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About Our Franchise Program
Scientific advances in DNA technology have made DNA testing more affordable and accessible to the general public. In turn, as popular television dramas, talk shows and true crime documentaries focus on the applications of DNA identification testing and nutritional genetic breakthroughs, the general public has become more informed about and fascinated with the use of genetic information within our society.
These factors have translated into an increasing demand by the general public for DNA testing. DNA Services of America (DNASOA) is focused on meeting the demand and is soon to become the largest DNA testing services company in the nation through its first-of-its-kind franchise program in this industry. DNA Services of America currently offers family relationship and forensic DNA identification testing, as well as nutrigenomics, launching GenoTrim® for weight management in September, 2007.
In order to effectively provide services to all areas within the United States, we are seeking highly motivated business entrepreneurs committed to achieving both personal and financial goals through the ownership and operation of franchise service centers. Because of the training provided by DNA Services of America, there is no requirement for the franchisee to have a scientific background. Franchisees must have:
- strong work ethic and credibility
- business background
- an aggressive, persistent willingness to work long hours and creatively adapt your strategy as necessary as a start-up business
- and be willing to dedicate themselves to maximizing the earning potential this opportunity provides.
Sales and marketing experience, especially relationship development and management, are imperative in the overall franchise operation.
This is not a home-based business.
If you are looking for autonomy, flexibility of schedule, an innovative business model and the chance to get in on the ground floor of an exciting, rapidly expanding company, this is a business opportunity you need to explore.
This is an entrepreneurial franchise opportunity to become a part of an industry that is needed within local communities and remains consistent during any economic change. The services DNASOA offers provide firm evidence that can lead to life-changing events for individuals seeking help with their identification questions or personal health and well-being.
Become part of DNA Services of America's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy by joining our Franchise Program:
- Bring members of your community peace of mind through evidence provided by DNA identification test results for paternity, family relationship establishment, infidelity testing and forensic DNA
- Provide DNA-customized nutritional solutions to those who have struggled with weight management issues
- Operate and develop your DNA testing business within an exclusive territory through effective leadership, business management, sales, customer service and care, marketing, relationship development and financial management
- Develop and implement regional marketing initiatives to support your business's growth and profitability in alignment with our proven strategic model
- Manage your own day-to-day operations, including accounting, finance, cash management and operations budget
- Develop and maintain relationships with strategic partners, community affiliations and referral sources
- Identify and build referral sources within your exclusive territory with organizations who either have a direct need or receive questions from their clients or patients relative to our testing services
- Contact and visit referral sources within your contracted territory to promote DNA Services of America and your franchise business
- Participate in local networking organizations that have a direct influence on your business exposure and growth
- Obtain advertisements in the local area telephone book and internet directories under appropriate headings
- Identify and place in-column advertisements in remote area telephone books for non-metropolitan locations within your exclusive territory
- Ensure all personnel receive proper training to increase sales of DNA testing services over the telephone and by personal walk-in business
- Offer new DNA based testing services within your exclusive territory as they are developed to appropriate persons, companies and referral sources
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Our Franchise Support System
DNA Services of America provides valuable tools and techniques to assist you in meeting your financial and personal goals. DNA Services of America's franchise program includes a confidential operations manual, exclusive protected territory, marketing and advertising orientation, public relations assistance, education programs for many areas of the business, and ongoing support.
As part of the franchise investment, each franchisee will attend DNA University, another unique advantage not offered by others in this industry. Training at DNA University consists of education in the areas of tests and services, franchise operations and management, sales and marketing as specifically related to this business, referral development, advertising, and sample collection certification. Hotel accommodations and meals are included. You will be provided with a summary sheet and the agenda upon scheduling your session.
Ongoing Support
You will be provided with a dedicated point of contact for all sources of support.
- Operational Support
- Sales and Business Development Support
- Laboratory/Technical Support
DNA Services of America is serious about supporting its franchisees by providing a state-of-the-art technological tool, DNA DatalinkTM. DNA Datalink is a proprietary software system customized specifically for DNA Services of America. It is a comprehensive resource for internal communications; case processing and sales functions; business management; and training - all at your finger tips. For more information, please call 866.432.7021 or send written communications via email to franchise@dnasoa.com.
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Our Unique Advantages
- DNA Services of America provides franchisees exclusive rights within local communities or regions so there is no overlapping competition within the same corporation in the contracted territory.
- DNA Services of America is the only DNA testing services company that emphasizes local community development and provides the resources and marketing support to build your business in a more personal approach.
- DNA Services of America is the only DNA testing services company to provide you the marketing materials you will need to get your business started - immediately. Most pieces are customized for your particular service center, so there is no need to create your own brochures, letterhead and other promotional items. We do it all for you.
- DNA Services of America is the only DNA testing services company with its own DNA University, customized for new franchisees to learn about DNA testing, as well as marketing the services directly to consumers and referral resources. You will not be left on your own to figure out the business - we will make sure you get started on the right foot.
- DNA Services of America is always available to support its franchisees' efforts in growing and maintaining its DNA testing business, from personal customer service support to onsite training and marketing development within your own community.
- DNA Services of America's contracted DNA identification testing laboratory offers us
- Paternity test results in an average of only 2 to 3 business days, with RUSH testing options available
- Online case tracking capabilities to each franchisee for their particular cases, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Comprehensive testing services; including paternity tests, other family relationship tests, DNA and semen detection, infidelity tests and forensic DNA tests.
- Accreditations recognized by experts throughout the country, including:
AABB- American Association of Blood Banks
CAP- College of American Pathologists
NYSDOH- New York State Department of Health
FSQ-1/ISO IEC 17025 - Forensic Quality Services International
ASCLD/LAB- International: American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board
CLIA- Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act
- More powerful testing capabilities than any other DNA identification testing laboratory, with the ability to test up to 29 unique systems when necessary
- Every case is tested twice independently as an added quality control measure
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DIRECT INVESTMENT AND ANTICIPATED START-UP COSTS
Minimum Franchise Fee:
| 500,000 in Population: | $15,000 U.S. |
| Initial/Capital Franchise Fee Based on Territory Population - Initial Franchise Fee Formula below |
| Minimum Suggested Operating Line of Credit: | $30,000 U.S. |
| Estimated Total Franchise Investment: | $41,650 - $103,900 |
Direct Investment Provides:
- An exclusive territory to market services for a five (5) year term with one 5-year renewal option if specific criteria met
- Substantial training
- 4 days at DNA University's extensive franchise orientation course, including
Accommodations
Meals
Training program and all related materials
Round-trip shuttle transportation to and from airport
- Two onsite Start-Up and Marketing Orientation Visits with a DNA Services of America representative
- Standard Operating Procedures Manual
- Customized marketing materials ("Business-in-a-Box") with your location's specific contact information, including:
- 1000 Business cards
- 1000 Generic cards
- 1000 Letterhead
- 1000 Standard business envelopes
- 900 Return address labels
- 500 Note cards
- 100 Marketing folders
- 1500 Tri-fold family relationship DNA brochures
- 1000 8 ˝" x 11" Paternity testing flyers
- 1000 8 ˝" x 11" DNA Safeguarding flyers
- 500 Spanish Tri-fold family relationship testing brochures
- 500 Granparent DNA flyers
- 500 Immigration flyers
- 500 Rolodex cards
- 300 DNASOA pens
- 100 Letter openers
- DNASOA banner display screen
- 2 Location identification stamps
- 1 DNA Services of America shirt
- 1 I.D. card
- 1 Fingerprint pad
- 1 box tamper-proof evidence tape
- Licensing of DNA Services of America trade name and logo
- Ongoing business development and customer service support, including but not limited to
- Online case tracking and use of DNA DataLink TM
- Dedicated corporate customer service representative
- One (1) no-cost presentation to approved organizations that supplement referral business, with attendees greater than 25 persons
Anticipated Start-Up Costs:
- Office Space
- 250 - 300 square feet recommended
- Professional environment, such as an executive office suite, with restroom facilities
- Suggested location within a strong medical or legal community
- Easy commuter access and parking
- Use of corporate wall and carpet colors
- Local/State license and occupancy permits where appropriate
- Equipment and Furniture
- Computers with Office XP and high-speed internet
- Computer with all-in-one printer/scanner/copier dedicated to collection room
- Fax
- Multi-line telephones
- Printer
- Cell phone
- Filing cabinets - fire proof with secure locks
- Three (3) waiting room chairs
- Desk (4)
- Small table for sample collection
- Polaroid or digital camera
- Supplies
- Basic office supplies
- Latex gloves
- Film
- Mobile collection carrying case
- Storage unit for collection supplies
- Signage for office front in accordance with DNA Services of America's trademark and logo requirements
- Labor cost for marketing/sales people - inbound call Case Manager and outside sales Community Relations Manager; future personnel for GenoTrim product line
- Insurance
- Roundtrip airfare to DNA University, in Houston, Texas
- Telephone book advertisements
- Additional training for personnel as appropriate
DNA sample collection supplies and shipment materials are provided at no additional cost
Initial Franchise Fee Formula for Exclusive Territory:
Base Territory Population = 500,000 People for $15,000 Base Investment
Exclusive Territory Population - Base Territory Population = Population Remainder x $0.01 per person =
Additional Investment Fee + $15,000 = Total Initial Franchise Fee
Example: Territory with 1,000,000 People
1,000,000 - 500,000 ($15,000) = 500,000 x $0.01 = $5,000 + $15,000 = $20,000 Total Initial Franchise Fee
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Financing Option - SBA Registry of Approved Franchises
DNA Services of America does not provide financing for franchise investments; however, we are pleased to announce that we have received Small Business Administration (SBA) approval and are listed on the SBA’s Registry of SBA Approved Franchises, http://www.franchiseregistry.com/registry/.
There are many benefits that both current and prospective franchisees may enjoy from our relationship with the SBA. According to FRANdata, the only objective information company that researches and reports on franchising, the benefits include:
Expedited loan processing: Eliminate weeks of processing time for new franchisees during purchase and existing franchisees looking to upgrade or remodel their existing location with an SBA loan. Help ensure that loans will not be held up by a local SBA office.
Minimize legal reviews and expenses: The franchise documents are reviewed once, instead of being subjected to negotiations and different interpretations among local SBA offices.
SBA stamp of approval: Provides a feeling of security to franchisees because SBA has determined that there are no unacceptable franchisor control provisions in the franchise agreement.
Improves relationships with SBA lenders: Being listed decreases risks of PLP lenders and eases the approval process for local and regional lenders who are increasingly participating in SBA financing. This is particularly helpful for franchisees who prefer to continue their relationship with their own lender.
Please note that listing on the registry means that the franchise agreement does not impose unacceptable control provisions on a franchisee (which could result in affiliation with a franchisor). The lender and/or SBA must still consider and evaluate, with respect to each application for SBA financing, factors such as general eligibility, creditworthiness, conflicts of interest, character, use of proceeds, and discrimination.
If you need further assistance with SBA financing please contact your local banking institutions and/or your local SBA office directly.
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