Frequently Asked Questions
Consumer
What types of animals do you photograph?
Can adults and children be in the photo?
What other items do you offer other than photographs?
When can I get my pet's photo taken?
What do I do to get my pet ready for the photo session?
Why do you require a sitting fee?
Where and when will I get my photos?
How about pet portraits taken at my local retail store?
What do I do if there is no Lil' Pals Franchise in my area?
Franchising
Why should I consider Lil' Pals Pet Photography?
What are some common traits Lil' Pals is looking for in a franchise owner?
Who is the best person to consider a franchise opportunity with Lil' Pals?
How much does it cost to purchase a Lil' Pals Franchise?
Where can I locate my franchise?
What steps do I need to take to purchase a franchise from Lil' Pals?
Does Lil' Pals offer multiple territories?
Do I need to be a photographer?
Does Lil' Pals offer training?
Is this really a serious business opportunity?
Consumer
What types of animals do you photograph?
Lil' Pals loves to photograph all types of animals. We have photographed all breeds of dogs and cats along with many other animals such as chimps, chickens, reptiles, donkeys, ferrets, rabbits, and birds. We love animals and take great care to give you a great experience in our mobile studio.
Can adults and children be in the photo?
Yes, adults and children can be in the photos either with their pets or by themselves. We take all kinds of pictures ranging from pets to families to the best kind of all-the ones with you and your favorite family member included.
Where are the photos taken?
In our mobile units, your photos are taken in a beautiful, professionally-done mobile pet photography studio. The studio is inside a large mobile trailer or recreational vehicle (RV) that is environmentally controlled and parked right outside the host location's facility. The studio is complete with various backgrounds, drapes and props to insure you have a wonderful experience and get exactly what you are looking for.
Our on-location unit, called Lil’ Pals Jr. comes right to the facility and sets up inside or in a tent just outside the facility. As above, a professional studio atmosphere is created so that every customer gets a beautiful portrait of their beloved family member. We also encourage families to get in the picture. What family photo is complete without your most treasured family member included?
What other items do you offer other than photographs?
At Lil' Pals, we are confident that "No One Offers More!" In addition to a full array of photos in color, black and white, and Antique Sepia, we also offer photos with many other special effects. We also offer your pet's photo in 40 to 50 gift items ranging from t-shirts, coffee mugs, post-it note holders, sculptures and more. There are also other beautiful professionally-done afghans which are indescribable (you have to see them to appreciate them!) and 16x20 Gallery Wraps that would make an artist or professional painter proud. We have photo books, calendars, and even holiday cards. If you do not see it and want it, just ask our franchise owner to see if it can be done.
When can I get my pet's photo taken?
If we have a franchise owner in your area, we encourage you to locate the franchise on our list of franchise owners and call them. They will be glad to tell you where they will be taking pet portraits next. In addition, many of our franchise owners have their own web site that lists their upcoming pet portrait days.
What do I do to get my pet ready for the photo session?
Depending on your pet, we recommend you get your pet washed and groomed for your photo session. You will want your pet to look sharp for the pictures, and you too will definitely want to be in the photo too. When you sign-up for a photo session at the host location, you will receive a receipt with special tips for your photo session.
Why do you require a sitting fee?
The sitting fee is very reasonable. This money is used to guarantee your commitment to being on time at your designated appointment time. We know that you are probably a customer of the host location, and we want to look good to our host location. Your attentiveness to being on-time and there at your appointment is important to us and the host. If you miss your designated appointment, you will forfeit your sitting fee.
How much does it cost?
Each host location is provided a copy of our price list. This way you can go into their office and see what we offer and our pricing. Prices start at $29 and go up. You have complete control over what you want to spend. The sitting fee does not go towards photo prices unless specified otherwise at your particular session.
Do you sell photo CDs?
Yes, we sell photo CDs that includes all the color-corrected images taken during your pet portrait session. Each CD has the copyright release on the label allowing you to do whatever you want with the images. This is a great way to get all of your images and use them in many ways such as screen savers, send images to family and friends online, or print them anytime at home or at the local retail store.
Where and when will I get my photos?
At your photo session, please ask your Lil' Pals franchise when and where you should pick up your pictures. Most franchise owners will bring the photos and gift items back to the host location for your pickup within 3 weeks of the photo shoot. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the franchise owner listed on top of your receipt or contact your host location.
How about pet portraits taken at my local retail store?
Photos taken at the local retail store will be available for pickup at that local store on the designated date. If you are uncertain, please call the franchise owner listed on your receipt. If you miss your appointment date/time for pickup of the photos, please call as soon as possible your franchise owner listed.
What do I do if there is no Lil' Pals Franchise in my area?
Lil' Pals Pet Photography is a franchise business. We are seeking franchises nationwide. If you or someone you know has any interest in this business, we encourage you to call 1-800-358-9101, extension 212 to talk to President Mike Sondag about the business. As a pet lover, you qualify to take a hard look at our company, and maybe this is just the opportunity you have been looking for.
Franchising
Why should I consider Lil' Pals Pet Photography?
Lil' Pals is a growing franchise started in 2004. We are experts in the field of pet photography and mobile businesses. Each year, we learn more and more about what will work and what does not, and we strive to continue to improve on the business as we grow. We have a proven track record of taking quality pictures in a professionally done mobile pet photography studio.
What are some common traits Lil' Pals is looking for in a franchise owner?
Simply, we can sum it up in this paragraph and the next. Here are a few key traits that are essential:
- Commitment and Hard Work
- A good fit and a willingness to work together
- A positive attitude
- Results Oriented and Focused on the common goal
- A Coachable spirit and ability to follow the system
- Good people skills
- Good business experience and sense
- Adequate financial ability
- A willingness to learn
- A desire to have fun and enjoy this business
Who is the best person to consider a franchise opportunity with Lil' Pals?
We feel there are several characteristics of successful Lil' Pals Franchise Owners. First of all, you must be a pet lover who wants to be in business for themself. You will need the required funds to invest in the business and maintain cash flow as you begin. One of the beautiful things about this business is that almost immediately you can begin to generate funds for the business. The best person is one who is an outgoing person who not only likes working with pets, but loves to work with people. This is truly a relationship business, and your desire to serve the host location and pet owner is critical. Good quality products and great service is an essential key to this business. One other very important aspect is being coachable. One of the most powerful assets of our franchise is the system we have in place.
How much does it cost to purchase a Lil' Pals Franchise?
The Lil' Pals franchise is one that is very reasonable in price to purchase. Our franchise fee is $10,000, and our equipment costs $12,000 for the RV and Trailer options. The equipment fee for the on-location Lil’ Pals Jr. option is only $8000. If you want to pursue one of the two mobile unit options, it is up to you to decide what type of mobile unit you would prefer. Our trailer and RV units are fully customized to provide you with a beautiful mobile pet photography studio and office area. The mobile unit is air conditioned, heated, includes a large generator, and beautifully decorated with graphics promoting your business. The RV unit sells for $75,000 and the Trailer Unit sells for $29,000. If you decide on the trailer unit, you will need a 3/4 ton long bed pickup to pull the trailer. Whatever you decide, we will be there to train you in Lil’ Pals School and go out with you in your market for field training after school. We want you to be successful with your new business.
What is Lil' Pals Jr.?
Lil’ Pals Jr. is our third and newest franchise option. Due to demand for a more economical version of Lil’ Pals, we have come out with Lil’ Pals Jr. to fit into many people’s needs for a more affordable version of our highly popular Lil’ Pals Pet Photography franchise. This option is more suited to someone wanting to just get started or maybe someone who is looking for to spend less time at the business. Lil’ Pals Jr. still has all the production requirements as the mobile unit option, but it has a much lower start-up cost and a little different style of equipment provided. Talk with your Lil’ Pals franchise specialist to see if this is right for you.
Where can I locate my franchise?
When you consider a franchise, you should consider where you want to build your business. Lil' Pals currently has franchise owners in several protected territories across the United States. If your area is open, you will want to give consideration to which counties you would like to have in your protected territory.
What steps do I need to take to purchase a franchise from Lil' Pals?
If you are seriously interested in our franchise, you should call and speak directly with Mike Sondag, President of Lil' Pals Inc. at 1-800-358-9101, ext. 212. After speaking to Mike, if you continue to be interested, you need to request a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) be sent to you. Upon receipt of the FDD via UPS, you should review the document and return the signed back page receipt to Mike Sondag immediately. The FDD is very important, and this document provides you with at least a 14 day period of time before you can sign any agreements or contracts. After you have had the FDD for at least 14 days, you can then request a contract from Lil' Pals, Inc. With the signing of the contract, you will pay Lil' Pals Inc. a $10,000 cashier's check for the franchise fee and the required amount for the equipment fee. If buying a mobile RV or Trailer unit, we will work with you and our mobile unit provider to secure a customized trailer or RV unit. If you are going the Lil’ Pals Jr. route, you may wish to consider a vehicle wrap for your personal auto. For more information, please talk with your Lil’ Pals representative.
Does Lil' Pals offer multiple territories?
Yes, Lil' Pals offers multiple territories. If you have an interest in more than one area to open a Lil' Pals franchise, please bring this up to Mike when you are speaking with him. We will be happy to discuss this in greater detail.
Do I need to be a photographer?
No. Most of our franchise owners were not trained as photographers. We will train you in Lil' Pals School. With the franchise comes two professional cameras and all of the equipment you will need. Our experienced staff consists of several professional photographers with years of experience and sales professionals who have worked with retail and private businesses for many years. We care about you and your success, and we are here to be of help to you.
Does Lil' Pals offer training?
Lil' Pals offers extensive training for the new franchise owner. When you begin, you will initially be asked to complete a questionnaire sharing all aspects of your current business expertise and other knowledge. From this we will build a strong training program targeted to your needs. Lil' Pals School is held for a about a week in Memphis, TN. and you will be trained on computers, software, and pet photography. Other areas of discussion include business and sales training. After your time in school, one of our experienced staff will come out to your local area to work with you on the job in your home area. As you grow in the development of your business, we continue to grow alongside you.
How much can I make?
Lil' Pals is not allowed to make any earnings claims, and we will not do so. If you would like to get an idea on sales, we urge you to contact one of our franchise owners to talk with them about the business and their experiences. All of us need to understand that in this type of business, the amount of money you make will vary by how often you shoot and how many sittings you get in front of the camera. The real key is to get people to bring their pets to you and your host locations and have their photos taken by you. If you can get them in front of the camera, you have a chance to sell something. This is a great business opportunity and a very unique one in fact. If you want to work and make it happen, this is the business you have been looking for!
Is this really a serious business opportunity?
Absolutely! We know that some people may look at this and think it will not work. We have already proven that point, and yes, it does work. This is a viable business model that has great potential. We have a proven system and are with you all the way. Our staff is dedicated to your success, and we have many franchises who are doing extremely well in the business. There are over 65% of the households in America with pets, and most of us treat our pets as members of the family. The pet industry is a $40 billion business and growing. Pet Photography has a huge potential, and we feel we have unlocked the secret to making this a viable business for you to consider. Give us a call today!
