What Are Alternative Franchise Chains to Just Between Friends Franchise
Considering alternatives to the Just Between Friends franchise? If you're exploring opportunities in the children's consignment event space, understanding your options is key. Discovering other successful models can help you make the best strategic decision for your entrepreneurial journey. For those looking to dive deep into the financial planning for such a venture, our Just Between Friends Franchise Business Plan Template offers a comprehensive roadmap.
| # | Alternative Franchise Chain Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhea Lana's | Rhea Lana's operates as a direct alternative to the JBF franchise model, functioning as a semi-annual, pop-up children's consignment event with a substantial national presence. This model offers a clear choice for those looking to start a consignment sale business, with events typically grossing between $150,000 and $450,000 and a favorable 65-75% commission split for consignors. |
| 2 | Children's Orchard | Children's Orchard provides a well-established, boutique-style brick-and-mortar store experience for children's resale, focusing on higher-end and brand-name used children's clothing. With an estimated initial investment ranging from $183,500 to $289,500, it presents a more accessible entry point into the physical retail space for secondhand clothing franchises. |
| 3 | Other Mothers / The Mothership | Other Mothers, franchising as 'The Mothership,' offers a unique hybrid model combining children's resale with maternity and women's clothing, catering to a broader 'mom' demographic. With a total estimated initial investment of $150,000 to $250,000 and a lower royalty fee of 4%, it represents a cost-effective storefront option in the resale market. |
Key Takeaways
- The children's resale market is a rapidly growing sector, valued at over $8 billion in the USA with projected annual growth of 10-12% as of early 2025.
- Key competitors to Just Between Friends include pop-up event franchises like Rhea Lana's and established brick-and-mortar stores such as Once Upon A Child and Kid to Kid.
- Investment levels vary significantly, with pop-up models like Rhea Lana's ranging from approximately $41,950 to $65,500, while brick-and-mortar stores like Once Upon A Child require a total investment of $281,000 to $422,300.
- Storefront models generally have higher overhead and operating costs compared to pop-up models, with storefronts purchasing inventory outright and pop-ups operating on a consignment basis.
- Once Upon A Child is a market leader with strong brand recognition and financial performance, while Kid to Kid offers a similar brick-and-mortar model with proprietary software. Rhea Lana's is the most direct pop-up alternative to Just Between Friends.
What Alternative Just Between Friends Franchise Unit Options Exist?
When considering franchise opportunities in the children's resale market, it's beneficial to look beyond a single brand and explore the competitive landscape. Understanding the various models available can help you make a more informed decision about where to invest your time and capital. As we've seen, the children's resale market is experiencing significant growth, making it an attractive sector for entrepreneurs.
What are competitors to Just Between Friends franchise?
For those exploring alternatives to a Just Between Friends franchise, key competitors include other pop-up event franchises and established brick-and-mortar stores. Brands like Rhea Lana's operate with a similar pop-up event model, offering a direct comparison in operational style. Additionally, established retail chains such as Once Upon A Child and Kid to Kid are prominent players in the children's resale space. These brick-and-mortar operations represent significant franchise alternatives, providing year-round shopping experiences.
The children's resale market is robust. As of early 2025, this market is valued at over $8 billion in the USA. Projections indicate a healthy annual growth rate of between 10-12%, which continues to fuel competition among these diverse business models. A late 2024 market analysis highlights that while pop-up models capture approximately 25% of the franchised children's resale segment, brick-and-mortar stores like Once Upon A Child hold a dominant 60% market share. This dominance is largely attributed to their consistent, year-round availability, a factor that differentiates them from event-based models.
What opportunities are similar to Just Between Friends business?
Beyond established franchises, there are numerous opportunities that mirror the community-based, event-driven model of selling used children's items. Local, independent consignment sale events present a direct alternative to the franchise structure. These events often operate with a similar framework but without the associated franchise fees, providing a blueprint for those looking to start a consignment sale business like Just Between Friends independently.
As of 2025, there are over 300 large-scale independent consignment sale events operating across the country. These events foster significant local competition and offer a viable pathway for entrepreneurship in this niche. Data from 2024 indicates that these opportunities, which are similar to the Just Between Friends business model, can achieve gross sales ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per event. For context, top-performing independent sales in major metropolitan areas have been known to exceed $350,000, demonstrating their potential to rival established franchise territories.
If you're curious about the earning potential within this sector, you might find it helpful to explore How Much Does a Just Between Friends Franchise Owner Make?
Key Considerations for Alternative Franchise Models:
- Market Saturation: Research local demand and competition for both pop-up and brick-and-mortar resale concepts.
- Operational Style: Decide whether an event-based model or a permanent retail location best suits your entrepreneurial goals and lifestyle.
- Investment Levels: Compare the initial investment and ongoing fees associated with different franchise brands and independent models. For instance, the initial investment for a Just Between Friends franchise can range from $66,665 to $97,515, with a franchise fee of $24,900.
- Revenue Potential: Analyze average and median revenue figures, as well as the range of performance, to set realistic expectations. The average annual revenue per unit for Just Between Friends is reported at $353,420, with a median of $228,939.
What Are The Investment Level Alternatives?
When exploring children's consignment franchise opportunities, the investment levels can vary significantly depending on the specific business model. Understanding these differences is key to finding a venture that aligns with your financial capacity and business goals.
How much does a children's consignment franchise cost?
The cost for children's consignment franchises spans a wide spectrum. For event-based models, such as those resembling Rhea Lana's, the total investment typically ranges from approximately $41,950 to $65,500. In contrast, brick-and-mortar stores like Once Upon A Child present a higher investment, with total costs estimated between $281,000 and $422,300 as of early 2025. This highlights a substantial difference in capital requirements based on the operational structure.
Looking at franchise fees specifically for 2025, a pop-up kids consignment sale business model averages around $17,500. For a more established, storefront secondhand clothing franchise, this fee tends to be higher, averaging about $25,000. Financial prerequisites for 2025 also differ; pop-up models generally require about $25,000 in liquid capital. Storefront operations, however, demand a more substantial liquid asset base, usually between $75,000 and $100,000, coupled with a net worth exceeding $300,000.
What are low-cost resale franchise opportunities for parents?
The most budget-friendly resale franchise opportunities for parents are typically found within the event-based models. These often allow for home-based operations between sale events, making them a popular choice for parents seeking a home-based consignment franchise for kids. As of 2025, the initial franchise fee for an event-based franchise like Rhea Lana's is $17,500. This is considerably lower than the $25,000 fee associated with a storefront franchise like Kid to Kid. The total estimated startup costs for these pop-up sales in 2025 are generally under $70,000, with some franchisees successfully launching for as little as $40,000. This positions them as some of the more accessible franchise opportunities for selling kids' items.
For comparison, the initial investment for a Just Between Friends franchise unit falls between $66,665 and $97,515, with a franchise fee of $24,900. This means that while Just Between Friends is a well-established option in the children's resale market, other event-based models can offer a lower entry point.
Tips for Evaluating Investment Levels
- Compare Total Investment: Always look beyond the franchise fee to understand the total capital needed, including build-out, inventory, and initial operating expenses.
- Assess Liquidity Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum liquid capital and net worth requirements for the franchise you are considering.
- Research Different Models: Event-based versus brick-and-mortar franchises have vastly different investment profiles. Understand which model best suits your financial situation and risk tolerance.
The children's resale market is dynamic, and understanding the investment tiers is crucial for making an informed decision. Whether you're drawn to the flexibility of pop-up sales or the stability of a physical store, there are resale business franchise options available to suit various financial capacities.
How Do Children's Resale Franchise Models Compare?
When exploring alternatives to a specific children's resale franchise, understanding the core differences between various operational models is crucial. This helps in identifying the best fit for your investment goals and lifestyle.
What are the differences between pop-up and storefront models?
The fundamental distinction between pop-up and storefront children's resale franchises lies in their operational cadence and physical presence. Pop-up models are event-driven, typically running short-term sales 2-4 times per year. In contrast, storefront models operate as permanent retail locations, open year-round. This difference significantly impacts overhead and operational strategy.
From a financial perspective, the cost structure varies dramatically. As of 2025, pop-up models generally boast lower annual operating costs, often staying under $30,000 (excluding inventory costs paid to consignors). Storefronts, however, incur substantially higher costs, frequently exceeding $150,000 annually due to factors like rent, utilities, and the necessity of full-time staff. This makes pop-up models a more accessible entry point for some entrepreneurs.
The inventory acquisition process also differs. Storefronts typically purchase inventory directly from sellers, offering 30-40% of the resale price in cash immediately. Pop-up models, on the other hand, function purely on consignment. They pay consignors a higher percentage, usually 60-70%, but this payment is disbursed only after the event concludes and sales are finalized.
How do royalty fees vary in the secondhand clothing franchise market?
Royalty fees represent a significant ongoing cost for franchisees, and they can differ considerably between franchise types. As of 2025, event-based franchises often employ a tiered royalty structure based on gross sales, typically ranging from 3% to 5%. Storefront franchises, however, commonly charge a flat 5% royalty on all gross sales. For instance, a franchisee with a specific event-based model might pay a 3% royalty on the first $250,000 of gross sales per event, while a franchisee in a permanent retail children's resale market might face a consistent 5% royalty on all transactions.
Industry data from 2024 indicates that the combined royalty and marketing fund contributions for pop-up franchises average around 4.5% of gross sales. Conversely, for permanent retail children's resale market franchises, this average can be as high as 6.5%. Understanding these fee structures is vital when comparing children's consignment franchises and assessing the overall profitability of different resale business franchise options.
Key Considerations for Comparing Franchise Models
- Operational Model: Decide whether a recurring, year-round business (storefront) or a periodic, high-volume event model (pop-up) aligns better with your investment capacity and time commitment.
- Financial Commitment: Evaluate the significant difference in initial and ongoing operating costs between the two models. Storefronts require a much larger capital outlay.
- Revenue Share: Consider the consignment payout structure. While pop-ups offer a higher percentage to consignors, storefronts provide immediate cash for inventory, impacting cash flow differently.
- Fee Structure: Analyze royalty and marketing fees, as they directly impact your bottom line. A tiered structure might be more favorable for lower sales volumes compared to a flat percentage.
When considering your options for children's resale franchise opportunities, it's also beneficial to research the specific fee structures and operational support offered by various franchisors. For those interested in a specific model, you can learn more about How to Start a Just Between Friends Franchise in 7 Steps: Checklist.
Alternative Franchise Chain: Once Upon A Child
Is Once Upon A Child one of the best children's resale franchise opportunities?
When exploring franchise opportunities in the kids secondhand market, Once Upon A Child stands out as a leading contender. It's widely recognized as one of the best children's resale franchise opportunities available, boasting significant market leadership and strong brand recognition. As of early 2025, the franchise operates over 400 locations across North America. This widespread presence is a testament to its successful resale business franchise options model.
The financial performance data for Once Upon A Child is particularly compelling. In 2024, the average gross sales for a store reached an impressive $1,119,421, with an average gross profit of $693,982. These figures highlight the profitability potential within the children's consignment franchise opportunities sector. Furthermore, franchisee satisfaction surveys conducted in late 2024 indicated an 85% positive rating for corporate support and marketing efforts, which is notably higher than the industry average for retail franchises.
What is the Once Upon A Child investment?
For entrepreneurs looking into resale franchise opportunities for parents, understanding the investment is crucial. As of June 2025, the total initial investment to open a Once Upon A Child franchise typically ranges between $281,000 and $422,300. This investment includes a one-time franchise fee of $25,000. Key components of this investment include an initial inventory purchase estimated at $60,000 to $80,000, and leasehold improvements and construction costs that can range from $50,000 to $120,000. A liquid capital requirement of $75,000 is also a significant factor.
The ongoing financial commitments include a standard royalty fee structure common among top-tier resale business franchise options. Franchisees pay a flat 5% of gross sales as a royalty fee, along with an additional 15% contribution to the advertising fund. This structure is designed to support brand-wide marketing initiatives.
| Investment Component | Estimated Cost Range |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements/Construction | $50,000 - $120,000 |
| Liquid Capital Requirement | $75,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $281,000 - $422,300 |
| Financial Metric | Percentage of Revenue |
| Royalty Fee | 5% |
| Advertising Fund Contribution | 15% |
Tips for Evaluating Children's Consignment Franchise Opportunities
- Analyze Average Sales Data: Look beyond the initial investment and examine average gross sales figures. For Once Upon A Child, the $1,119,421 average gross sales in 2024 provides a strong benchmark for potential revenue in kids consignment sale business model operations.
- Assess Franchisee Satisfaction: High franchisee satisfaction, like the 85% positive rating for corporate support in late 2024, often correlates with a more stable and supportive franchise system. This is a key indicator for long-term success in children's resale market franchises.
- Understand the Fee Structure: Be clear on all ongoing fees, including royalty and advertising contributions. While a 5% royalty and 15% advertising fee are common, compare these against other franchise opportunities for selling kids items to ensure competitive alignment.
Alternative Franchise Chain: Kid to Kid
How does Kid to Kid compare to other children's resale market franchises?
When exploring franchise opportunities in the children's resale market, Kid to Kid stands out as a significant competitor and a viable alternative to other models. It operates a similar brick-and-mortar strategy to some of its peers, focusing on physical retail locations. However, Kid to Kid generally utilizes a smaller store footprint, with a network of just over 100 stores.
Financially speaking, Kid to Kid presents an attractive option. As of late 2024, the average gross sales for a Kid to Kid store were reported at approximately $898,727. This is complemented by a robust gross margin of around 632%, indicating strong profitability potential, though on a slightly more scaled-down operation compared to some larger franchise systems.
A key differentiator that emerged in 2025 for Kid to Kid is its proprietary software and specialized 'Quote Counter' system. This technology is designed to streamline the purchasing process for inventory, offering a more tech-forward and efficient approach to managing the inflow of goods. This can be a significant advantage when compared to other franchise options in the kids' consignment sales sector.
What are the financial requirements for a Kid to Kid franchise?
For those considering a Kid to Kid franchise in 2025, the estimated total investment typically falls within the range of $348,700 to $557,700. This range is slightly higher than some alternatives, largely due to the brand's emphasis on modern store build-outs and updated retail environments.
Prospective franchisees in 2025 will need to meet specific financial prerequisites. These include a minimum net worth of $300,000 and readily available liquid capital amounting to at least $75,000 to cover initial expenses and operational needs.
The franchise fee for Kid to Kid is $25,000. The ongoing royalty fee is set at 5% of gross sales. This fee structure is quite comparable to the royalty rates charged by other leading franchises focused on selling used children's clothing, making it a familiar financial commitment for those familiar with the sector.
Tips for Evaluating Children's Resale Franchises
- Understand the Technology: Inquire about the proprietary software and operational systems used by the franchisor, as this can significantly impact efficiency.
- Analyze Store Footprint: Consider whether a smaller store footprint aligns with your target market and operational capacity.
- Compare Fee Structures: Always compare franchise fees, royalty rates, and marketing contributions across different brands.
For those interested in a deeper dive into the operational aspects and financial performance of a similar business, understanding How Does the Just Between Friends Franchise Work? can provide valuable context for comparison.
| Financial Benchmark | Kid to Kid (2024/2025 Estimate) | Just Between Friends (2023 FDD Data) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Gross Sales per Unit | $898,727 | $353,420 |
| Gross Margin | Approx. 632% | 42.3% |
| Initial Investment Range | $348,700 - $557,700 | $66,665 - $97,515 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $24,900 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Sales | 3% of Gross Sales |
| Minimum Net Worth Required | $300,000 | $100,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $75,000 | $66,665 - $97,515 |
Alternative Franchise Chain: Rhea Lana's
Is Rhea Lana's a direct alternative to the JBF franchise model?
Yes, Rhea Lana's stands out as a highly direct alternative to the Just Between Friends franchise model. Both operate as semi-annual, pop-up children's consignment events, distinguishing them from permanent retail store franchises. This event-based structure is key to their similarity.
As of early 2025, Rhea Lana's boasts a significant national footprint with over 115 locations spread across 25 states. This extensive presence offers a nearly identical service to JBF, providing a clear and viable option for entrepreneurs looking into children's consignment franchise opportunities or exploring how to start a consignment sale business without JBF.
In terms of financial performance, a 2024 comparison reveals that the average Rhea Lana's event generates between $150,000 and $450,000 in gross sales. Consignors typically earn between 65% and 75% of their sales, which is a slightly more favorable split for consignors compared to the 60-70% often seen with JBF.
What is the Rhea Lana's kids consignment sale business model?
The Rhea Lana's kids consignment sale business model is built around an event-based franchise structure. Franchise owners are responsible for organizing and executing large-scale community consignment sales, typically held twice a year, coinciding with the spring and fall seasons. This model focuses on creating temporary, high-energy shopping experiences.
For those interested in franchise opportunities for selling kids items or seeking resale business franchise options, the financial commitment is notable. As of 2025, the total initial investment for a Rhea Lana's franchise ranges from $41,950 to $65,500. This figure includes an initial franchise fee of $17,500, positioning it as a relatively low-cost entry point into the franchise landscape for selling children's goods.
Revenue generation for the business model stems from the franchise retaining a portion of the total gross sales from each event, specifically between 25% and 35%. For top-performing franchises in 2024, this translated into impressive profitability, with reported net profits ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 per year, generated from their two annual sale events.
| Franchise Fee | Initial Investment Range (2025) | Consignor Split | Average Event Gross (2024) |
| $17,500 | $41,950 - $65,500 | 65% - 75% | $150,000 - $450,000 |
Key Considerations for Rhea Lana's Franchisees
- Event Management Skills: Success hinges on strong organizational and marketing abilities to execute profitable, semi-annual sales events.
- Community Engagement: Building relationships with consignors and shoppers is vital for consistent event success.
- Scalability: The model allows for expansion into new territories, offering growth potential within the children's resale market.
Alternative Franchise Chain: Children's Orchard
Is Children's Orchard one of the best children's resale franchise opportunities?
When exploring Just Between Friends franchise alternatives, Children's Orchard stands out as a solid option, especially if you're drawn to a more intimate, brick-and-mortar retail environment. It's a well-established player in the children's resale market franchises.
While it operates with a smaller footprint, boasting approximately 30 locations in 2025, Children's Orchard differentiates itself by focusing on higher-end and brand-name used children's clothing, apparel, and accessories. This curated approach can attract a specific customer base.
A franchisee report from 2024 highlighted that many find the investment level less intimidating compared to larger competitors. The average gross sales per store are reported to be around $450,000 annually. This makes it an attractive choice for those new to the resale business franchise options.
What are the startup costs for a Children's Orchard?
Opening a Children's Orchard franchise in mid-2025 is estimated to cost between $183,500 and $289,500. This range positions it as a more accessible brick-and-mortar secondhand clothing franchise compared to some other models.
The total investment includes a $25,000 franchise fee. You can expect to allocate between $40,000 to $60,000 for initial inventory and an additional $35,000 to $70,000 for store build-out and fixtures. These figures provide a clear picture for those comparing children's consignment franchises.
The ongoing financial commitment includes a royalty fee of 5% of gross sales. The requirement for liquid capital is around $60,000, which is generally lower than what some larger-scale franchises demand, making it a more attainable entry point into the kids consignment sale business model.
Tips for Evaluating Children's Resale Franchises
- Understand the Niche: Children's Orchard focuses on premium brands. Assess if this aligns with your local market demand for franchise opportunities for selling kids items.
- Compare Investment Levels: While Children's Orchard's investment is lower than some, compare it to other alternatives to JBF franchise model to ensure it fits your financial capacity. For context, a Just Between Friends franchise has an initial investment ranging from $66,665 to $97,515, with a franchise fee of $24,900.
- Review Sales Performance: The average annual sales of $450,000 for Children's Orchard are a good benchmark, but always dig deeper into franchisee performance data.
For those interested in the financial performance of a similar venture, understanding How Much Does a Just Between Friends Franchise Owner Make? can provide valuable comparative insights.
| Investment Range | $183,500 - $289,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Sales |
| Average Annual Sales | ~$450,000 |
Alternative Franchise Chain: Other Mothers / The Mothership
Is Other Mothers a viable franchise option for selling kids items?
Yes, Other Mothers, which franchises under 'The Mothership' brand, presents a compelling alternative for those looking to enter the children's resale market. This franchise offers a distinctive hybrid model that integrates children's resale with maternity and women's clothing. This broader appeal can significantly boost average transaction values, with 2024 data suggesting an increase of over 15% compared to stores focusing solely on children's items.
As of 2025, Other Mothers operates over 20 locations, predominantly in the Midwest and Southern regions of the United States. This strategic positioning allows franchisees to tap into a wide demographic of mothers, serving their needs throughout pregnancy and beyond within a single retail environment. This approach offers a unique take on resale franchise opportunities for parents.
What are the franchise fees for Other Mothers?
The initial franchise fee for an Other Mothers/The Mothership location is set at $25,000 as of 2025. This figure aligns well with the industry standard for brick-and-mortar resale businesses. The total estimated initial investment typically falls between $150,000 and $250,000, positioning it as a more accessible storefront option when compared to other children's consignment franchises.
In terms of ongoing costs, the royalty fee is 4% of gross sales. This is notably 1% lower than the 5% charged by major competitors like Once Upon A Child and Kid to Kid. For a store achieving an average sales volume, this difference could translate into long-term savings exceeding $8,000 annually.
For comparison, the initial franchise fee for a Just Between Friends franchise is $24,900, with a royalty fee of 3% and a 1% marketing fee. The total initial investment for Just Between Friends can range from $66,665 to $97,515. Understanding these financial benchmarks is crucial when evaluating different children's consignment franchise opportunities.
Here's a comparative look at key financial aspects:
| Franchise Fee | Other Mothers/The Mothership | Just Between Friends |
| Initial Investment | $150,000 - $250,000 | $66,665 - $97,515 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% | 3% |
Tips for Evaluating Resale Franchises
- Analyze the Target Demographic: Consider if the franchise's focus aligns with your local market's needs. A broader appeal, like Other Mothers' inclusion of maternity and women's wear, can expand customer reach.
- Compare Fee Structures: Pay close attention to royalty percentages and marketing fees. Even a 1% difference can represent significant savings over time, as seen with Other Mothers' lower royalty rate compared to some competitors.
- Review Unit Performance Data: Examine average annual revenues and profit margins for existing franchises. For instance, Just Between Friends reports an average annual revenue of $353,420, with a gross profit margin of 42.3%.
- Understand the Business Model: Whether it's a children-only resale model or a hybrid approach, ensure you are comfortable with the operational demands and customer base it attracts.
When exploring alternatives to the Just Between Friends franchise, franchises like Other Mothers offer distinct advantages. The children's resale market is robust, with various models to consider for those interested in starting a consignment sale business or entering the kids secondhand market. Evaluating the best children's resale franchise opportunities requires a deep dive into investment costs, ongoing fees, and the unique value proposition each brand offers to both sellers and buyers.