Established
1997
Franchise Units
150
Minimum Investment
$39,000
Franchise Fee
$18,000
Total Investment Range
$60,000
Home Based
No
Description
ust Between Friends (JBF) has become one of America’s most trusted and community-driven consignment event franchises. Built on a simple idea—help families save money, declutter their homes, and support each other—JBF has transformed seasonal “pop-up consignment sales” into a scalable, profitable franchise model. Today, the brand has grown into a nationally recognized leader in the children’s resale and consignment event industry, known for its smart business model, strong franchise culture, and meaningful mission.
At its core, JBF blends entrepreneurship, community, and smart retail economics. Each franchise owner organizes large-scale, temporary shopping events where families can buy and sell high-quality children’s clothing, toys, gear, and maternity items at a fraction of retail pricing. These sales attract thousands of shoppers and consignors, giving franchisees the chance to build a business that directly helps families stretch their budgets.
With rising inflation, growing demand for sustainable shopping, and the booming resale economy—now exceeding $40 billion in the U.S.—Just Between Friends is positioned as a high-impact, low-overhead franchise opportunity. For entrepreneurs looking for a business with flexibility, purpose, and strong profit margins, JBF stands out as a compelling choice.
Why Invest in the Just Between Friends Franchise?
Investing in JBF offers franchise owners a unique combination of profit potential, lifestyle freedom, and community empowerment. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar retail, the JBF model does not require daily store operations or long-term leases. Instead, franchisees run seasonal sales events, which significantly reduces overhead costs while allowing owners to maintain other professional or family commitments.
Key reasons investors choose JBF:
1. Booming Resale Market
More families are embracing secondhand shopping for its affordability, sustainability, and convenience. JBF sits at the center of this cultural shift.
2. Low Startup & Operating Costs
With no physical store buildout, staffing payroll, or large inventory requirements, franchisees enjoy high margin potential and fast ramp-up.
3. Purpose-Driven Brand
JBF is deeply rooted in family and community values. Franchisees often partner with charities, donate unsold items, and make a direct positive impact.
4. Scalable Multi-Event Revenue Model
Owners can run multiple sales throughout the year and expand territories, creating a strong ongoing revenue stream.
5. Proven Franchise System
The brand has more than two decades of experience, strong national recognition, and a well-structured operations model that new owners can easily follow.
Background
Established Year: 1997
Founded By: Shannon Wilburn & Daven Tackett
Headquarters: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Industry Category: Retail – Resale & Consignment Event Franchise
Franchise Active Units (Current): Approx. 150+ franchise locations across the USA
Ownership: Private franchise system with strong leadership and corporate support
Market Presence: Operating in suburban and metropolitan markets across the United States
Just Between Friends began as a small community garage sale in Tulsa when two mothers wanted to create a better way to buy and sell gently used children’s items. What started as a neighborhood idea grew rapidly as families embraced the concept. Within a few years, JBF launched its franchising program, taking its signature “pop-up consignment event” model nationwide.
Over the past two decades, JBF has refined its systems, expanded its territories, enhanced its event operations, and strengthened its national brand presence. The company has been featured on major media outlets like Good Morning America, CNN, The Today Show, and Forbes, highlighting its innovative approach to sustainable shopping.
Today, JBF franchisees are leaders within their communities—running large-scale events that attract thousands of shoppers and consignors while offering a business opportunity that blends entrepreneurship with family-friendly flexibility.
Support Training
One of the biggest advantages of the Just Between Friends franchise system is the level of hands-on support offered to new owners. Whether you’re experienced in events or new to business ownership, JBF provides complete training and ongoing guidance.
Pre-Launch Support
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Detailed onboarding program
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Franchise operations manual
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Business planning and territory setup
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Assistance in venue sourcing and event scheduling
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Technology setup and system training
Event Operations Training
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Step-by-step guidance on preparing for a sale
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Volunteer and staffing management training
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Safety guidelines and product recall procedures
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Inventory organization and event layout planning
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Pricing, tagging, sorting, and consignor management
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Point-of-sale (POS) system training
Marketing Support
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Professional marketing templates and promotional assets
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Social media strategy and content support
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Local advertising guidance
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Email marketing tools
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National brand exposure and seasonal promotional campaigns
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Community partnership and sponsorship guidance
Ongoing Franchisee Support
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Dedicated franchise coach
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Webinars, workshops, and continuous education
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Peer-to-peer community support groups
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Annual franchise conference
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Technology updates and operational upgrades
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Regular performance reviews and business strategy sessions
Franchisees never feel alone. JBF’s support network ensures each owner is equipped to run smooth, well-organized, and highly profitable events.
Ideal Candidate
Just Between Friends attracts entrepreneurs who want flexibility, impact, and a business that aligns with family and community values. The ideal franchise owner is someone who enjoys event management, networking, and creating memorable customer experiences.
Best-suited candidates include:
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Community-driven entrepreneurs
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Parents or caregivers familiar with children’s products
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Investors looking for flexible, seasonal income opportunities
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Professionals seeking a home-based business with manageable overhead
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Individuals with backgrounds in retail, events, marketing, or customer service
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People passionate about sustainability, resale, and helping families save money
Personal Qualities That Drive Success:
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Strong organizational and leadership skills
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Comfortable managing volunteers and event staff
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Passion for community involvement
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Ability to build partnerships with local families, vendors, nonprofits, and venues
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Creativity in marketing and promoting events
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Willingness to work intensely during event seasons
Location Preferences:
JBF performs best in suburban and mid-to-large metropolitan markets—areas with high family populations, schools, community organizations, and accessible event venues.
Financial Detail
Below is a breakdown of the typical financial requirements and investment range for launching a Just Between Friends franchise:
Total Investment Required:
$39,000 – $60,000+ (varies based on territory size and event scale)
Minimum Investment / Liquid Capital:
$15,000 – $25,000
Franchise Fee:
$18,000 – $25,000 (territory-based)
Franchise Units:
Approx. 150+ active franchise locations
Infrastructure & Event Costs:
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Venue rental fees
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Tables, racks, shelves, and equipment
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Marketing setup and signage
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Inventory sorting supplies
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POS and technology system setup
Marketing Budget:
$3,000 – $10,000 per event (varies by market size)
Working Capital:
$10,000 – $25,000 recommended
Royalty Fees:
5% – 6% of gross sales (territory-dependent)
Potential Revenue Streams:
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Consignment event sales
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VIP consignor programs
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Sponsorships and vendor fees
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Early access ticket sales
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Partnership programs with local businesses
Expected ROI & Break-Even Timeline:
Most franchisees break even within 12–24 months, depending on event size, frequency, and market presence. As events scale, revenue potential grows quickly—especially in larger territories.