Who Makes an Ideal Just Between Friends Franchisee?
Our most successful consignment sales franchise owners have a heart for helping others
Running a successful Just Between Friends (JBF) consignment sales event franchise is about more than just having a knack for business. It’s actually rooted in having a heart for others. CEO and co-founder Shannon Wilburn says that any entrepreneur who wants to make an impact in their towns make ideal JBF franchisees. 
“We are looking for people who want to give back,” Shannon says. “We are looking for families who care about their communities. This is a business: yes, we want our franchise owners to treat it like a business, and we want them to make money. But that’s not the first and foremost thing that should be important to them. We want our owners to really feel passionate about their communities.”
A unique opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives!
Just Between Friends is a part of the booming kids’ items and resale industries. Families today are looking for ways to save money on the astronomical costs of clothing and equipping their children. Euromonitor International’s February 2017’s, “ Childrenswear in the US,” reports that children’s wear is now a $31.6 billion industry in the United States. During back-to-school season American parents with children in kindergarten through 12th grade will spend almost $25 billion, with the biggest chunk of that amount spent on clothing according to “ Parents, Brace Yourselves: This Is How Much You’ll Spend on Back-to-School Shopping.” The Time.com article goes on to state that besides electronics, clothing accounts “for more than $400 of the average family’s back-to-school outlay” — and that amount only accounts for one period of the year! As the U.S. Census Bureau projects the birth rate to reach more than 80 million children in the U.S. by 2030, it’s easy to see that the demand for affordable, high quality children’s items will only increase, too. Economically savvy and value-conscious families know that shopping secondhand for their kids is a terrific way to save money and get high quality items at a fraction of the retail cost. Just Between Friends has been a pioneer in this industry and is considered today the leading kid’s consignment sales event franchise in North America. JBF franchisees see their consignment sales events as “win-win-win-win.” The consignors benefit, the shoppers benefit, charitable organizations benefit and the franchisee benefits. 
Over the years, we have helped almost 1 million families through our 150+ franchises in 30 states and Canada, and we have been able to give back more than $15 million in cash and in-kind donations to dozens of nonprofits. The amount of money and donated items we are able to give back and the number of families we are able to serve will only grow as we expand our footprint in North America, which excites our franchise owners who find helping others the most meaningful aspect of JBF ownership. Bridget Jones, a JBF franchise owner in Texas, says, “I wanted to find a way where God could use me. My husband and I always looked for something, and JBF was a perfect fit for us. Yes, it’s a business and we are trying to make money for our family—but it’s not about us. It’s about the community, it’s about the people and the kids that come in and the consignors’ checks. I get to put those checks in the mail and bless so many families, and that’s what it is about for us.” "The greatest reward for me is knowing that I’m impacting lives in my community," Sue Endle, franchise owner in Woodbury, Minnesota, says. "My business helps moms be moms and express their love for their children by providing for them. It just doesn’t get any more rewarding than that."
Low startup costs mean higher profit and greater giving potential
A JBF franchise is a low-investment business, which means that a franchise owner has a greater potential for profit — and for giving. It’s also perfect for entrepreneurs who aren’t interested in a high pressure, rigidly-structured business model. JBF is a work-from-home opportunity that offers a flexible schedule. All of our franchise owners have busy lives with a variety of commitments, but JBF fits in well with the demands of daily life. "I had been thinking it was time for a career change, and this was the change I was looking for," Sue Endle says. "Becoming a Just Between Friends franchisee has given me the opportunity to balance meaningful work with family life. I love running a business that gives me a flexible schedule while also enabling me to give back to the local community." “Our model allows our franchisees to be present in their children’s lives and contribute to the well-being of their communities,” Shannon said. “Our concept works because it feels good to help young parents buy their children beautiful clothes without breaking the bank. Our franchises are definitely making an impact in their communities, and that is what we’re all about.”
Become a Just Between Friends franchise owner
If you have a heart for helping families in your community and are interested in owning a business that seeks to serve others, then Just Between Friends may be perfect for you! We are eager to expand JBF in 2017 with a goal of adding 15 new franchises this year. Join us as we continue making a difference in families’ lives throughout North America. You can find out more by exploring our research pages or requesting a copy of our free Franchise Information Report.