Franchise Blog

FranchiseMart is the first business of its kind to match people looking for franchise opportunities with franchise companies through a convenient retail location, much like having a local trade show set up permanently.

Trends towards small business ownership and corporate downsizing are growing rapidly, and with that, so are franchises. As someone interested in owning their own business, you know first hand how difficult and costly it is to filter through all of the franchise opportunities and it’s hard to know where to go to find the right fit…until FranchiseMart.

FranchiseMart works with every customer to match them to the opportunities that correspond with their personal goals, interests, background and financial qualifications.

We are the first of our kind to offer face-to-face relationships and personalized services with more than 100 opportunities to choose from in a state-of-the-art relaxed retail atmosphere.

While much of the success of FranchiseMart can be attributed to its unique concept, there is more to it. FranchiseMart was developed by United Franchise Group, a name synonymous with success. The United Franchise Group consists of a number of successful business-to-business brands and franchise development services. The talented team behind United Franchise Group, led by President Ray Titus, has over thirty years of franchising experience. Their expertise is proven time and time again in the success of the brands they have worked to create.

FranchiseMart provides a variety of income streams for its franchisees to earn money, including: passing leads to franchisors, franchisor referral fees when franchises are sold, commissions from UFG business services, seminar fees, renting in-store poster space, on-site videos, web banner ad space, and more…

No successful company can be run without someone who knows the business inside and out. That’s why we provide two weeks of the most comprehensive and extensive training in the industry, so that you don’t need prior experience in franchises or running a business of your own to see success. Our training specialists use proven training techniques to provide every FranchiseMart franchisee the knowledge that will put them at an advantage.

FranchiseMart is NOT available in the states yet – HI, IL, ND, SD.

Franchise Opportunities

The need for businesses to get noticed through brand recognition and advertising has rapidly increased due to the steady growth of competitive services. As a result, this need to get noticed has propelled the sign industry to a $12-billion-plus market.

SIGNARAMA has been at the forefront of this growth; successfully franchising the full-service sign center concept for over 20 years. We have used our many years of experience to develop a business model that have led thousands of SIGNARAMA franchisees to success and helped us grow to become the world’s largest sign franchise. As part of our family you get the full support and services of the SIGNARAMA team – a group that is committed to providing you with the training, consulting, equipment and resources you need to make your SIGNARAMA store successful.

Carefully researched site selection

As we all know the location of a business is crucial to its success.

Therefore, we carefully research and select every SIGNARAMA site analyzing factors such as traffic patterns and client potential. Once all criteria are met and a location has been selected, we assist in negotiating your lease and your store’s build-out.

It is only when you are comfortable with your location, lease terms and marketing area that we move to the next phase of the process – we assist you in the transition to ownership and the start-up process begins.

No prior experience necessary

As a result of one of the most extensive training programs in the franchising industry, SIGNARAMA franchisees are trained experts in sign-making and business operation.

Our comprehensive program includes various phases of training including:

* A two-week introductory training program (including travel and lodging expenses) at SIGNARAMA University located at our corporate headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida where you will learn all aspects of the business such as sign production, marketing, advertising, scheduling and bookkeeping.
* A week of on-the-job training at an established SIGNARAMA store which allows you to put your classroom training to use.
* Two weeks of training at your store with one of our experienced operations advisors who will assist in your store’s setup as well as the implementation of our proven marketing program.

We support you every step of the way

Our role doesn’t end when you open your doors.

As a SIGNARAMA franchisee, you gain the full resources of a team committed to helping make your store a success through continued training, consulting, marketing, equipment, research and technical support.

Join our family and experience the satisfaction of owning your own business while enjoying the benefits that come from being part of a global brand people know and trust.

We are industry leaders

SIGNARAMA stores are known for master craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Each of our individually owned and operated stores works hard to provide customers the highest quality products and personalized attention they have come to expect from SIGNARAMA. While we have proudly won the coveted Entrepreneur Magazine’s #1 Franchise in the Industry Award for nine consecutive years; it is the repeat customers and many referrals we receive that let us know we are doing something right.

History

SIGNARAMA, founded in 1986 by Ray and Roy Titus in Farmingdale, New York, began franchising in late 1987 in North Palm Beach, Florida.

Today, headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, we have over 160 employees in our headquarters and 14 regional offices throughout Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.

We have nearly 900 outlets in over 50 countries with Master Franchisors all over the world in countries such as New Zealand, South Africa, China, Italy, France, Israel, Thailand, Panama and the Netherlands.

EmbroidMe has been at the forefront of this growth as one of the world’s first embroidery and promotional products franchises; successfully franchising the full-service embroidery, screen printing, promotional products and personalized gifts concept for over six years. We have used our experience to develop a business model that have led hundreds of EmbroidMe franchisees to success and helped us grow to become the world’s largest embroidery franchise. As part of our family you get the full support and services of the EmbroidMe team – a group that is committed to providing you with the training, consulting, equipment and resources you need to make your EmbroidMe store successful.

Why Franchise?

Franchising Makes Sense

When you become an EmbroidMe franchisee you enjoy the support provided by a global company combined with the independence of owning you own business.

In addition, every EmbroidMe franchisee enjoys the benefits of being part of a large network with perks such as:

* High Volume Buying Power: With nearly 450 stores worldwide, EmbroidMe has an economy of scale that enables us to negotiate exceptional prices with vendors; thus, giving you a chance for huge savings on all your supplies.
* Internet Business: EmbroidMe participates in an aggressive pay-per-click program that not only keeps us on top of our competitors, but is strategically designed to drive traffic to your store.
* System-wide Networking: Not only do EmbroidMe franchisees enjoy the advantage of networking and referrals from other EmbroidMe franchisees, they also share the unique advantage of the Star-Point Services program which expands their networking possibilities to include sister brands SIGNARAMA and Billboard Connection.
* Free Marketing Materials: As part of an EmbroidMe franchise you receive marketing support in the form of professionally designed marketing and direct-mail materials.
* Professional Store Design: Every EmbroidMe franchisee has the advantage of a retail design expert who will help make the most of a store’s layout.
* A Respected Brand Name: EmbroidMe is the most recognized name in the embroidery, screen printing, promotional products and personalized gifts industry. We have been ranked #1 franchise in the industry by Entrepreneur every year since we began. All EmbroidMe franchisees profit from the name recognition associated with being part of the world’s #1 embroidery franchise.

Training and Support

No prior experience necessary

As a result of one of the most extensive training programs in the franchising industry, EmbroidMe franchisees are trained experts in embroidery, screen printing and business operations.

Our comprehensive program includes various phases of training:

* A two-week introductory training program (including travel and lodging expenses) at EmbroidMe University located at our corporate headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida where you will learn all aspects of the business such as production, marketing, advertising, scheduling and bookkeeping.
* Two weeks of training at your store with one of our experienced operations and marketing advisors who will assist in your store’s setup as well as the implementation of our proven marketing program.

We support you every step of the way

Our role doesn’t end when you open your doors.

As an EmbroidMe franchisee, you gain the full resources of a team committed to helping make your store a success through continued training, consulting, marketing, research and technical support.

Join our family and experience the satisfaction of owning your own business while enjoying the benefits that come from being part of a global brand people know and trust.

Site Selection

Carefully researched site selection

As we all know, the location of a business is crucial to its success.

Therefore, we carefully research and select every EmbroidMe site, analyzing factors such as traffic patterns and client potential. Once all criteria are met and a location has been selected, we assist in negotiating your lease and your store’s build-out.

It is only when you are comfortable with your location, lease terms and marketing area that we move to the next phase of the process – we assist you in the transition to ownership and the start-up process begins.

Equipment and Financing

Cutting-edge Technology

Every EmbroidMe location features the latest in cutting-edge technology. Your franchise package includes everything you need to operate as a full-service embroidery retailer. Quality products are paramount and help build trust in the EmbroidMe brand; therefore, your investment includes the industry’s best embroidery equipment manufactured by Brother International Machinery.

As you will see through our extensive training program, the equipment is easy to use. Plus, as a Brother product, you can feel comfortable knowing you have quality equipment that combines reliability and top-of-the-line production capability.

Financial Assistance

We have a full staff committed to assisting you with your financial needs. We work diligently to help you meet the financial requirements necessary to realize your dream.

History and Future

History

EmbroidMe, founded in 2000 by Ray Titus, began franchising in April of 2001 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Today, headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, we have over 160 employees in three offices around the world.

We have nearly 450 outlets in over twelve countries with Master Franchisors in countries such as Ireland, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

Future

EmbroidMe stores are known for master craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Each of our individually owned and operated stores works hard to provide customers the highest quality products and personalized attention they have come to expect from EmbroidMe. While we have proudly won the coveted Entrepreneur Magazine’s #1 Franchise in the Industry Award every year since we began; it is the repeat customers and many referrals we receive that let us know we are doing something right. The future of this amazing organization is bright and we look forward to having you as a part of it.

The need for businesses to get noticed through brand recognition and advertising has rapidly increased due to the steady growth of competitive services. As a result, this need to get noticed has propelled the billboard industry to a multi-billion dollar market.

Billboard Connection is a company that utilizes relationships with outdoor advertisers to assist small and mid-sized businesses tap into the potentially huge benefits of outdoor media such as billboards, posters, taxi tops and buses without having to take a number behind bigger advertisers.

As part of a family of business-to-business franchises, Billboard Connection has the support of a network of industry leading franchises such as SIGN*A*RAMA and EmbroidMe. Parent company, United Franchise Group, has used their franchising experience to develop a business model that has led a large number of Billboard Connection franchisees to success and helped the company grow to become a trusted resource in the billboard industry. As part of our family, you get the full support and services of the Billboard Connection team – a group that is committed to providing you with the training, consulting and resources you need to make your Billboard Connection franchise successful.

As a Billboard Connection franchisee, you enjoy several unique benefits:

• Low overhead
• Flexible hours
• Low start-up costs
• Recurring income and revenue
• No employees
• Home-based operation
• No rent
• No inventory
• Industry contacts provided
• Quick, easy start-up
• High volume bargaining power
• Exceptional training
• Professional marketing support

Training and Support

No prior experience necessary

One of the advantages of being a Billboard Connection franchisee is that you are not required to have previous advertising, sales or outdoor media experience. Through a combination of comprehensive classroom and field training, we assist you in gaining the knowledge and experience necessary to get your business up and running.

Your Billboard Connection training package includes:

Five days of extensive training at our world headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida – Here you will learn everything there is to know about the outdoor advertising industry. Our franchise specialists will instruct you on the elements necessary to operate a successful business such as financial management, marketing, sales and information technology. In addition, you will learn how to find and coordinate the client services including outdoor advertising design, pricing and production. Airfare, lodging, ground transportation and lunches are included while in training.

In-territory business launch – After training, a Billboard Connection field specialist will come to your market area to assist you with new business development and marketing.

Detailed operating manual – Every Billboard Connection franchisee receives an operating manual filled with operating procedures necessary for a successful franchise.

Customized marketing assistance – As a Billboard Connection franchisee, you will receive professionally designed marketing materials created to introduce your business to your market. These materials include stationery, letterhead, mailing lists, business cards, a Yellow Pages ad, direct mail pieces and more.

Support Services – As a Billboard Connection franchisee you enjoy the support provided by a global company combined with the independence of owning your own business. You gain the full resources of a team committed to helping make your business a success through continued training, consulting, marketing, research and technical support.

Ongoing strategic advice and education – Market leadership means staying ahead of the latest trends and developments. We help keep you ahead of the curve by providing periodic updates to your operating manual and recurring bulletins and newsletters that share everything from marketing tips to new operating techniques.

The first quick service retailer in the US to serve authentic, freshly made churros, rellenos (filled churros), and Churro Bites®.

Be the first in your community to bring Churro Station right into your very own backyard. Churro Station not only offers authentic fresh made churros, but a variety of other Hispanic specialties and made-to-order sandwiches with homemade liquados (fresh fruit smoothies).

Today Churros mark the beginning of another food revolution. These sweet treats-already enjoyed by Latinos the world over-are penetrating the American market. Churro Station has the ingredients you need to lead the food industry in a new direction.
Churro Station offers an unprecedented opportunity to be a leader in the fast-growing Hispanic food segment with:

* Low start-up costs
* Proven recipes and proprietary ingredients
* Comprehensive training and management support
* Marketing assistance
* Wholesale distribution channels

Our team is dedicated to providing you with the tools you need to make your franchise a success.

The U.S. Census estimates that by 2020, the Hispanic population will reach 60 million–or almost 18 percent of the total U.S. population. Currently, 42 million Latinos represent $600 billion in buying power. Tapping into this fast-growing niche would be the reason enough for joining Churro Station, but we think that the food revolution goes beyond the Latino community.

The growing popularity of churros and other Latin favorites will have a profound effect on the way Anglo-Americans eat. In 1997, salsa surpassed ketchup as America’s number-one selling condiment. No one imagined Mexico’s humble sauce would overtake and American icon.

Now more than a decade later, the Churro has the potential to become America’s new breakfast favorite.

Churro Station is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this remarkable shift in the food industry by offering the freshest, most authentic churros available in the U.S., as well as arrange of food options that capture both breakfast and lunch sales.

Interested In A Franchise?
Churro Station offers strong franchise opportunities for single or multiple locations. The franchise fee for a single location is $25,000. The initial investment will range between $125,000 and $200,000 depending upon a variety of factors including location.

Liquidity of $100,000 is required to be awarded a Churro Station franchise.

Franchises are available throughout the U.S. A Churro Station franchise grants you the exclusive rights to open, develop and expand Churro Station within a particular territory.

My name is Andy Ross. I am “Mr. Health Insurance” of Nevada, and I am the “pajama-man.”

You may ask, “What do you mean, the “pajama-man?” Well, let me give you my background, and, then, you will know the “how,” “why,” and “when” of the “pajama-man” title.

I had been working from my home since December 1992. From 1992 until 2004, I was a successful telecom reseller, earning a great residual income. But, the bottom fell out. When the telephone rates decreased over the years, the telecom industry melted down. My telecom residuals were going south. The “pajama-man” was in trouble. Big trouble. The thought of going out and looking for a job was terrifying. I knew that if I worked for someone else, I could never earn the kind of money that my family needed for a good education and their present lifestyle. Also, after working at home in my own business for 12 years, I did not think I was employable.

I faced the hard truth; I needed a new career; I had to find a job. I thought about it. What kind of job did I want? Eventually, the answer came in the form of health insurance. Health insurance is a business that could keep me in my work-at-home mode and pay me residual income.

From studying the literature, I eventually, knew that I could create a successful format. And, I did! I was able to apply what I learned from my telecom career to the ever-expanding business of health insurance! The more I worked it, the more I was convinced that I could find a secure future for my wife and three children.

Today, 27 months of my being in the health insurance business, I am known as “Mr. Health Insurance” of Nevada; it was my wife, Andee, that designated me the “pajama-man.” She got it right! I am in my 15th year of being the “pajama-man!” (I rarely leave my home office; I shave when I choose to; I wear loose, pajama-like clothes). Let me share with you the fact that the demand for health insurance is incredible! My prospective clients want health insurance NOW. I do not “cold call,” or chase business. Business comes to me. Potential clients are serious, and they are ready to buy. All transactions are either on the telephone, fax, e-mail, and/or regular mail.

I am a skilled teacher, coach, consultant and mentor. You will hit the ground running, and no stone will be left unturned in pursuit of your goals and success. Together, we will celebrate your victories. Failure is not an option. Business is not a perfect science. Issues will arise. I will be your support system to keep your business on track. I will provide you with the “Connect-the-Dots” system that will make you a clone of me. My plan is to make you a top producer.

Today, more and more people are earning good money working for themselves full or part time. You too can be your own boss in a dynamic and growing business, without a large investment or special training.

The Von Schrader Company offers a highly profitable home-based business opportunity. Choose from carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and/or wall and ceiling cleaning. Since its founding in 1935, Von Schrader has pioneered the on-location cleaning industry and has become one of the most well-known and respected names in carpet cleaning. Around the world, cleaning professionals use our high quality manufactured cleaning equipment and supplies.

The Perfect Opportunity Awaits

Von Schrader offers a unique business opportunity for those interested in starting their own professional cleaning service business and will guide any individual towards becoming a successful entrepreneur. Our low moisture carpet, upholstery, wall washing and ceiling cleaning systems have been used by over 50,000 aspiring individuals establishing their own professional cleaning service businesses, as well as by contract service professionals and facility maintenance departments worldwide and includes the following essentials:

* A service everyone needs and wants
* Demand for the service is repetitive
* Unlimited growth opportunity
* No overhead – work out of your home
* Set your own hours – hire help only as needed
* Everything you earn is yours – no fees,
dues or royalties
* No special skills, education or experience needed
* Receive free training and counsel Investment is unbelievably small
* The finest equipment

We Provide The Skills You Need

The Von Schrader Company offers a Professional Cleaners School curriculum and a new Equipment Service School curriculum. No trade school could offer you a more competent, more dedicated staff of expert consultants. We host the National Association of Von Schrader Associates, which helps bring business owners together to share their knowledge.

Our goal is to provide all of our clients with a level of service that exceeds their expectations.

* Skills and confidence in order for them to use the interior cleaning systems and perform to their maximum efficiency and to provide premium performance cleaning systems to institutions worldwide.
* Ship filled orders on a same or next-day basis, and preserve client confidence in a way that enables our clients to assure their customers of high quality performance.
* Recognize, when applicable, areas for improvement in order to assure the quality of our products and services to satisfy the expectations and conform to the requirements of our customers.
* Provide on-going training and provide current information to our personnel in order to keep them enlightened about any or all relevant developments in the cleaning industry.

Financial Independence Is Within Reach

You have nothing to lose. The Von Schrader associate program opens the door to an income you probably never thought possible, where how much you earn depends largely on you.

Weight-A-Minute International offers
Three (3) Outstanding Business Opportunities
for today’s savvy entreprenuer or health professional

Weight-A-Minute International Diet Spas Franchise Opportunity_1
Turnkey systems that can earn you profits that you only dream of

Studio I – A complete weight management center that offers profits that can exceed over $200,000 annually just based on 15 new members a month. Weight-A-Minute offers cutting edge weight management studios that are scientific based for weight loss, sports nutrition and anti-aging.

Weight-A-Minute International Diet Spas Franchise Opportunity_1Unlike any diet center you have seen – guaranteed! Each program is computerized and individually designed for the client whether they are severely overweight or extremely fit. Offering programs based on the body type and oxidative profile of the individual. Add this to your current health facility and take your lead in this multi- billion dollar industry!

Studio II – TOP SELLER! Open your own private studio for Individual and Family Weight Management, and the One Minute To Fitness Training Studio. Includes 4 huge profit centers from 1000-1500 sq feet plus. Add-On or Store Front. The best personal training or group training studio that you can buy!

Personal weight management studio, retail and vitamin shop located in the front. Private training studio in the back for personal training, group training, youth workouts, overweight workouts and more. The One Minute To Fitness Training by WAM Sports 7 is a private and proven workout that uses a variety of interval training workouts for maximum fat burning, muscle and strength conditioning and can burn from 500 to 800 calories per workout. This is a fat meltdown workout! Annual income on just 15 new members a month can be over $500,000 a year. Perfect for inner city space limitations. Very low overhead and huge income!Weight-A-Minute International Diet Spas Franchise Opportunity_2

Studio III – Mini Fitness and Diet Spa. Everything under one roof for weight loss, health, fitness and now beauty.

Weight-A-Minute has produced their own specialty workouts that are a knock out, advanced diet centers, personalized skin care and anti-aging products! Clothing line, coaching series, personal shopper, tanning and many more Weight-A-Minute secrets to be unfolded! Beautiful in appearance and a great place to experience life! Higher investment but earning potential is much higher return on this investment.

With 30 years of combined research, Weight-A-Minute International offers you everything you need to have an incredible business that absolutely has no comparison in the market.
Weight-A-Minute offers you something in all THREE (3) industries!

- WEIGHT MANAGEMENT – $300 BILLION AND RISING
- SKIN CARE AND BEAUTY – $11 BILLION AND RISING
- FITNESS – $9 BILLION AND RISING!

Weight-A-Minute will show you how to successfully take your share in this lucrative industry!

Seeking Master Developers throughout the world!

Deliver Time, Money, Knowledge and Security
to Your Clients
Most businesses spend more than they should on telecom – up to 35% more? Our concept is simple. We improve their bottom line.
#1 Business Consulting Franchise in North America – Entrepreneur magazine

Deliver Time, Money, Knowledge and Security to Your Clients

Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants is the largest independent franchised telecommunications consulting company in North America, with offices from coast to coast. Schooley Mitchell consultants deliver telecommunications expertise to companies large and small from all industries, offering a broad range of services that include analysis of existing and future telecommunications needs, assessment of best alternatives and implementation of cost-effective telecommunications solutions. The company is fully independent of all telecommunications providers, ensuring recommendations are based exclusively on clients’ needs.

Schooley Mitchell’s sophisticated franchise system, which includes a comprehensive training program, state-of-the-art support systems and an innovative regional client-distribution system, is well established as a rising star in the franchise industry. Entrepreneur magazine recently named the company as one of the “Best of the Best” as well as recognizing the company as the number one Business Consulting Franchise in America. The company has also attracted the prestigious CFA Gold Frankie Award for its innovative marketing campaigns.

“Every client of mine has been pleased with the results of my analysis and recommendations and has increased their profitability. The SMTC program has allowed me to jump-start my business with the help of their website and national presence.” – Charles C. Lincoln MBA, Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants, South Lake Tahoe, CA

Schooley Mitchell consultants review all the services and equipment that our clients use to communicate. That includes cell phones, local service, pagers, faxes long distance, calling cards, toll-free service, equipment, Internet, data services and more. We prepare a report summarizing the services received and costs incurred by our clients. Then we provide them with telecom solutions, advising them about how they can improve their system. If we find ways to save them money and they like what we recommend, our fee is an equal portion of the savings! Our clients love this no-risk approach to saving them money.
The path to success

A Schooley Mitchell franchise offers the prestige of association with a professional business and the opportunity to become part of a successful team. Our proven system of operation and our recognized identity in the field of telecommunications are the essential components to build business success. Franchisees generally begin by operating their Schooley Mitchell business from their home office. Consequently, overhead and operations costs are minimal.

The concept is simple – the only way we succeed is to have you succeed. We will do everything in our power to duplicate the success we have experienced with our other franchise locations.
Our system includes:

* Use of the Schooley Mitchell name, trademarks and quality reputation.
* Computer software tools developed by Schooley Mitchell, as well as continuous updates.
* The initial training course; including mentoring training.
* Continuous training on a distance learning basis.
* Annual training updates.
* Access to specialists in all areas of telecommunications through our consultant network across North America.
* Continuous toll-free support.
* Head office support, experience, business expertise and advice.
* Award-winning marketing and advertising materials and advice.
* U.S. and Canada-wide coverage to ensure all client needs can be satisfied.
* Access to the Schooley Mitchell Intranet site, which contains technical material, training material, methods of easy communication among franchisees, and more.
* Our fully developed operating and support systems, which means you don’t have to “reinvent the wheel.”

“I would highly recommend that anyone who is looking for a new career give Schooley Mitchell an opportunity to discuss their proven and time tested sales and marketing business processes. My original investment was paid back in the first year, and the marketing and sales support continues to grow to this day.” – Jim Kinsella,Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants, Keswick, ON

Make $200 to $800 Profit per Order….
With Shelf Improvement’s Revolutionary Rollout Shelf System!

Simply show these rollouts – they truly sell themselves!
A proven business model – with high ROI
Investment ONLY $495!

“My first order was for 18 rollouts that I installed without my husband’s help.” – Rebecca B., San Diego bookeeper
Add rollout shelves to homeowners’ existing kitchen, pantry and bathroom cabinets and add $$$ to your income:Shelf Improvement rollout shelves are hugely popular

1. Using your sales kit, simply show the sample rollout to your customer and they will immediately recognize its value and quality – “Everyone Loves Rollout Shelves!”
2. With our “One Price, Any Size Rollout” quick quote system, you can quote, sell and measure an order of 4 – 20 rollouts…resulting in $200 to $800 profit.
3. And, with Shelf Improvement’s revolutionary “2 Minute Install” kit, it takes only four (4) screws to install each rollout.

“My 14 year old son installed 12 rollout kits in less than an hour. That’s how easy it is to do!” – Debbie G., San Diego homemaker
When people see our rollout shelves, they quickly “GET IT” and “WANT TO GET IT!”

* Rollout shelves save knees and backs – no more kneeling and bending to search dark, hard-to-reach areas.
* Rollout shelves save time – everything can be found and put away quickly.
* Rollout shelves save money – clients no longer buy things they already have.

“At this quality and price, it doesn’t make sense for me to make them myself.” – Len, Cabinetmaker & installerLearn more today about Shelf Improvement opportunities
Why buy rollout shelves from Shelf Improvement?

* Highest quality:
o Made from real maple and birch woods
o Dovetailed corners for strength (holds up to 100 lbs)
* Hardware is hidden for an upscale appearance
* Two installation options:
o Dealers can install and add to their profit
o Homeowners can easily install themselves and save money

The key advantages of the Shelf Improvement system – what you get with your dealership:

* Wholesale pricing: Only $38/rollout ($79-$89 typical retail)
* Sales kit with sample shelf and easy-to-carry “suitcase”
* Installation kit with unique tools/supplies (patent pending)
* Listing in Dealer Locator on our sales website
* Pre-designed marketing materials for dealer reproduction
* Training guides for selling and installing

Since, in the last decade, the internet has taken a more prominent role in commerce than virtually any other communication tool, spatial proximity between the seller and purchaser of goods has become irrelevant. As everyone knows, it is not now uncommon for transactions to be made across international borders, for both multi-million-dollar corporate transactions and single-item person-to-person eBay sales. Because of this change in the way the world does business, shipping has become a constantly bigger and more profitable industry in recent years. Even in recession, the shipping industry sees no dip in profitability. In fact, this year, in the face of economic downturn around the world, the prices of major shipping firms were increased, and though clients weren’t particularly happy about that, business remained, because shipping is a necessary part of most industries.

Though no one is calling shipping a recession-proof industry per se, it is one so elemental to most businesses that it’s not going anywhere however the market may turn. Of course, that may not mean much to someone interested in starting their own small business, because the market is indeed dominated by just a handful of huge, global corporations, the likes of which, no one can compete with. However, though some may not realize it, there are a few franchised shipping business opportunities that work with those larger names to secure an income, and here are some of those opportunities for the interested entrepreneur.

1. Packaging and Shipping Specialists

What Mike Gallagher, founder of Packaging and Shipping Specialists discovered at the outset was that unearthing and filling a client need, learning how to best market the service, and finding the right supplier are the most difficult aspects of starting a business, but with his Packaging and Shipping Specialists shipping franchise, those trials have already been overcome, and all the franchisee must do is follow proven steps. What sets this packaging and shipping franchise business apart is the profound level of freedom for each franchisee, who gets to name the franchise what he wishes and does not have to pay any royalties. Everything to gain, and nothing to lose.

2. PostalAnnex+

Over 20 years ago, this business began as the answer to a whole host of business needs, providing packaging, shipping, faxing, copying, printing, and mailing to businesses and students in the University City neighborhood of San Diego, CA. Their success in the industry is evinced by first, the fact that the original store succeeded directly next door to a post office, and second, that there are now 300 franchises in operation. The franchisor provides support in all aspects of operation ranging from initial site selection to ongoing promotional services, which is part of the reason that Entrepreneur Magazine named this franchise #104 of their top 500.

3. Service Source Shipping & Freight

With no storefront and no stock to carry, this franchise opportunity has the lowest overhead of all the businesses that deal in shipping. Instead of providing the services of packaging and shipping, franchisees with this business are brokers, offering clients the opportunity to change from their current shipping provider to DHL and receive huge discounts. For every client that converts from UPS or FedEx to DHL, the franchisee makes a profit off of every package sent, and because this franchise is business-to-business, owners work regular hours, Monday through Friday, leaving weekends and evenings free for family.

4. PostNet

Site selection, lease negotiations, design and construction, and grand opening assistance are only the beginning with this renowned ship-and-print business. Competing with names like The UPS Store and FedEx Kinkos, this retail franchise has over 900 locations worldwide and continues to grow at a rate of one store every week. Providing a wide variety of copying and printing services, as well as the shipping services of UPS, FedEx, DHL, and the US postal service, it is no wonder that this business is the shipping operation of choice for home businesses, small businesses, and telecommuters.

5. The Mail Box Stores

This franchisor is adamant about the fact that this is not a franchise. As they’ve designed the operation, there is no ongoing royalty fee, meaning that after the initial purchase of this turnkey mail and shipping business, there is never another dollar the franchisee must pay, even though he continues to receive first-class support for the life of the business. Store design, financing, equipment purchase, ongoing training, and so much more are all attended to by the franchisor. All the while, the franchisee is the one profiting from customer use of mailbox rentals, copying, shipping, printing, binding, and a wide variety of other production services.

The shipping industry is certainly a profitable one, bringing in a collective $600bil annually. If you’re looking for a way to start a franchise business in the midst of this recession and make a profit without risking your shirt, a shipping franchise is certainly a good way to go.

Nordstrom down 15%, Sharper Image out of business, jewelry stores folding up. Do you see the common theme? A down economy hits the high end retailer with greater force. Did you ever really think that you would see Starbuck’s with such dismal sales? No one forecasted or expected such a sharp downturn in the economy.

As layoffs mount and countless companies go out of business things will continue to get worse as time goes on. Many retailers will hold on through the holiday season. The last hurrah so to speak, but you will see many name brand companies go out of business before the first quarter of 2009 is over.

But there is a bright side, Wal-Mart, Target and other mid-level to discount retailers are seeing record profits. Why you might ask? Because these retailers can accommodate all customer demographics. When cash is tight you may not see these folks at Nordstrom but you will definitely see them shopping somewhere.

Is the brand name the necessity or just keeping some remaining cash in your wallet? Look at the numbers above for your answer, as everyone becomes a conservative. Why buy an original cartridge from the manufacturer when you can save an average of 35% from a refiller? Few places can offer such a discount, but the average business both large and small are taking a serious look at things. As the cost of business is going up as well as the average business tax per our new President elect, you will see business increase for companies such as Cartridge World.