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Nothing is Sweet about Candy Bouquet!
From an alleged former franchisee: If Candy Bouquet International has been around since 1989, why don't they have a standardized POS (point of sale) system for their franchisees?
They claim to spend millions on building their brand - but did you know that the name "Candy Bouquet" can be used by anyone! The trademark office denied their claim to the name - not once but twice! The only trademarks they own are their logo and a few slogans! The millions they spend is on selling more franchises seeing how the average life of a franchise is only estimated at 2.5 years! The attrition rate is also estimated at 60-70%! So many of the franchisees listed on the candybouquet.com locator are homebased businesses for which they work a real job because the Candy Bouquets do NOT support themselves!
The franchisees of Candy Bouquet are so despondent with the franchisor that they set up an independent association through the AAFD early last year! (Congrats on the AAFD awards!)The franchisees I've talked to complained of carpal tunnel and numerous other physical issues from making the bouquets due to repetive motion. The equipment referred to in the offering circular does less than 2% of the work and the rest is manual labor - hence the issues previously mentioned.
The only franchisees surviving the failing trend are those who have so diversified their stores as to NOT be dependent on the actual candy bouquets they were led to believe would carry their stores! Speaking of stores, did you know that there is no fixed model for a candy bouquet store? Go into any store, none are the same - so much for branding!
Candy Bouquet collects a monthly association fee which is a guaranteed revenue stream. Since so many franchisees struggle, a royalty wouldn't be profitable, so they offer a fixed fee. And not such a low cost franchise, none of the stores I spoke with were ever able to operate within the expenses indicated on the site. In fact, most owners are unable to pay themselves a salary or are able to afford employees!
Oh lets not forget the noncompete clause - no candy stores, floral shops and gifts stores. The franchisees claim they were never taught ANYTHING as to how to operate a floral shop or gift store. As far as candy stores are concerned, you don't need to buy a franchise for that - you can do it on your own. As for Candy Bouquet, my advice? Buy a video!
From the CEO of the franchisor: Everything is Sweet about Candy Bouquet
Ms. Margaret McEntire, the chief executive officer of Candy Bouquet, Inc., contacted me and asked that I help her post a comment. It can be read in its entirety below. - Mr. Blue MauMau, moderator
I would like to thank all of you for your comments, negative and positive with regards to Candy Bouquet. The extraordinary thing about our country is that is that we do have freedom of speech. On the internet, though, it can go unmonitored and can get out of hand and there is no delete button for statements put in an incorrect light. Candy Bouquet’s independent franchisee association has a channel to mediate disputes with individuals and groups of franchisees and so does the International Franchise Association , which I am a board member.
I do think of the terrible example on youtube.com with the worker of a franchise company, that snorts some lettuce and then places it in the customer’s food. What a terrible thing that made the entire franchise company suffer because of the actions of a few.
I will promise to always try my best and have our employees do their best for you as well. We have fulfilled all of the list of things that were asked of us here at Candy Bouquet International. We have a good relationship with Bob Purvin and the AAFD. If any franchisee has a problem with CBI or any issues, I would hope that they would call CBI and also make the Advisory Council aware of them. We only work for you.
As a board member of the International Franchise Association, I have also learned from other franchisors that if there are ever any problems with the system, you embrace your franchisees and get them fixed as soon as possible.
I appreciate the opportunity to have this note put up. Thank you Mr. Blue Mau Mau!
Margaret McEntire
[Founder of] Candy Bouquet International, Inc.
- forums:
3181 Forum Remarks
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I have a connection with an
I have a connection with an inside source and have heard some amazing things about what they are planning to do within Corporate to make the company better. Granted, I am a scorned CB owner of 5 years and was just about to mail in my manual. But after I heard this, I decided to wait a few more months. Let's see what changes. Yes, 10% isn't a lot for a sale, but it's something. And, yes, why would someone invest in a dying business if they are so smart? ... well, they are obviously smarter than me and I truly believe that (after looking at the family's other achievements - WOW!) that Candy Bouquet actually has a chance to be big. I'm excited to watch as these changes are unveiled and the company has its rebirth. I have a passion for what I do and I know the Wheelers do, too. Bring it on!
Re: Connection
Oh how we've missed these empty promise posts from CBI.
Welcome back CBI Ghosts.....
Interesting Article
Just read this article:
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aID=129890.54928.142034&view=all
OMG Does this article sound like how MM suckered franchisees in?
OMG Does this article sound like how MM suckered franchisees in? This articl states the exact same thing how tons of past franchisees put all their savings including their 401K into a franchise that will never produc a dime profit. Woaaa are the Wheeler's that have sunk all their funding into a defunt franchise. Did these people not know MM had ben trying to dump this business for years? Things never change with Margaret Mcentire...what are the odds if they default the franchise goes back to MM. 10-1 the Wheelers are renting the warehouse from MM and the wire cutting company (machiine).
What a joke this couple are...
I have a bridge i want to
I have a bridge i want to sell you too as soon as my contracts up im done i just recieved another email today from another owner trying to sell me their stuff from their failed store, your message aint foolin noone C.B.I IS A SCAM
I have a connection with an ...
Sounds to me like a message from Corporate or the new owners!
Connection?
I was going to ask how things are going with the new owners but never mind. See they like to "ghost" post also. How sad.
Nothing Has Changed With New Owners
Check out the corporate website. Still wishing everyone happy holidays and showing holiday bouquets. Since you can't order from the list of franchisees on the locator because half of them are MIA, you would think at minimum the corporate website would be maintained in a current fashion. Nope! Same old same old. And they wonder why we just wait and quietly go away!
RE: Nothing has changed at CBI
And this surprises you???? Anyone who thinks they are buying a
company that has been in a growth mode for 21 years, can't be to bright.........
We all know that's a lie.....
You know I just don't get it about Candy Bouquet International.
You know I just don't get it about Candy Bouquet International. For years I have complained about how late the designs are for the holidays and Margaret Mcentire does nothing but give me dry promises. Where sre the Christmas bouquets and why is Candy Bouquet International still show casing Halloween bouquets on it's website? After all these years has this company noy learned anything? Why do they continue to work against the franchisees who support them? I'm so fed up!!! I'm so done once my contract is up.
Warning do not buy into this company. From one who knows.
Margaret Mcentire OUT!! Texas pair buy Candy Bouquet
Texas pair buy Candy Bouquet
Firm with 420 franchises to keep headquarters in LR
Candy Bouquet Chief Executive Jim Wheeler and owner Janet Wheeler build bouquets at company headquarters in Little Rock.
Little Rock-based Candy Bouquet International, which has home-based and storefront franchises worldwide, has been bought by a Houston couple who hope to put the chain back on a path of growth.
http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2011/dec/13/texas-pair-buy-candy-bouquet-20111213/?business-arkansas
New genesis for Candy Bouquet???
CBI is most appreciative of Margaret McEntire for her vision to create and grow Candy Bouquet for over 21 years. Margaret and her husband’s other investments, family and travel plans, have made possible a wonderful opportunity to sell CBI to the right people at the right time. Hello! My name is Jim Wheeler, and my wife’s name is Janet Wheeler. We acquired CBI one week ago; Janet is the new Owner, and I will be serving her and her company as President/CEO. I am a physician/lawyer with additional successful business experiences in food service, real estate, construction, insurance, securities and franchising. Our family has been a Candy Bouquet franchisee for a good part of Texas (220 zip codes), and have loved it! Some time ago, Margaret asked if we’d be interested in acquiring the franchisor responsibilities – and we closed on 11/30/11. All current staff is being retained and additional warehouse and corporate employees are being hired immediately. Janet and I are planning to reach out to each and every CBI Franchisee personally. As a personal thank you, Janet and I have approved a CEO Celebratory 10% discount on any Distribution Center order placed this December (ask for the discount when you order)and to say thank you for your support and hard work over the many years. This is a very exciting new beginning for Candy Bouquet and we look forward to servicing our CBI Franchisees for a very long time.
Why would a lawyer buy this
Why would a lawyer buy this horrible business. Doesn't he know that all the franchisees are suing MM? He must be a bad lawyer and have no clients or else he would be too busy to worry about this failing company. I feel sorry that you spent 3 years of law school and all that tuition to end up buying a completely dysfunctional business. I guess law school does not teach business ethic courses anymore?
New Genesis
Smells Like the Same Genesis to me 10 percent discount, what or how does that help. Sales stink heres a tip help with sales, then the we will make more money and be able to buy more candy, i didnt even have to go to school to figure that out, that information is free of charge , dont bother to call me i wont pick up
Seriously?????????
What would someone who went to med school and law school want to waste his time with a failing company? Last time I was privvy to an itnernational company being sold after having been started and kept in the family for many years was to use the loss for a tax write off against the other successful businesses that were owned. Of course it wasnt known for a couple of years, but when it was liquidated in one week with doors closed without notice and bouncing comission checks all over the place. The difference is this company that was bought was a GROWING company and sold because the owner died and the offspring weren't able to run it. I give the new owners one year before the Wheelers shut it down and take the loss to offset other business income. The rich get richer ...no matter what they have to do for the $$$$$. I guess it doesnt really matter because CBI was going to combust soon whether MM had it or some other person was at the helm. It has been spiraling downward way too long to head in any other direction. I personally could care less if MM called me or sent me an email when I was a franchisee. I never asked her for any special attention and was glad she kept her distance. There is no business model and not one successful store that depends on Candy Bouquets to keep its doors open. There are no trade secrets or proprietary information that will make a CB franchise profitable. Good Luck Wheelers....hope you dont con tooo many people!!!!!
RE: Seriously
Oh how I wish Blue Mau Mau had a "LIKE" button! You are so on the mark with your comment!
Good luck Wheelers, your gonna need it! LOL
Re: New genesis for Candy Bouquet???
I also wish the Wheelers the best of luck and I do think they will need it. There are many relative terms in their letter. Yes, Margaret had a vision but to say she grew the business for 21 years, is just not true. If this business was truly growing, why have the numbers dropped drastically in the past several years? Why have so many franchisees had to file bankruptcy? The Wheelers state they own practically all of Texas, but how many stores do they operate and for how many years? Is MM brother-in-law still working for candy bouquet? Mr. Wheeler has quite an impressive resume, but can he empathize with the current franchisees? Hopefully, time will prove that he and his wife want to help the franchisees. BUT they must realize they have a monumental mountain to climb since the last owner left the franchisees beaten-down and lifeless.
New Owners
Good luck Mr. & Mrs. Wheeler, I was a Candy Bouquet Franchisee but Margaret did not help me one bit. Once she had my money, I never heard from her again, even when my five years were up, she didn’t even acknowledge me, a staff member wrote an email.......thank you, all the best. That was it, if she had been more committed to me, help, advise etc, I might have rejoined but she made up my mind very quickly. I hope you do better than MM because she abused her position to the point of only after the dollars and showed lack of interest and empathy to the franchisees. Many will tell you of their horror stories and many have gone bankrupt, I did not as I could see her concept in bouquets was largely time consuming and very little reward at the end, the margin of profit was near to nil. I carried on until the time was up. I wish you all the best in trying to bring this business to a sustainable point.
former franchisee
I too was a franchisee and when I was having trouble keeping up with my payments, all CBI did was threaten me. When I sent in my letter to advise them I was closing early, MM sent me an email to see what went wrong and what she could do. When I replied and gave her all the reasons why I quit, she never acknowledged me again. No, "sorry to see you go" NOTHING!
But she sure as heck has her people harassing me now for the money I owe her!!!
Still can't beleive I was so naive in thinking this business would work. Could of saved myself thousands of dollars and stress!!!
RE: New Genesis for CBI
UH, Talk is cheap, and so is 10%. Actions speak louder than words!
Share with us how you make money in your stand alone stores???? Are they even called Candy Bouquet?
I still say, Candy Bouquet is not and cannot be trademarked, it's not Rocket Science to
make A bouquet, and this franchise has already burned too many people...
Good Luck to you and your wife, but you will have to do way better than a phone call, and 10 % off
to bring this dead horse back to life :(
RE: Genesis for CBI
Apparently you did not do your Homework before buying, CBI was once in Growth mode, but for the last 10 years, it has been dying a slow and painful death! Numbers don't lie......
Buy Candy Bouquet?
Why would any one want to buy this franchise? It's time has passed. The time to grow this business was years ago when M&M's wanted to do an agreement. Also, FTD wanted our bouquets listed on their locator. Do you realize how busy the franchises would/could have been? This fad has come and gone. Just yesterday I was in Kroger's and they had 20+ Christmas candy bouquets in their floral shop. And they didn't look so bad for $20-40.
Maggie Out!!! But.....
how come franchisees are the last ones to find out. Did they bother to send an email or any type of personal notice to all franchisees. I may be inactive but I have been paying my dues according to the contract. I only have a few more months to get out of this money pit but I am starting to rethink if I should even bother to pay since I am obviously so insignificant to the new owners. What a way to take over a buisiness by repeating the mistakes of the former owners. Good luck to them, they will be needing it.
How come we are the last to know?
You are the last to find out because you don't collectively insist that you are the first to know. Hopefully, someone smarter will come in and let you know what you need to do.
Margaret has never acted in a
Margaret has never acted in a professional manner. Owners of companies should have a certain decorum when interacting with the public. I never saw this trait in Margaret. Even when Margaret was interviewed, she did not behave as a head of a company. Common courtesy would have been to notify franchisees of the pending sale; but from what has been reported, Margaret slithered out of this company.
It has been said numerous times, to be respected, you must respect. Margaret NEVER earned respect because she never respected the franchisees. Only time will tell if these new owners will operate as professionals or as the status quo that the franchisees have come to expect.
I got out early and refuse to
I got out early and refuse to pay any fees. I'm not making any money....DON"T PAY!!!
Did MM have her collectors
Did MM have her collectors constantly calling you? And your relative and friends? Instead of getting your credit all screwed up it might be better for you to just pay according to your contract until it's up. From one who knows.
Collections
If CB/Margaret sells the debt to a collector, the collector won't give a darn about your crying how you didn't make any money, or how Margaret swindled you. They have in hand a contract with your name on it, and they want money. They don't care how the debt arose. CB/Margaret already got their money when they sold the debt (at a big discount off face value) so it's you vs. the collection agency, Continuing to ignore the debt doesn't do any further harm to Margaret. You can't prove the debt isn't valid (if you could, why didn't you get out of your contract BEFORE it went to a collector?) so you have no defense.
Grandville you are wrong
Grandville you are wrong Margaret Mcentire did not sell the debt to the collectors - she hired the collectors for a percentage of what they collected. So you are wrong when stating "Continuing to ignore the debt doesn't do any further harm to Margaret."
Just thought you should know the TRUTH Grandville. Please get the facts correct if you are going to post your know it all comments.
Do you have some proof of this, copy of the contract...
Guest claims: " Margaret Mcentire did not sell the debt to the collectors - she hired the collectors for a percentage of what they collected.":
Do you have some proof of that, because it is the opposite of the way debt collectors usually work. And how would you know this?
Granville like I need to
Granville like I need to prove just to you, or provide proof for you, a non-candy bouquet franchisee what a franchisee knows is fact. Since I am a franchisee and know just how candy bouquet works and like I said MM did not sell her company debt (she thought she would not make as much money if she sold it) she used collectors and paid them a percentage. How much she paid I don't know. If you know Margaret Mcentire you would know she liked total control and that is total control concerning collecting debt. Yes there are many debt collectors who do work for a percent that don't purchase the debt and you are correct in your statement many collectors do buy the debt for pennies on the dollar but candy bouquet under MM's reign was not a company that way. Who knows what the new owners will do. Before you say it I will the old debt was sold to the new owners so who knows how they will deal with collections sell it or hire it done for a percntage.
Outstanding balance....
Does anyone else have an outstanding balance to CBI? Are you going to pay it?
Agreement Expired
My franchise agreement expired and no one bothered to call or send a letter asking if I wanted to renew. Bet no one even knows. Bet no one cares.
Agreement Expired
Thats exactly what happened to me. When my five years were up, I didnt get a call or email from Margaret. When I told them that I didnt want to renew, I only got an email from a staff member thanking me. You are correct, nobody cares, I suppose when she was selling, she didnt care , as long as she could off load CBI.
Did you have to ask them to
Did you have to ask them to stop taking monthly franchise fees out of your account or did they automatically stop? I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to charge me again.
To Stop Franchise Fees yes request they (accounting) stop
Yes you must request they (accounting) stop the auto deduct of franchise fees and to bill them to you monthly. Some franchisees even closed their checking accounts to prevent CBI from taking any further fees.
This company will never be a true money maker for the franchisees - only the fee collector is the one making money...and that was the one who LIED to franchisees Margaret Mcentire...now she really SUCKED the Wheelers in who will soon lose it all by thinking they are going to make money on this concept, trying to make payments on a franchise that Margaret destroyed. They are going to lose their shorts and fel just like all the 80% of franchisees who lost it all some even their homes to this wicked, wicked, wicked witch who made money off the backs of the hardworking franchisees.
At least one good thing came from the sale of the Candy Bouquet International franchise sale...The Wicked Witch is GONE!!!!! No more dealing with the wicked witch. I'm sure the Wheelers also placed a gag order on her to prevent her from posting on Blue Mau Mau to hepl stop this blog from growing with the TRUTH from the wicked witches ways.
Anyone taking bets on how long the Wheelers will last? Sure hope there is no clause that if they default it goes back to the wicked witch...just so she could resell the franchise again much like the burn and church Candy Bouquet International is well known for "reselling territory".
Re-selling Territory
Over the past 8 or 9 years, I've seen 3 Candy Bouquet stores open in the same territory. It was recently sold again. What is the likelihood that this new store will make it? Does Candy Bouquet ever show prospective buyers how many previous owners of each territory there were and how long each store front lasted?
agreement
I have 5 months left and counting the days. I closed shop over a year ago and have just been paying. Still paying inventory debt, worst mistake I ever made. I wish everyone a healthy and happy new year, despite the bad business. Happy Holidays.
Thank you all so much!
Okay, so I have been wanting to open a CB franchise for the longest time and have also inquired with the company for information. I am so glad I read all of these comments before I paid any money - thank you so much!
I do however have a question, I am still interested in doing this on my own, is there somewhere you could recommend where I could learn how to make candy bouquets ( a book or a course,etc.)? My intent is to open a candy/gift store. A lot of the bouquets that I see on line don't look as professional as the CBI ones and I don't know where to begin as far as getting materials, etc. Thanks again everyone!
Maggie OUT!
As I read your article I noticed it has "420 Franchises" but on CBI Homepage, it has over 550??? Oops, they need to change their Homepage, more lies.
I feel sorry for new owners, havent been told the truth. I hope they read BMM.
Margaret Out!
Maybe now, She will buy a franchise, since she thinks they are such Money makers!! LOL!!!
New Owners SameThing Nothing Changed
New Owners Same thing, We Get 10 percent off next order of Suppys wow what a deal. That,s some real creative thinking,
RE: New Owners SameThing Nothing Changed
They are probably trying to dump all that expired product Margaret Mcentire was so famous for on the franchisees. Can't count the time the Candy Bouquet Franchisee Association brought this problem to Margaret Mcentire's attention and she merely gave lip service (LIES) to the franchisees.
New Owners SameThing Nothing Changed
Why does this not surprise me...it will always be same ole' same ole'.
Internationals
Another three Internationals have gone.....They are still on the locator but I know they have gone. They are falling just as fast as the U.S.
Seems someone finally got one over on Margaret Mcentire and the
Seems someone finally got one over on Margaret Mcentire & Candy Bouquet International! An ex-franchisee out smarted her. Check out her old website candysurprise .com. Seems her old tricks she pulled multiple times on franchisees has been turned on her. MM tried to shut down franchisee’s websites has been turned on her and candysurprise .com has been shut down.
CandySurprise .com has a new site look including the franchisee sites still listed on the candy bouquet under candysurprise .com. Checkout this franchisees website 5616.candysurprise.com
Seems an ex-franchisee has high-jacked the url. What a wonderful thing to see happen to a person who treats franchisees so poorly.
I'm giving Thanks to have Candy Bouquet out of my life forever!
I'm giving Thanks to have Candy Bouquet International out of my life forever! I'm done,done,done and so thankful to never have to listen to Margaret Mcentre and her lies ever again. The lies this franchise tells to the prospective franchisees. Buyers beware and look at the failure of the many franchisees before you. The signs are clear...DON'T INVEST ONE PENNY INTO THIS LOOSER OF A FRANCHISE!!! RUN< RUN< RUN as fast as you can and don't drop one coin for fear they will trail you looking to shake all your coins from your pockets.
I'm free of Candy Bouquet and living a much better life!
What Lies?
I am looking into this. Please tell me what to watch out for. I am looking at pursuing this as a part time hobby. I just need to generate a small monthly income working from home.
what lies
Please look into another way make some money. This is NOT the place to do it. Very time consuming and it would be years and years before you would make even a penny. Good luck to new ventures but not CBI.
RE: Lies by Candy Bouquet International
1. Look at Candy Bouquet website as of this moring 11/30/11 their homepage still show Fall and Halloween bouquets. How do you sell Christmas or other holiday bouquets when the franchisor's homepage is outdated? This has always happened for as log as I have been around...recall one year the holiday bouquets never made it the franchisees sites till mid December. Yes the franchisees were begging for the bouquets to be put on the sites but of course Margaret Mcentire did nothing but give dry promises...
2. Why does the homepage of Candy Bouquet International state: To date, Candy Bouquet International, Inc. has over 555 franchises worldwide. Representing all 50 states, 40 countries, and the territories of Puerto Rico and Guam. This is an untrue statement, has been brought to Candy Bouquet International & Margaret Mcentire attention...yet the LIE remains on their homepage. Prior to stating 555 franchises it boasted 850 franchises which yet again franchisees knew was another LIE of Candy Bouquet International & Margaret Mcentire...pressure from franchisees and comments on Blue Mau Mau forced the change to the current listing of 555 franchises. Just take a count for yourself and you will see that it is an untrue statement (LIE) which CBI refuses to change. The bigger LIE numbers makes for better sales of franchises.
Buyer beware...
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