Learning Express - The destination for Unique and Educational Toys

Am I A Good Candidate?
Am I a Good Candidate for a Learning Express Franchise
Is It Right For You?

The most successful Learning Express storeowners are the ones that take a less formal and more relaxed approach to selling. They genuinely enjoy talking to customers about their products and believe in building relationships with their customer. They are always open to exploring new ways of marketing their products and services in the community. Whenever possible, they are active in promoting their business through community events.

Top-notch storeowners are usually well organized and can effectively prioritize tasks. They are optimistic and enthusiastic, and their positivity filters down through all areas of the business, creating a happy and healthy environment for both staff and customers. It is essential for Learning Express storeowners to take the initiative and be comfortable marketing their products and services, both in and out of their stores. They do not simply wait for business to magically appear or rely on the next marketing program to drive business. They work at becoming knowledgeable business people, embrace the opportunity to mentor their employees, and use all the resources available to them.

Learning Express aspires to recruit friendly, generous, and passionate people. The ideal candidate loves learning, sees business as an adventure, wants to make a difference, has a retail-oriented personality, and is committed to making their store a success. The entrepreneurial spirit is at the core of what makes Learning Express a success.
Am I a Good Candidate?

People who choose Learning Express often do not resemble a typical franchisee. In fact, most franchise systems aren't interested in attracting the type of creative, entrepreneurial, progressive people that Learning Express likes to work with.

Much of your success in business will have to do with your skills in building relationships and your positive attitude. There are many common attributes Learning Express storeowners share.
Compare your profile with the following characteristics of established franchisees:

1.  

Learning Express shopkeepers genuinely enjoy talking to strangers about their business and products in their normal day-to-day life, both inside and outside their store.

2.  

Owners are always open to exploring new ways of marketing their products in the community. Whenever possible, they are active in promoting their business through local events.

3.  

Successful storeowners are optimistic. A positive attitude has an impact on everything in a business. Valuing your employees creates happier employees, which in turn makes happier customers. That positivity filters down and creates a happy environment for everyone who comes through the door.

4.  

Learning Express storeowners like working the business, managing and mentoring their staff, and paying attention to the details. Most of all, they enjoy the camaraderie that the franchise network brings to them.

5.  

The most successful owners are movers and shakers - they dedicate themselves to their work and don’t expect business to simply fall into their laps. They know that the Learning Express home office provides them with the tools they need to succeed, but that they have to go out and make it happen.
The Importance of Community Involvement
The Importance of Community Involvement
People naturally tend to prefer doing business with individuals that they already know. Getting involved in the local community opens a lot of doors – especially the door to your own store! Storeowners gain valuable exposure and make personal connections, which allows them to take a more relaxed and positive approach to selling on a daily basis. It puts a whole different spin on the selling process when the customer comes into the store with a positive image of the shopkeeper in mind. This perception makes it much easier for storeowners to approach the sales process as a helpful friend rather than someone trying to “sell” the customer.

Community involvement also keeps customers loyal. Most people prefer to support their local merchants.
Assess Your Management Skills
Our owners are our sales team
The Learning Express owners see their role not simply as a manager but as an integral part of the sales team. They set aside their managerial hat and enjoy taking the time to talk to customers, make suggestions, and make the sale.

They know that if they have a positive selling attitude their employees will too. Successful managers set a high standard for their staff. They hire talented and extroverted employees, and help them develop their sales effectiveness through continued training.

A good manager will involve their staff in the business. Employees are a valuable business asset and an investment worthy of the owner’s time, not a burden or expense. The best Learning Express owners stimulate business growth by consistently motivating their team.

Developing an effective team takes talent. Successful owners manage in a participative way, as opposed to a domineering way - always treating employees with care and respect. Because successful business owners are extremely goal-oriented, they keep their team focused on the big ideas and challenges, and clearly communicate their mission.
Entrepreneur vs. Franchisee
Am I an entrepreneur or a franchisee
Entrepreneurs have an almost uncontrollable urge to reinvent the wheel all thanks to their incredible confidence and their ability to figure out how things should be done to maximize results. Although Learning Express is considered a very entrepreneurial franchise, the most successful storeowners want and appreciate proven systems. The best Learning Express owners are independent, but appreciate the benefits of the system. They think for themselves yet are not averse to getting opinions from others.
Work ethic
Thriving Learning Express storeowners have a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Initiative is crucial to success, whether that means putting in long hours or juggling several tasks at once. Everyone on the Learning Express team knows that it’s worth the effort for the satisfaction of a job well done.
Locations
The best locations are often chosen by the Learning Express franchisees themselves. The home office contributes demographic studies and competition analysis to your knowledge of the area, but you are the expert! No amount of careful study can replace a first-hand knowledge of the community. Patience is often a big factor in getting the right location with the right rent. It's important to recognize the high cost of self-imposed deadlines during start-up. You know what they say: “Location, location, location.” This is one of the most important factors in your potential success, so be prepared to wait for the perfect opportunity.
Determination
Some of the best Learning Express stores were started by people who called the company years before they signed an agreement, kept the idea in mind, saved their money, and eventually opened. Because of this, Learning Express takes every call seriously. Everyone’s situation changes as they progress toward the dream of working for themselves. If they are determined, they’ll get there.

To locate any one of our more than 135 sister stores, click here.

To contact the Learning Express Home Office click here.