With a large amount of franchise opportunities to choose from it can be an intense experience to find a business to suit your goals, vision and budget. We have compiled a list of 6 things to help you in the decision making process.
Introduction
Joining a franchise is a great way to start your own business but with the added benefit of having the support and structure of an already well-established brand. Before you do take the leap into the world of franchising, there are a few key factors that could help you decide if investing in a franchise is the correct path for you. In this article we explore the top 6 things for you to consider before you make any commitments.
Your Own Personal Goals
First of all, before you look into the different options of franchise opportunities, it is important to consider what your own goals are. Ask yourself what you would like to achieve from owning your own business. Are you looking to be your own boss, in the search of financial independence or the ability to build something entirely from the ground up? Once you are certain of your own goals this will aid you in determining which franchise aligns with your vision and which venture is right for you.
Your Financials
When evaluating franchise options an important factor to consider is your budget. Franchise opportunities can vary widely when it comes to their initial investment, expenses and ongoing fees. Before you commit to a franchise make sure to understand all of the costs associated with it. Consider your own financial situation and how much you are willing to invest. In some cases, it may be required to secure financing for an opportunity, which could then increase the complexity of the process. It is important to clearly comprehend your finances before committing to a franchise.
You can often get financial information by requesting the companies’ franchise brochures or speaking with the franchisor.
From the experiences and feedback from our valued franchisee partners, The Cat Butler offers a unique opportunity for Cat Lovers to build a successful business out of caring for cats in their area. The start-up costs are low, however you will typically need a vehicle for going from appointment to appointment. It’s important to think about these kinds of requirement and that you’re comfortable with them.
Your Experience
While becoming part of a franchise does include some level of training and support it is still wise to look at your own skills and experience before deciding on a franchise opportunity. Some franchises may require you to have a specific skill or some experience within the industry. Consider your background and experiences to determine whether you have the right skills to run the business successfully. In contrast, some franchises don’t require experience in that particular field for you to become a franchisee. This means you can look for a franchise that aligns with the entrepreneurial path you are working towards.
The Reputation of The Franchise
It is important to do your research when it comes to franchise opportunities and their reputation. Though the biggest benefit of joining a franchise is the support and infrastructure that comes with it, you also want to make sure you are affiliating yourself with a reputable and successful brand. Spend time researching all of the reputations of the franchise locations you are interested in; you can do this by looking at their financial performance, success stories and customer satisfaction. It is also wise to speak to any existing franchisees to find out their experience, challenges they have faced and any hidden costs. Research other franchise locations to see if there has been a high closure rate – if they are a brick-and-mortar business.
Training and Support Systems
Part of the package when joining a franchise is the advantage of the additional training and support included. This usually includes training on how to run the business, how to promote and market the business along with ongoing support from the franchisor, offering assistance with any challenges that may come your way. It is also important to take into account how much and the level of the training and guidance provided. Make sure you are aware of how long the training period is and what it covers, the level of support offered, what types of resources are available and how frequently you will be communicating with the franchisor.
“Every new Cat Butler franchisee embarks on a schedule of training at the start of the franchisee process, moving on to expert on-going support as they deliver quality cat sitting services in their franchise location.”
Market Research
The market can have a substantial influence on the success of a franchise. It is vital to research the industry to determine if the franchise is well-positioned for growth and demand. Market research gives you an insight into your prospective customers, information like who they are and how many there are in your area. This also gives you the opportunity to find out if your local area is over-saturated within the industry you are looking to join. Additionally, it is essential to check the level of competition in the area and to see whether the franchise has an exclusive value proposition that can separate it from other competitors.
In Conclusion
Joining a franchise can be an excellent opportunity to start a business, but it is important to take the time to consider all the factors involved. By thoroughly researching the franchise, assessing the financial investment and evaluating the franchisor relationship, you can make an informed decision. By taking these steps above, you can increase your chances of success and make the most of the benefits of being a franchisee.