Established
2008
Franchise Units
14
Minimum Investment
$49,649
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$64,249
Home Based
No
Description
Sitting Made Simple (SMS) is more than just a babysitting service; it is a lifeline for modern families and a thriving community hub. Operating at the intersection of traditional childcare safety and modern digital convenience, SMS provides a premier placement and referral service that connects busy families with fully vetted, CPR-certified, and reliable sitters.
Unlike impersonal apps where parents are left to scroll through endless profiles of strangers, Sitting Made Simple offers a "human" touch. Each local franchise operates as a personal concierge, ensuring that every sitter is interviewed in person and every family is supported by a local office. The concept was born from the realization that while parents want the ease of online booking, they refuse to compromise on the safety and reliability that only a locally owned business can verify.
For franchisees, this is a unique opportunity to enter the recession-resistant childcare industry with a low-overhead, service-based model. You aren’t just selling babysitting; you are selling peace of mind, time, and freedom to families in your community. With a reputation built on trust, safety, and personal connections, Sitting Made Simple has positioned itself as the "go-to" resource for consistent childcare, before/after school care, and last-minute date nights.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a Sitting Made Simple franchise offers a strategic entry point into the multi-billion dollar childcare market without the high capital requirements of building a brick-and-mortar daycare center.
Recurring Revenue Model: The business generates income through multiple streams, including annual family membership fees and per-appointment scheduling fees. This creates a predictable cash flow beyond just one-time transactions.
Low Overhead & Scalability: As a service-based business, you do not need expensive real estate or heavy inventory. The model is designed to be agile, allowing you to focus your investment on marketing and building relationships rather than rent and utilities.
Proprietary Technology: SMS franchisees gain access to a custom-built, user-friendly online platform that manages bookings, sitter schedules, and client payments, allowing you to run the business efficiently from a home office or small shared workspace.
Community Impact: This is a business with heart. You become a pivotal figure in your local community, helping parents balance their lives while providing flexible, safe employment for local college students and sitters.
Background
Established Year: Founded in 2008.
Franchise Launch: The brand began franchising around 2016, expanding its successful Columbus, OH model to new cities.
Founders & History: Amanda Knapp, a former nanny herself, started SMS in Columbus, Ohio, after identifying a gap between informal sitter networks and high-end nanny agencies. She wanted to bridge the disconnect by offering the convenience of a website with the safety of an agency. What started in a basement has grown into a multi-state network of female-led businesses.
Market Presence: SMS currently operates approximately 14+ active units across the USA, with a strong presence in the Midwest and South (including markets like Columbus, Indianapolis, Nashville, Dallas-Ft. Worth, and Cleveland).
Industry Category: Childcare / Personal Services / Staffing.
Ownership Structure: The franchise is privately held, often attracting owner-operators who are deeply embedded in their local communities.
Support Training
Sitting Made Simple provides a "hand-holding" approach to ensure every franchisee is confident from Day One. You do not need prior childcare industry experience to succeed.
Initial Training: Franchisees attend a comprehensive 3-day training program at the corporate headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. This covers operational procedures, software usage, sitter recruitment strategies, and safety compliance.
Pre-Launch Support: The corporate team assists with setting up your protected territory, establishing your legal entity, and configuring your local digital presence (website landing page and social media).
Operational Tools: You receive access to the SMS Proprietary Software, which automates the matching and scheduling process, significantly reducing administrative time.
Marketing & Branding: Franchisees are provided with a "Launch Kit" containing branded marketing materials, social media templates, and strategies for grassroots marketing to quickly build a member base of families and a roster of sitters.
Ongoing Support: The "Sisterhood" of SMS owners provides a network of peer support. You also have direct access to corporate leadership for troubleshooting, business coaching, and regular system updates.
Ideal Candidate
Sitting Made Simple is looking for energetic, community-oriented individuals who are ready to be the face of the brand in their city. The ideal candidate is often a "connector"—someone who knows the local schools, neighborhoods, and parent networks.
Personality: High energy, organized, and empathetic. You must be comfortable networking with parents and managing a roster of young adult sitters (often college students).
Background: No specific childcare background is required. Successful franchisees often come from backgrounds in marketing, sales, education, communications, or project management.
Role: This is a "boots on the ground" role. While the software handles the logistics, the franchisee must be active in recruiting sitters (interviewing them in person) and marketing to local families. It is perfect for moms returning to the workforce or entrepreneurs seeking a flexible work-life balance.
Investment Capability: Must meet the minimum liquid capital requirements and have the ability to sustain the business during the initial ramp-up phase (typically 6-12 months).
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Cost / Rate |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $49,649 – $64,249 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $25,000 – $30,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand Development Fund | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Term of Agreement | 10 Years |
| Local Marketing Spend | $500 - $1,000 / month |
