THE SCOUT GUIDE
The Scout Guide franchise enables operators to establish and operate an advertising publication business specializing in the production and distribution of high-quality advertising guides under the 'The Scout Guide' or 'TSG' brands. Franchisees sell advertising space in these print guides to local businesses and distribute them to upscale consumers, with additional digital promotion via websites, social media, and newsletters. The business model relies on advertising revenue from primarily small businesses in developed markets, with year-round sales.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
10% royalty + $175/mo technology fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
This franchise did not provide Item 19 financial performance data.
Be careful if you are interested in investing. The lack of financial performance representations may indicate limited data or varying results across franchises.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How THE SCOUT GUIDE Compares to Other Business Services Franchises
Key Insights
- Higher investment than 76% of Business Services franchises
- Higher than average SBA loan default rate in Business Services
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
THE SCOUT GUIDE Current | $137K - $246K | $50K | 10.0% | 88 |
| Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution, LLC | $14K - $607K | N/A | N/A | 6,454 |
| THE UPS STORE (TRADITIONAL) | $216K - $609K | $30K | 5.0% | 4,500 |
| JACKSON HEWITT TAX SERVICE | $71K - $105K | $25K | 15.0% | 2,744 |
| CRUISE PLANNERS | $2K - $21K | $11K | 3.0% | 2,655 |
| SERVPRO (UNIT) | $259K - $380K | $100K | 10.0% | 2,286 |
Business Services Average 187 franchises | $118K - $285K | $46K | 10.4% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 187 Business Services franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2023)
Outlets by state across the United States
+19 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for THE SCOUT GUIDE franchisees (2022 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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88 franchisee contacts on file. Upgrade to see names, locations, phone numbers, and matched SBA loan data.
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a THE SCOUT GUIDE franchise?
The total initial investment to open a THE SCOUT GUIDE franchise ranges from $136,600 to $245,900. This includes a franchise fee of $50,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 10.0% of gross sales.
How many THE SCOUT GUIDE franchise locations are there?
As of the 2024 FDD, THE SCOUT GUIDE has 88 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2012.
Can you get an SBA loan for a THE SCOUT GUIDE franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for THE SCOUT GUIDE franchises. Historical data shows 3 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for THE SCOUT GUIDE franchisees, with an average loan amount of $39,333. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is THE SCOUT GUIDE a good franchise to buy?
THE SCOUT GUIDE shows several positive indicators: low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in THE SCOUT GUIDE?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if THE SCOUT GUIDE is the right fit for you.
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