Business Licensing FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions?
1. What’s the Difference Between Licensing and Franchising?
The choice between licensing and franchising boils down to whether you want a turnkey business and pay royalty fees (a franchise) with loss of control, or a business that is free of restrictions, is turnkey, and has no royalty fees.
Secret Squirrel 007 does not collect royalty fees. We are a Licensor. You are the Licensee and keep 100% of your profits. You only pay a yearly licensing fee.
Secret Squirrel 007 wants our licensees to operate their businesses on their own terms, schedule, and marketing strategy. We offer business and marketing leads and equipment training at no charge. We want you to know what we know. Secret Squirrel 007 is very fair and transparent with licensees. We make it very easy. This is not a difficult service business to operate.
As a licensed partner, you keep 100% of your money. You have the option to renew your license the following year for $2,500. You may also hire independent contractors to grow your business at a cost of $2,000. (Equipment, uniforms, and stationery are not included.)
The initial 2025 license is $5,000 for 12 months, all-inclusive, and includes the equipment, training, uniforms, marketing leads, and stationery. For the second year, your license fee is $2,000.
$300.00 discount for military and first responders for the initial license. (Active or former.)
Free listing on our website, including your contact information and the territories you service.
2. Do I need to purchase equipment?
No. Included with the initial licensing fee are the equipment, uniforms (logo-embroidered shirts, hats, and a jacket), marketing, and stationery materials (business cards, refrigerator magnets, 3”x5” cards, envelopes, and logo notepads).
You receive everything you need to open your business. With your cell phone and computer, you're all set.
You may purchase additional equipment from any company. You can purchase additional apparel and stationery from us.
3. Do we need uniforms?
No. This is up to you. With your licensing fee, you will receive apparel, so why not look professional and advertise your business?
4. How much revenue can I expect each month?
That’s up to you! You have the freedom and flexibility to decide how much time you want to invest. Your revenue depends on the number of accounts you have. We are happy to help you with target markets. We cannot guarantee your business success.
5. Target Markets
From apartment buildings to hotels, fast-food restaurants, and Airbnbs, we will supply you with a starting marketing package with leads. You should also develop your own leads. There are plenty of prospects out there.
6. Do I need business experience?
No. The Secret Squirrel 007 support team is available to all licensees and is happy to guide you with the development and skills to operate a successful business. We are in this together and proud to keep our good name and customer service at the top. We are here to help.
7. Territorial Rights
Territories are assigned to licensees with consideration of population and demographics. We are offering 200 licenses nationwide through 2026. There may be more than one license awarded in cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or San Francisco; for example.
8. Can I hire spy camera technicians?
Yes. You may hire anyone to work in your territory. We recommend an independent contractor status, but you may hire them as an employee. We background and vet candidates.
9. Can I keep my full-time job?
Yes. You decide how much time you want to spend on your business.
10. Do you do background checks?
Yes. We vet licensees and their independent contractors. The list below will disqualify a candidate if they have been arrested or convicted of any of the offenses listed below.
-
Murder
-
Child Pornography
-
Indecent Exposure
-
Rape
-
Sexual Assault
-
Spy Device Intrusion
-
Human Trafficking
-
Kidnapping
-
Illegal Alien
We will not jeopardize our trademark, branding, reputation, client relationships, or those of our licensees. Other than the crimes listed above, misdemeanor or felony arrests or convictions are not considered a reason for disqualification. Neither is poor credit.
11. How do I get started?
Upon request, we will email you the Licensee Application and License Agreement. We’re happy to answer your questions. Feel free to give us a call.
12. Do I have to Re-License every year?
No. You can relinquish your license at any time with 30 days written notice. You are expected and under contract to provide us with your client list.
13. Are there trade secrets involved or proprietary information to protect?
Yes. We need to protect what we know to the best of our ability. You need to protect your investment. Moreover, anyone can do what we do, but not at our level of service, organization, efficiency, national presence, and customer satisfaction.
Our trademark, web presence, and branding are original, recognizable, and a major reason for our success.
14. Is there a Covenant Not To Compete
Yes. Licensees agree to participate exclusively as a licensee of Secret Squirrel 007 during the duration of the awarded license. Upon the non-renewal of a licensee, the former licensee may not invest, enter into, or operate a spy camera and device detection service or business for a period of 2 years anywhere in the United States.
Covenant Not To Compete also includes independent contractors, employees, family or relatives, neighbors, friends, acquaintances, influencers, or whoever was informed, privileged, or educated about the licensee's business operations, clients, or finances.
15. Can I sell my business?
Yes. Licensees may sell their business at any time with 30 days' notice. You keep 100% of your sale. The buyer will purchase a $5,000 licensing fee with the same equipment package and vetting process. You must surrender your client list to Secret Squirrel 007 and the buyer.
16. How to accept payments
We invoice our clients via PayPal, and it works well. You can send a PayPal invoice to someone who doesn't have a PayPal account. PayPal allows you to send invoices to any email address, and the recipient can pay using various methods, including credit or debit cards. You may also set up ACH payments and accept cash or checks. Venmo and Apple Pay also work with PayPal.