference.
- After the phone conference, if you and Putt-Putt® both feel that moving forward is appropriate, then you, and everyone in your investor group, will need to:
complete an Application for Exclusive License.
review our Franchise Disclosure Document.
remit a non-refundable $500 processing fee with your application.
