Archive for the ‘Franchise’ Category

Finding the Right Franchise for You

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

If you are looking to invest in a franchise in order to improve your way of life and enjoy your own business, the first step is setting goals for yourself and figuring out what business franchise would be best suited for you and your needs.

Some of the most popular franchises are food and restaurant franchises. The fast food industry is a booming industry at the top of the market for new business entrepreneurs who want to explore the franchising opportunities of big companies in a growing market. New fast food restaurants are taking the franchising business by storm and opening their doors in retail strip malls and amusement parks all over the country. Retail clothing chains are also a popular franchise that many are looking to invest in. Some of the top franchises in the world are stemmed from retail sales.

Making sure you have significant capital to be able to invest is the first thing you should have in place before contacting a franchise to be able to start your business. Whether you have inherited money or you are borrowing money from an investor it is wise to not ask for funds from the company you will be franchising from. You need to prove to them that you have enough capital invested in order for them not to consider you a risk. You may need to utilize a variety of investors and banks in order to get enough funding to launch your franchise.

Take a look at how long you want to own your franchise, is it something you want to do temporarily to make money or do you want to do it long term to reap the benefits and rewards? If you are only looking to get your foot in the door and expect to make millions in the first few years you have to take into consideration that you could easily lose all of the money you have invested if the business fails. Never put in money that you should be using for something else such as retirement funds, emergency cash and income that should be used for personal lifestyle maintenance.

Keep in mind that there are significant risks involved with franchising and opening any business and you should carefully analyze these risks before you commit to buying into a business. Whether you invest thousands or millions, you have to keep in mind that the corporation itself could go out of business and you will be out of money. While you are building your business it is always good to have money in savings to be able to fall back in when times get tough or if the franchise goes under.

By learning how to keep your finances flowing throughout the entire time you run a franchise, you will be protecting your financial lifestyle and limiting the burden on yourself should you ever have financial difficulty.

For the services of a franchise lawyer, visit http://www.ed-lawfirm.com where an experienced and dedicated franchise lawyer can help ensure that your business safe from those who would take advantage of you. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

Is a Technology Franchise Right for Me?

Saturday, October 11th, 2008

If you have any experience in the computing and telecommunications industries, a technology franchise could be the perfect fit. There’s no denying that technology is a booming industry. Over 75% of American households own and use a computer. Cell phone usage has been steadily climbing since the late 70s, and today it’s estimated that over a billion people own and use cell phones worldwide. These are just two areas in which your knowledge of technology can help you own and operate a successful technology franchise.

One of the best reasons for starting a technology franchise is the demand for these types of services in the marketplace. Technology changes so fast that there is always a large percentage of the population who needs help with technology-related issues. Whether it’s installing a program on their computer, managing their cell phone or creating a website for their business, your role as a technology business owner can help bridge the gap between their needs and their knowledge.

Mobile computer repair is one of the largest sectors in the world of technology franchises. Computers are so integral to daily life that people can no longer wait a few days or weeks to get their computer back from a repair shop. They’re looking for the convenience of having someone come to their home and repair their computer in a matter of hours. There is a huge demand for quick and reliable service and owning a Computer Medics franchise allows you to meet that demand.

Computer Medics has a proven business model that will give you a leg up in the world of computer repair. The parent company will provide you with training, support and tools that you need to have success with your technology franchise. As you work, you build long-term relationships with your clients based on your trust and professionalism. For someone with experience in IT or strong interest in computers, this could be the perfect technology franchise.

Businesses also have a need for technology support just like independent consumers. Concerto Networks is a technology franchise that taps into this growing need. As a Concerto Networks business owner you’ll be able to help small to medium-sized businesses manage the technology that helps them make money on a daily basis. From computers and the internet, to phones and PDAs, Concerto Networks technicians help businesses run efficiently.

Another option in the technology franchise industry is cartridge refilling. Considering the price of new ink cartridges for printers, it’s easy to understand why this is a booming business. Cartridge Depot is a technology franchise that aims at changing the way people buy ink and toner. With this business, you sell remanufactured cartridges that offer the same quality as new cartridges for just a percentage of the price. Not only does this technology business allow you to help others, but as you recycle cartridges for your customers you will be helping the environment as well.

Technology franchises come in many other varieties as well. Cell phone retailers, web professionals and child-centered technology all fall under this banner. To learn about more options in the technology franchises field, visit www.franchisegenuis.com.

Is a Residential Cleaning Franchise Right for Me?

Friday, October 10th, 2008

If there’s one thing that people like to put off, it’s cleaning the house. As life gets more hectic around the United States, and weekends become filled with entertainment activities, house cleaning often goes by the wayside. That’s why residential cleaning franchises are one of the best ways you can start a successful business in an in-demand niche. Residential cleaning services are something that more and more people are looking to buy. With this type of business, you’ll be able to fill a growing need in the marketplace and have the professional image that comes with being a franchise owner.

Residential cleaning franchises are a smart business move, whether you choose a traditional maid service franchise or opt for one of the unique and cutting-edge residential cleaning businesses, you’ll have the ability to offer a service that is in-demand no matter where you are located.

Residential cleaning businesses are experiencing a period of growth. U.S. Consumers spend more than $9 million on residential cleaning and that figure is growing at a steady 20% increase each year. With a residential cleaning franchise, you’ll be able provide a valuable service that customers come to time and time again. The vast majority (70%) of house cleaning customers get bi-weekly services. In addition to recurring monthly income, residential cleaning franchises also offer flexible hours and, in some cases, a variety of services to offer your customers.

Since 1988, CottageCare has been equipping entrepreneurs with the tools for success in a residential cleaning business. With this company as your partner in business, you won’t have to worry about scrambling to find new customers. CottageCare implements an advanced direct-mail marketing campaign to boost your business. New customers are routed to the central telephone sign-up department, so you don’t have to worry about answering phones eighty hours a week. The investment to start a CottageCare business is just under $100,000.

Maid to Perfection is a residential cleaning franchise that will give you flexible hours and a variety of services to offer your customers. This residential cleaning business offers training in traditional housekeeping, floor care and carpet cleaning. With Maid to Perfection, customers just have to make one call to receive everything they need to take care of their home. This residential cleaning franchise has a low investment level and low start-up capital requirements. With individual attention and customization of your business plan, Maid to Perfection makes sure that you succeed.

Residential cleaning franchises aren’t just limited to housekeeping. Mr. Window cleaning is a residential cleaning business that offers services in something that most everyone needs. Window cleaning is a pain for most homeowners and you can capitalize on this annoyance with this residential cleaning franchise. Mr. Window has been around since 1993 and has become an industry leader in the window-cleaning arena. By becoming a franchisee with Mr. Window you’ll be getting in on the ground floor of the burgeoning business niche.

Residential cleaning franchises are a smart business move. Whether you choose a traditional maid service franchise or opt for one of the unique and cutting-edge residential cleaning businesses, you’ll have the ability to offer a service that is in-demand no matter where you are located.

Franchise Opportunities Take All And Give Little Back

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

What does owning your own business and owning a franchise have in common? Other than having to manage the business, there really is very little in common. With franchise opportunities, you don’t get to make any executive decisions, and you have to share your success with corporate America.

When you own your own business, there is less risk, believe it or not, than owning a franchise, so long as you know which niche to fill. If you go out and purchase a fast food franchise, you’ll be expected to invest a certain amount of money. If you were starting your own business, your risk would end there. However, with franchises, your beginning investment is not the total sum of your monetary risk.

With franchise opportunities, you can expect additional hidden costs, franchise fees, marketing fees, and you’ll have to hand over a significant portion of your monetary success. The main reason that people seek to own their own businesses is to enjoy the success of that business, without having to split it with someone who has done, comparatively speaking, very little work.

Those who are partial to franchising might say that you get your marketing done for you by corporate America. However, that is handled by marketing fees, usually calculated as a percentage of sales. Between franchising and marketing fees, you could expect to pay almost one fifth of your monthly sales, and you have no say over what you market, to whom and how.

Watch out for the fine print, because even though the initial investment may seem akin to that required to start your own business, there are bound to be other fees and costs in addition to that original investment amount. In some cases, additional costs can amount to a price equal to the original investment price.

Currently, saving for retirement is more important than ever before. With more people living longer, relying on social security payments is no longer wise. Imagine being told your investment into a franchise opportunity will amount to one hundred fifty thousand dollars. After all is said and done, extra fees and costs are added in, your total investment to get the franchise up and running is three hundred thousand dollars.

After the first three months you’ve earned that back in gross sales. Nearly twenty percent goes back to the corporation to cover your franchise and marketing fees, leaving you with two hundred forty thousand dollars. You have to order supplies, because after the first three months, you’ve gone through everything covered by your start up cost.

Suppose that leaves you with one hundred thousand dollars. Then you have to pay employees, taxes and benefits. If you have ten employees, each earning one thousand dollars a month, that’s another thirty thousand dollars, so you’re down to seventy thousand. After taxes and benefits, that leaves you with fifty thousand dollars. You have to still pay utility bills, and also cover any training for yourself or others, because the corporation will only cover training for a limited time. Let’s say that your net profit is thirty thousand dollars after three months, or ten thousand a month.

From that, you have to cover your own expenses, so suppose you take five thousand a month to pay for your mortgage and other living costs. Five years would go by before your business has earned your original investment, and then and only then could you start counting any money made as pure profit. Now, compare that to investing less than one hundred twenty thousand into your own business. In less than three years, based on the described example, your business would be earning a profit.

Andy West is a writer for ShipOnSite, a true turnkey business opportunity that features three revenue streams. Compare this type of business ownership with franchise opportunities to see the difference.

Starting A Business Franchise

Thursday, September 11th, 2008

Thinking of starting a new booming business? if yes, then look in a direction that might not seem obvious. An example of this is insurance. The truth of the matter is that americans have more and more need for various kinds of insurances, so when it comes to a great business opportunity, insurance is really becoming the way to go. More and more domains of life are coming under insurances. There has been home insurance and life insurance for a long, long time but the growing business opportunity insurance world deals with some less frequently purchased insurances.

One such example is wedding insurance. Nobody wants to sink $25,000 into something that is not insured. Enter a new business opportunity insurance, insuring the wedding. While one is at it, he might as well throw in travel insurance for the honeymoon and liability insurance should someone decide to have one too many martinis at the reception and then choose to sue the newlyweds for damages.

The above might sound like a horror story, but unfortunately there are more and more similar cases popping up all over the nation. The fact of the matter is that the business opportunity insurance offers is a great one because more and more people are suing each other. This need to blame is one reason that insurance is such a big thing nowadays. Capitalizing on this trend is easily done through latching on to one of the business opportunity insurance franchises out there. Starting Up Insurance business is a field best left to the experts, so while one becomes an old pro at the insurance game, it is best to work with firms that know the game well.

Before starting up a brand new franchise, it is advisable to spend a period of time working with another firm who has already capitalized on the growing business opportunity insurance selling has to offer. Working with an existing firm gives one the chance to ease into the insurance world in a non overwhelming way. Once the insurance ropes are starting to become old hat, most people develop a feeling for what type of insurance they would like to work in.

If longstanding insurances seem most secure, go for auto or home insurance, if a new boom is more exciting, try travel insurance or wedding insurance. Once a realm is chosen, a heavy advertising campaign is the best way to ensure that a brand new firm gets a large client base right away. Getting a large client base is the best way to make insurance firms a monetarily and professionally successful business right from the start.

Keep overhead low and make sure to cover all of the loopholes so that hidden costs do not pop up and take away the profit margin. Act fast in advertising, sell an insurance that is bound to not get used often, and the recipe is one guaranteed for success. Target the audience most likely to be interested in the services of the new firm in order to maximize your advertising efforts and watch the business take off.

Obinna Heche. Los Angeles - California

Delivering the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home successfully..
http://www.biggsmall.com

Is a Restaurant Franchise Right for Me?

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

If there’s one thing that everybody likes doing, it’s going out to a restaurant. Whether you have experience in the service industry or you’ve always been interested in owning a restaurant, a restaurant franchise might be right for you. Owning a restaurant franchise is one of the most sure-fire ways to have a successful business. People dine out based on brand recognition, and when you become a restaurant franchise owner you’ll be able to offer a familiar name and menu to customers.

When you’re looking for a restaurant franchise it’s easy to see the track record of success that other people have had in different areas. By opening a restaurant business in a nearby area, you can capitalize on the success that the restaurant has seen elsewhere. This is especially true if you are opening your restaurant business in an area where there is a lot of passing traffic. Out-of-town visitors are more likely to eat some place with a recognizable name than to try a local restaurant.

There are nearly a million restaurants nationwide and national sales records for 2008 should reach $558 billion. Even in times of economic hardship, people still continue to eat at restaurants. 70% of adults surveyed say their favorite restaurant has dishes and flavors that are not reproducible in their home kitchens. Although there’s a large initial investment when opening a restaurant franchise, it’s not comparable to going into the restaurant business alone. When you’re independent of the franchise system you won’t have the added benefits of brand recognition and support from the home office.

As you probably know, there are many different types of restaurant franchises to choose from. You can choose based on cuisine, type of service offered or even focus on food specialties, like at Zoup. Zoup is a fast service soup restaurant franchise. It offers a healthy alternative to burgers, fries and normal fast service dining options. If you want a restaurant business like no other, this may be just the right one for you.

You may want to go with a more familiar restaurant franchise, like McDonald’s, Burger King or Carl’s Jr. These restaurant franchises offer a familiarity that come with an expensive price. If you’re married to the idea of owning a burger joint, Checkers may be right for you. Checkers is a drive-through restaurant franchise that focuses on burgers, fries and shakes. In a small but efficient space, your staff will work a double drive-through to provide quick service at a great price.

Restaurant franchises like La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill offer ethnic food in a casual dining environment. In the industry since 1979, La Salsa is committed to providing fresh Mexican food with the added feature of a fresh salsa bar in each restaurant. Casual dining restaurants like La Salsa are growing in popularity and this type of restaurant franchise is sure to be a winner in your area.

There is no possible way to cover all the different types of restaurant franchises in such a short space. If you’re ready to see what kind of flavors and dining experiences you can bring to your local area, please visit www.franchisegenuis.com.

Is a Children’s Franchise Right for Me?

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

If you’ve always found yourself drawn to working with children, or are a parent yourself, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a wide variety of child related franchises. These children’s franchise opportunities can help you establish a popular business in your local community or online that helps parents with their children. Whether you’re looking for a retail opportunity that sells children’s clothing or a fun-filled franchise geared towards kid’s parties, you’ll be able to find it.

Owning a children’s franchise just makes good sense. Your target market will never go away. People will always have children and be willing to spend money on them. Some of the other benefits include:

* Regular hours — Most programs focus on after school hours, weekends and summer time.
* Steady interest — Even in hard economic times, parents spend money on their children. Child related activities are often the last to be cut in the family budget.
* Lots of networking opportunities — Since there are so many types of child-centered businesses, you could easily network with others in your area to grow more business for everyone.
* Fun opportunities — Working with children is rewarding and fun! If you want something that offers an alternative to the 9 to 5 corporate world, a children’s franchise is perfect for you.

Children’s franchises run the gamut from child care services to party centers. Since adults are working longer hours, and today’s parents see the benefit of regular extracurricular activities, franchise opportunities have grown by leaps and bounds. There’s everything from arts and crafts opportunities to tutoring facilities. Other popular types of children’s franchises include entertainment, health and fitness, photography and technology based businesses.

Starting a tutoring franchise is a smart move. Since public schools are underfunded and understaffed, good parents know that their children need outside help to make the grade. You can capitalize on this interest by starting a tutoring company with Kumon Math and Reading Centers. Established in 1958 this education service allows you to make a difference in the lives of students. Kumon has a nationwide presence and even national advertising to help you establish yourself in your local area.

If something a little more fun is your style, a children’s business like Monkey Joe’s may be right for you. This franchise helps you create a unique, fun-for-all environment. Kids can jump, slide, and climb; parents can check email, catch up on the latest news or watch sports; and younger brothers and sisters have their very own area where they’re safe and can act like the big kids. In business since 2004, Monkey Joe’s is starting to gain brand recognition for parents who want to treat their children (and themselves) to a good time.

Since childhood obesity has been such a major problem in recent years, a children’s health and fitness franchise is sure to be popular in your area. Companies like Kinderdance help you motivate children to stay active through play-like games and activities that don’t feel like exercise at all! Kinderdance was established in 1979 and offers basic movement and dance training for preschoolers and toddlers. There are also other franchise opportunities that cater to older children and teens to help them stay fit.

Children’s franchises are here to stay, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t capitalize on the interests of parents. There’s a wide variety of opportunities to choose from, so a children’s franchise offers something for everyone.

Find your perfect children’s franchise or children’s business at FranchiseGenius.com, where you’ll find 1,800+ franchise opportunities to evaluate and compare.

Starting Up A New Franchise

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

Are you thinking of starting a new booming business? if yes, then look in a direction that might not seem obvious. An example of this is insurance. The truth of the matter is that americans have more and more need for various kinds of insurances, so when it comes to a great business opportunity, insurance is really becoming the way to go. More and more domains of life are coming under insurances. There has been home insurance and life insurance for a long, long time but the growing business opportunity insurance world deals with some less frequently purchased insurances.

One such example is wedding insurance. Nobody wants to sink $25,000 into something that is not insured. Enter a new business opportunity insurance, insuring the wedding. While one is at it, he might as well throw in travel insurance for the honeymoon and liability insurance should someone decide to have one too many martinis at the reception and then choose to sue the newlyweds for damages.

The above might sound like a horror story, but unfortunately there are more and more similar cases popping up all over the nation. The fact of the matter is that the business opportunity insurance offers is a great one because more and more people are suing each other. This need to blame is one reason that insurance is such a big thing nowadays. Capitalizing on this trend is easily done through latching on to one of the business opportunity insurance franchises out there. Starting Up Insurance business is a field best left to the experts, so while one becomes an old pro at the insurance game, it is best to work with firms that know the game well.

Before starting up a brand new franchise, it is advisable to spend a period of time working with another firm who has already capitalized on the growing business opportunity insurance selling has to offer. Working with an existing firm gives one the chance to ease into the insurance world in a non overwhelming way. Once the insurance ropes are starting to become old hat, most people develop a feeling for what type of insurance they would like to work in.

If longstanding insurances seem most secure, go for auto or home insurance, if a new boom is more exciting, try travel insurance or wedding insurance. Once a realm is chosen, a heavy advertising campaign is the best way to ensure that a brand new firm gets a large client base right away. Getting a large client base is the best way to make insurance firms a monetarily and professionally successful business right from the start.

Keep overhead low and make sure to cover all of the loopholes so that hidden costs do not pop up and take away the profit margin. Act fast in advertising, sell an insurance that is bound to not get used often, and the recipe is one guaranteed for success. Target the audience most likely to be interested in the services of the new firm in order to maximize your advertising efforts and watch the business take off.

Obinna Heche. Los Angeles - California

Delivering the best home based business ideas and
opportunities so you can work at home successfully..
http://www.biggsmall.com

Is a Commercial Cleaning Franchise Right for Me?

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

When most people think of cleaning businesses, they normally picture a maid cleaning a house. However, businesses in both retail and industrial have the need for regular cleaning and maintenance services. Even in times of economic downturn, commercial cleaning franchises thrive. Businesses always need to present themselves well to the public and cleaning services are a big part of that. If you buy into a commercial cleaning franchise, you’ll be joining a $94 billion dollar industry that has no signs of going away.

Consider the following facts when trying to decide if a commercial cleaning business is right for you:

* In the next decade, the fastest-growing occupation will be a professional cleaning specialist
* Commercial cleaning franchises account for 10% of the total market in the United States
* Over 30% of cleaning industry customers are office buildings

A commercial cleaning franchise is recession proof and the sky’s the limit when it comes to customers. With a large enough staff and the training provided by your franchise’s corporate office, in a few years you could dominate the market in your area.

Octoclean is a commercial cleaning franchise that has been in business for the past 18 years. Over the last five years, it has experienced a 30% increase in gross, giving it brand-name recognition across the country. This commercial cleaning franchise offers cleaning and maintenance services to businesses of all sizes. It has a relatively low initial cash investment for a commercial cleaning franchise. As an Octoclean franchisee, you’ll get training in running this specific type of business as well as marketing and financial assistance.

1-800 Dry Carpets has been in the industry since 1992 and is an innovator in the world of carpet cleaning. This commercial cleaning franchise allows you to offer a low moisture carpet cleaning system that is organic and less messy than traditional carpet cleaning. Swedry carpet, the system used by 1-800 Dry Carpets, deep cleans without excess moisture which means that your customers can get back to work quickly. One thing that sets apart 1-800 Dry Carpets from competitor commercial cleaning franchises is that the company handles all the telephone calls and appointment setting for you. They believe your time is valuable and you don’t need to spend it on the phone. Instead of worrying about making appointments, you can concentrate on serving your customers.

Workplace Essentials is a commercial cleaning franchise that focuses on one of the most essential parts of any office — the restroom! As a Workplace Essentials franchisee, you can rely on 20 years of experience from the company. You’ll have repeat business from clients for janitorial services on a weekly or biweekly basis. You also have the convenience of a centralized billing system as well as franchisee training. All of these factors make this a smart choice if you’re looking for a commercial cleaning franchise.

Commercial cleaning franchises are here to stay, which makes buying a franchise in this industry a wise investment. If one of these commercial cleaning franchise opportunities looks appealing are you or you’d like to know more about other opportunities, please visit www.franchisegenius.com.

This article is Copyright 2008 by Franchise Genius LLC.

Is a Fitness Franchise Right for Me?

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Fitness franchises are among the most popular type of franchise businesses. When you own your own fitness franchise, you’ll be tapping into a major need for the vast majority of the population. Each year more and more people want to lose weight and get in shape. As the nation looks at rising obesity rates, especially in children, fitness is going to become a bigger concern.

If your background is in the fitness industry, or you’ve been a lifelong athlete, owning a fitness business could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Consider the following fitness industry statistics:

* There are over 30,000 health clubs across the United States
* Over 42 million Americans belong to a type the fitness club
* Adults 55 years of age and older make up about a quarter of fitness club memberships

When you own a fitness business, people trust you with their health. Unlike other types of businesses, your fitness franchise can have a lasting impact on the quality of life of your customers. With this in mind, it takes a lot of trust in order to build a customer base. When you own a fitness franchise business you’ll be backed by the familiarity and high-level professionalism that comes from the fitness franchise. Instead of working hard to prove to the public that you’re running a legitimate fitness business, they’ll know instantly that yours is a gym that they can trust.

Fitness franchises come in many different shapes and sizes, no pun intended. There are fitness businesses that cater to women only. Women-only fitness franchise businesses are growing in popularity and there are many from which to choose. One of the most popular is Curves, but there are many other fitness franchises that have taken advantage of this popular trend. If you want to offer women a secure place to work out and lose weight you may want to consider one of these fitness franchises. While Curves focuses on low impact circuit training, others like Fit Zone for Women offer a wide variety of fitness classes.

Twist Sports Conditioning Centres have been offering athletic training in a gym environment since 1999. This fitness franchise offers personalized training that helps athletes achieve better performance on the court, the field or the ice. The professional trainers focus on challenging customers to push their bodies to new limits. If you’re coming from an amateur or professional sports background, Twist Sports Conditioning may be the perfect franchise for you.

Fitness businesses aren’t just for the young and fit; they are also for the young at heart. Nifty After Fifty is a fitness franchise that allows you to cater to the growing population of older Americans who want to stay fit. While this franchise business is just two years old, it will allow you to tap into a hungry market and offer a facility that will allow them to exercise in a non-judgmental environment. Nifty After 50 offers exercise classes, nutritional training and other services that help customers improve their health and overall quality of life.

These four fitness franchises are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fitness business opportunities. Find the perfect fitness franchise for you at http://www.franchisegenuis.com.

This article is Copyright 2008 by Franchise Genius LLC.