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Take Homes & FAQ
Turn- Key Agency Start Up & Support Solution Take Homes
Note: This package comes with 5 days of live training.
In addition to the many benefits mentioned above and below, StartupHomeCare has made a list of our "Top 7 Competitive Advantages" click here to view.
Frequently Asked Questions |
Q: What is StartupHomeCare? Are you a franchise?
Q: Do I need a license to operate a non medical home care agency? A: 28 states require non medical home care agencies to get licensed before opening their doors for business. StartupHomeCare will assist you with this process. You will be responsible for any filing fee's (usually around $100 - $400 depending on the state). It usually takes 1-3 months to get a license. The most costly and time consuming states are Florida, Texas, New York, and Georgia. If you live in one of those four states you will need to budget around $1,000 for your licensing and 3-5 months to get through the process. You will need to create your legal entity (S-Corp or LLC - we will assist you) before applying for your license. An S-Corp or LLC usually takes 4-6 weeks to create in most states. You must receive your "Articles of Incorporation" from your state before your legal entity is officially completed and approved. This means that you will want to put down your deposit with StartupHomeCare 3-4 months before you plan on opening your doors for business to get these tasks completed so you are not waiting on them after you complete your Boot Camp. If your state does not require home care agency licensing you will only need 1-2 months to get your legal entity setup. However, we recommend you pay your deposit at least 2 months before you want to attend a Boot Camp to ensure you get a seat because we limit the in-office courses to 4-5 parties.
Q: What type of support do you offer after we launch our agency? A: We offer comprehensive and prompt support to each and every group that joins our team. Like a franchise, we offer unlimited lifetime support. Support consists of daily phone calls and email to help you through the nuances of operating your agency day to day. Having home care experts who have already started and grown their own home care agency at your side will give you the confidence and ability to focus on activities that really matter in order to successfully grow your business.
Q: A Franchisor told me I would recieve leads from their website - how will I get leads with your option?
In addition, StartupHomeCare partners with two national senior care websites that provide families a place to find quality homecare agencies and for a small fee ($17 per lead) provide leads to qualified home care agencies. Families often prefer to go to a 'neutral' senior care website and have 2-3 companies recommended by the website - instead of going online and trying to find a quality company on their own. These online leads can get you clients quickly while you implement the marketing plan and techniques we train you on during your Boot Camp Training - so you start getting a consistent flow of referrals from healthcare professionals in your community.
Q: A franchisor told me that they allow their franchisees to communicate and learn from each other - do you allow that with your customers? A: Our customers are free to communicate with each other and all other existing agencies within Americare Services Group after completing our Boot Camp training and we encourage this. You will also find that the Boot Camp training is very comprehensive and contains the tools you will need to successfully grow your new agency.
Q: A franchisor told me they have software for time keeping, employee logging in/out, accounting, etc. that saves the administrator time and money. Do you have this type of thing? A: Yes, we provide information on a number of industry standard tools and software that can help your agency run efficiently. You then get to decide which products you would like to purchase according to price, functionality, ease of use, etc. Most industry standard scheduling products out there range from a one time fee of $200 up to $100 per month for full blown agency scheduling, referal management, HR, etc. products. We also recommend using a simple excel spreadsheet when starting out as you will only have a handful of employees and will not need the full blown power of some of the scheduling/referral handling products out there (kind of like buying a Ferrari to drive five mph).
Q: A franchise wants to charge me $37,000 for a small territory and then pay 5% of my gross sales in royalties. I asked why they charge so much and was told that, quote, " You get what you pay for. If you want quality you have to pay for it." How does your company charge so much less and still provide a quality program and support? A: First of all, there is a reason there are a lot of franchises in existence - they are making a lot of money - which they take from their franchisees. Secondly, StartupHomeCare does not spend massive amounts of money on advertising our solution to potential buyers. Every magazine you pick up that has anything to do with franchises these days seems to have the same home care franchise listings. In addition, Franchisors like to throw expensive ongoing events for their current franchisees (who also spend money to attend such events) that could be accomplished via conference calls and online methods at much lower costs. All of this, and many other expenses, add up to a much larger overhead that a franchisor needs to cover in order to stay in business. Spending hard earned money you make them on advertising to their potential franchisees instead of turning it back into their business to help provide support and improved training programs for its current franchisees is part of what franchises have to do in order to stay in business and attract new franchisees. StartupHomeCare spends very little on marketing to the public and relies heavily on free organic google searches to attract its customers. This allows us to keep our overhead low and in turn keep the total cost of our solution much lower with the same quality and level of support.
Q: What exactly am I getting for my money? A: To name some of the things you will receive: extensive five days of training, Employee Manuals, Policies and Procedures Manual, company forms and letters, employee forms and tests, cutting edge and inovative marketing program training, hiring aids/companions, ongoing lifetime support after launching, and much more. In short, everything needed to own and operate a successful home care business and beat out the competition. Please see Our Services page for more detailed startup ‘Boot Camp’ training course information.
Some other things to consider: You would probably spend $3,000 - $5,000 to get a quality website, brochures, business cards, etc. created and printed - and you would need to create all the content yourself which usually takes many hours of time and excellent writing skills.
You would need to purchase policies/procedures and legal documents that have stood the test of time - not just online purchased documents that may not hold their water in a court situation - but documents created by business contract attorney's that charge on average $300/hr. Cost for this is anywhere from $5,000 - $20,000 depending on the level of involvement the attorney's have.
Also, the five days of live training on everything you need to know to market, operate, grow your agency, and avoid legal liability is taught by people who have already gone before you and grown their own company into a highly successfull agency. You get assistance with licensing, creating your legal entity (LLC, S-Corp), discounted insurance, low cost office space, and valuable information that will most likely save you thousands of dollars over the life of your business - in addition to steering you away from potentially losing thousands of dollars and many wasted people hours in failed marketing campaigns. You get ongoing support to guide you step by step after you launch your business.
Lastly, one should consider how many other consulting companies out there started their home care agency in a highly competitive market like Southern California (with 200 existing home care agencies) in January 2007 at the beginning of the longest recession in 50 years and achieved $1 million in revenue ($20,000 a month net profit) in their second year. The founders are now teaching others how to achieve this same growth when starting a home care agency in a recession.
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Q: How much does this startup homecare package cost?
A: Our Turn-Key Startup Agency and Support Package with live online or in office training is $15,000. Both packages come with unlimited lifetime support. We also recommend that you have access to an additional $10,000 for initial startup costs for such things as professional liability insurance down payments, office space deposit, laptop computer, printer, etc. and enough funds to pay your monthly expenses until you get your first client(s) that cover your expenses - which should be within your first or second month. Financing is available.
Q: Why should I choose StartupHomeCare?
A: The most comprehensive, in-depth, homecare agency start up and support service offered on the market today at a price that won't break your new business budget. You will be taught by people that sucessfully make their living from Eldercare every day and have a track record to prove it! In addition, the founders of StartupHomeCare launched their own agency in January 2007 at the beginning of a large global recession in a market with over 200 other existing home care agencies (southern california). Despite the recession and the competition, the founders were able to successfully grow their new agency into a million dollar company within 18 months. The founders are now sharing the secrets of their success to help others acheive the same revenue in a recessive economy and provide quality care to the senior community.
Q: Are payment arrangements available?
A: Yes, a non-refundable down payment of $7,500 is due before your training can be booked and pre-course tasks started. The remaining balance of $7,500 is due two calendar weeks before the first day of your training. We accept VISA, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express.
Q: How much money will I make?
A: Your company’s profit is based on a variety of factors. The profit factors include, but are not limited to; how much you pay your employees, how aggressively you market and advertise, pricing structures, customer service and satisfaction, and your dedication in making your business a success. We would hope that you are making at least $10,000 a month in net profit after your first year of business and $20,000 a month in net profit after your second year.
Q: How soon will I start making money?
A: This depends on your dedication in making your business a success. Most of our members are profitable with 2-3 months of launching their agency. Once training is completed you will be ready to open and operate within 1-2 weeks. You will start receiving client leads almost immediately through our proven business model and lead generating programs.
Q: Do I need experience?
A: No. However, you will need training and guidance to make your new endeavor a success. Our professionals are available to assist you with questions or concerns regarding all aspects of your new business.
Q: What kind of Business License do I need?
A: Business license requirements vary state to state. We can assist you with determining and meeting the requirements for your state.
Q: How do I obtain my employees and clients?
A: There are many avenues to pursue for obtaining employees and clients. In training you will be given all the information and necessary skills to hire qualified employees and successfully market your agency to get clients.
Q: Is this service only for seniors?
A: No. There are many directions you can take your business. Your clients may include seniors, new mothers, plastic surgery clients, rehab patients, etc. Once on board we will provide many more profitable ideas.
Q: Where do I receive my training?
A: You will receive your training in one of the following three locations: Atlanta, GA; Irvine, CA; or live online via WebEx and WebCam technology.
Q: Is the live online training right for me?
A: The live online training program is designed for people who are still working and would like to get through the Boot Camp Course during the evenings and on a Saturday - for the period of one month. The online training is designed for people who already have extensive sales experience in any field or existing senior care referral contacts in their community. If you do not have sales experience in any field or senior care referral contacts in your community then we highly recommend that you take the in office Boot Camp as the online course cannot offer the same one-on-one face to face sales training as the in office can and you may be doing yourself a great diservice if you miss out on that level of detailed training. The online training program consists of two weeks of live instructor online training performed by the founders of StartupHomeCare (Tue and Thur evenings for two weeks from 5-8pm Pacific Time with one Saturday in the middle from 9am - 4pm Pacific Time). In addition, two weeks of part-time study at your own pace at home - for a total of one month. See the Contact Us / Register page for online course dates. The online soluton is the same price of $15,000.
Q: Is it easier to sell an independent company rather than a franchise?
A: Merger and aquisition specialists will tell you that their buyers are almost always looking for independently owned agencies - not franchises. Independent agencies allow the buyer to do whatever they want with their new company - be it open new officies, start franchising, or create new lines of business without any corporate restrictions.
Q: How much money do I need to start this business?
A: You will need $15K for the StartupHomeCare fee. We recommend you also have at least $10K in additional funds available for start up costs like insurance, office lease deposit, office equipment, etc. Click here for financing information.
Q: What's the difference between the online Boot Camp and the in office Boot Camp?
A: The in office Boot Camp is restricted to a small number of people as apposed to the online which has an unlimited virtual classroom size. More time is given to each training course section in office - especially the sales and marketing training - to allow for one-on-one face to face role playing and feed back from the founders. The live online Boot Camp covers 60% of the course work during the first two weeks and then provides the remaining 40% of course work as home study (at the participants own pace) over the following two weeks - with a follow up group conference call to answer any questions. The online Boot Camp is designed for those who are working and cannot take 5 days off for the in office training but can still do evenings and weekends. In addition, it is highly recommended that individuals wanting to take the online training already have sales experience in a prior job (in any industry) or have existing senior care referral contacts in their local community.
Q: A Franchisor told me that they spend thousands of dollars per year on marketing and that having their name will give me access to a lot of potential clients who have seen that advertising, is that correct?
A: If you were to ask a friend where to buy a hamburger they would probably recommend McDonalds, Burger King, etc. Burgers are a product and that product is well advertised and a known entity. However, if you were to ask your friend where you could get non medical homecare services they would probably scratch their head. This is because there is no mainstream marketing occuring in the home care industry and therefore there is no mainstream public understanding of companies who provide such home care services. There is no such thing as 'branding' in the home care industry. Franchises will use branding as their biggest leverage to charge you large sums of money up front and ongoing to take on their 'branded' name. Unfortunately, franchise owners find out sooner than later when they actually get out and start marketing their new franchise office that they gain no leverage or unearned respect due solely to their name. Respect and trust is earned through relationships in the home care industry. Our proprietary and cutting edge marketing techniques will successfully get you in doors that are closed to others. Our marketing approach is revolutionary and does not require a significant amount of funds. We can guarantee that 99% of the agencies out there are not using our unique marketing techniques.
Q: A franchisor told me their franchisees sell 'mobile alert devices' that their patients wear on their wrists and can push if need assistance and are in trouble when a caregiver is not around. Do you offer this optional product?
A: Yes, we have an agreement with a national provider of mobile alert devices that each of our members can be apart of if they wish.
Q: A franchise told me that they offer expert marketing training that will help my business grow quickly - what do you offer?
A: We started our own agency at the beginning of a depression (January 2007) in a market with over 200 other existing home care agencies (southern california). We were able to market it and grow it into a million dollar in annual revenue agency in our second year. Our marketing approaches and tools are unique, give back to the healthcare community, and have proven highly successful in today's difficult economic landscape at beating out the local competition.
Q: Do you offer discounts on background checking software?
A: Depending on what state you are planning on starting your home care agency, would determine whether or not the state has a requirement that you use their background checking software. If your state does not require you use their background checking software then we can recommend easy to use background checking solutions for as little as $30 a month for unlimited background checks.
Q: Do we use your name or do we create our own agency name?
A: You create your own home care agency name. We assist you with choosing a marketable name and the associated web domain. We create your logo and marketing materials using your chosen company name.
Q: Do you offer a professional liability insurance group policy to save us money on premiums?
A: Yes. We have a professional liability, non owned auto, and a bonding insurance group policy that will save you up to $2,500 in premiums per year vs. going out on your own and trying to get such a policy. Our premiums are usually $100 - $120 per month depending on the location geographically.
Q: Do you offer any other 'snap-on' business solutions like assisted living community placement services?
A: Yes, we teach you how to market to assisted living communities and get paid by them to place residents in their facility. In addition, we teach you to be a caregiver staffer for healthcare facilities and consult families on how to hire caregivers directly as household employees and get paid to do it. These and other snap on businesses will drive additional revenue for your agency.
Q: I understand that each participant in your program gets the Certified Senior Care Manager (CSCM) certification?
A: Yes, each participant in our Boot Camp Training gets to become a Certified Senior Care Manager (CSCM) after completing the Boot Camp. The CSCM certification is accredited by the Association of Care Services At Home www.acsah.org. The certification allows you to put the CSCM credentials next to your name on your business card, email signature, etc. letting potential clients and referral sources know that you are appropriately trained to manage the care of seniors - giving you credibility.
Q: Why should I choose StartupHomeCare instead of buying policies and procedures and some marketing materials online for only $1,500?
A: If you have not worked as a home care administrator before then you probably don't realize how much you have to learn. As the old saying goes, "You don't know what you don't know." Reading a book about how to win a law suit hardly qualifies you to handle the day to day work of an attorney. The same goes for a home care administrator. Will the book train you on best practices of how to provide care services and show you visually so you know exactly how to train your employees to avoid costly workers compensation claims and worse yet client law suits against your agency for negligence or doing something an RN should have legally done? How about marketing? Does reading a book get you ready to hit the street and start getting referrals? How do you know the marketing techniques you may read about are tried and proven in the real world? What about on-going new and fresh techniques to get in doors that are closed to newcomers? What about hiring the right caregivers, training them, screening them, incentivizing them financially and non financially? What is normal in the industry? What does it take to retain good employees? What do they expect? What are the best ways to bill clients? What if they don't pay on-time, what do you do? What is normal? All of these questions and hundreds more will have you spending your precious time stressing about things that will bring you no or little revenue and cause you a lot of time consuming issues. Your time is your biggest asset as a business owner and you need to focus on things that drive revenue and provide quality care outcomes. Having a proven business model in place to appropriately manage your employees, clients, referral sources, etc. will allow you to accomplish this difficult task. Lastly, one week of training can only take you so far. Issues will arise after you launch your business that you will need help with and StartupHomeCare is here to help you with those issues for as long as you need us. We wish we could tell you that being successful in this business was as easy as reading a book - because we would publish one - but unfortunately that is not going to cut it unless you have previously worked as a home care administrator.