Franchise Your Way to Wealth

November 19th, 2008

Do you have your own business, while it is making enough for you to live securely, it just isn’t enough to live the live that you want to live. You have tried advertising, you have held nonprofit events, everything that you could imagine you have done to reach new customers. If this is true, maybe it is time to take a little break. No I don’t mean abandon your business, I just mean that right now your business is sustaining itself, and maybe there is just no more possible growth in the market right now.

If you are a true business person, you will not be able to just take a break, and let your business be average. If you want a way to make more money, while your business is in an improvement rut, than thing franchising. Franchising, is literally selling your business idea to a new person. Just because you have reached a plateau in your area does not mean that a new location wouldn’t prove successful.

Market your business, tell potential buyers all of the perks of your business. However, be honest with them, no one will buy your business idea if they think the way that you talk about the business is to go to be true. Once you find a buyer, you set the price. How much is the rights to your business idea worth? When the money is paid it is now out of your hands. Even though this is a branch or your business it will be run by someone else.

If you need money now, like I mean in the next hour, try what I did. I am making more money now than in my old business and you can too, read the amazing, true story, in the link below. When I joined I was skeptical for just ten seconds before I realized what this was. I was smiling from ear to ear and you will too.

Imagine doubling your money every week with no or little risk! To discover a verified list of Million Dollar Corporations offering you their products at 75% commission to you. Click the link below to learn HOW you will begin compounding your capital towards your first Million Dollars at the easy corporate money program.

Weight-A-Minute International Diet Spas

November 19th, 2008

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!

Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants

November 19th, 2008

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

Shelf Improvement

November 19th, 2008

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

Top 5 Mail & Shipping Franchise Business Opportunities

November 18th, 2008

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.

Recession Proof Business

November 18th, 2008

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.

Turning a Small Business Franchise Into Big Business

November 18th, 2008

Often, people looking at purchasing a franchise have their sights and hopes set on wealth and prestige, attaining success with a large business dominant in its market. Of course, that can seem pretty well impossible when what you’re starting with is considered a small business. After all, a small business and a big business are by definition two very different things. Still, the ambitious, upwardly mobile entrepreneur needn’t fear that beginning with a franchise business considered “small” means that it has to remain that way, because there are ways to turn something small into something big, in fact, there are two primary ways of accomplishing that in the small business world.

1. Start Big

Yes, it seems somewhat like a contradiction in terms to say that a small business can start big, but surprisingly, it’s true, and depending on your financial status and business history, it may be the most sensible route to take. Many longtime businessmen agree that if you have the desire and ability to go big at the outset, it will financially profit you in the long run. There are at least two examples of franchises with which this is an option.

Mars Venus Coaching is the first. There are two offers on the table for anyone who wants to initiate a franchise with this organization: starting a single franchise unit or a master franchise. There aren’t many businesses that offer the latter, but Mars Venus Coaching does, which makes jumping right into large-scale business possible. As the master franchisee, the business owner is responsible for selling and overseeing single-unit franchises in his territory, ensuring that new Mars Venus Coaching coaches are consistently being added to his area and are successfully finding clients for their business and life coaching services.

Another opportunity to jump right to the top of the food chain and establish yourself as a business power, WSI Internet doesn’t offer master franchises like Mars Venus Coaching does, but it does offer an abundance of possible business sizes, ranging from simple, one-man work from home to office-based, multi-employee scenarios. Possibly the best internet marketing franchise out there, WSI Internet is designed to allow the up-and-coming franchisee with an itch to succeed to save time by starting big.

2. Start Small and Grow

Though many do recommend starting out with a large business if that’s where you eventually want to get to, not everyone has the financial or temporal resources to dive headlong into the huge business of their dreams. And really, taking that leap into a big operation isn’t for everyone anyway, because some people need that extra time to grow into the patterns and practices of a small business before applying the same procedures to a larger business is a good idea. It’s kind of like starting with training wheels, not because you expect to use them forever, but because you want to get at least a little stable before riding the “big kids’ bike.

Fortunately, there are more business opportunities available to the entrepreneur wanting to grow rather than start large, and a good starting point is the Home Team Inspection Service. As the owner of your very own home inspection franchise with this brand, you are quickly made ready to succeed in the field, given everything from a complete territory analysis to national marketing and call-center backup. Most importantly, you receive one of the best business models in the industry: instead of inspecting a full home single-handedly, Home Team Inspection Service franchisees work in small teams on each inspection. It’s a great way to take care of the day-to-day work, and by training new inspectors, right alongside them, you can slowly build a larger and larger team and a larger and larger business until you, one day, can step back and leave inspecting to your teams of employees while you work on further expansion.

Doody Calls is another small home based business that provides plenty of room for growth. Built on the fact that dogs make messes in the yard that owners don’t want to clean up, this franchise operation is in the business of scooping poop on designated client routes. As the business begins, it can be nothing more than the franchisee with a truck and a shovel, but from that starting point, the sky is the limit. A franchisee wanting to make a big splash can eventual have fleets of Doody Calls vehicles driving around town scooping pet leftovers for grateful clients who appreciate saving that time.

Though it’s a slightly different brand of cleaning, Merry Maids provides the same opportunity for the enterprising entrepreneur. Regardless of whether you begin your work with this renowned company as owner and operator or as the overseer of just a handful of employees, there is always room to expand, take on more employees, and serve more homes with your residential cleaning services. This company has 25 years of experience, getting over 1400 franchises up and running and keeping them so, which means that however big you plan to get, they can help you.

Some businesses, like the work from home business Fresh Coat Painters, even require franchisees to have a mind for management and expansion. The Fresh Coat Painters mantra is “painters paint… we want business owners.” So as you build your painting franchise, you can be certain that the franchisor’s goal is to help you grow.

What it Comes to

Not everyone wants to keep their business small forever, and if growth is something that you want, know that an initially small size does not limit your potential. Whether you begin with a literal “small business” or choose to dive right into the deep end of the larger franchise pool, your outlook remains just as bright and hopeful, so do what works best for your leadership style and your particular business.

Internet Marketing Franchises Don’t Know the Meaning of “Recession”

November 18th, 2008

These days, America’s eyes, as well as those of most of the world, are locked on one thing and one thing only: recession. It doesn’t look like the nation has quite gotten to the point of building bunkers and storing canned goods, but it is safe to say that many in the business world are fearful. There is, however, a great difference between the terms many and everyone.

As it turns out, facing recession has reminded the business world that there are those industries that are virtually unaffected by economic withdrawal. Some of these have been around for a long time and were previously known to be resilient under poor economic conditions, but others, newer to the world’s market, are only now being found to be recession-resistant. One of these new additions to the list of recession-resistant markets is the web marketing industry.

The Numbers Say it All

It has come as something of a shock to many business analysts, but numbers don’t lie, and the number have been implying for some time that internet marketing is not susceptible to recession. And many organizations and magazines currently researching this unexpected trend agree.

Back in March, when rumors of recession were beginning to infiltrate the business realm, Wired Magazine ran a report on the apparent strength of online marketing as an industry. Talking with a handful of internet marketing executives of well known firms, the reporter seemed to get nothing but positive reflection on the growth of the industry to date and similar expectations for the future. Rich Kahn, CEO of search engine and advertising platform eZanga told the reporter that the very month in which the article was written, they had already doubled sales. And Kathy Sharpe, a long-time advertising vet and CEO of Sharpe Partners, commented, “I wouldn’t expect a huge decline [for the year]. [The market] has been growing at 25% for the last five or six years. I don’t know if we’ll do that again, but I wouldn’t expect it to fall below the double digit range.” The positive sentiments were encouraging, but then, that was March, and the recession wasn’t in full swing. The question was whether or not those predictions would hold out.

Later, in July, when recession was becoming reality, PRWeek Magazine, an increasingly strong source of news on the public relations and marketing world, published an article on a survey that had conducted, polling 252 top US marketing executives on their expectations for advertising in the face of approaching economic downturn. What they discovered was surprising. Online marketing, in the opinions of marketing professionals, was the advertising field that had the most hopeful outlook of all marketing methods. Of those polled, 75% expected spending on digital marketing programs to increase in the coming year, 21% said spending would remain the same, and only 4% expected any kind of decline. Comparatively, 33% expected advertising budgets to increase next year, while 48% expected a similar spending to this year, which is not nearly as impressive as the amount of promise expected from online marketing.

As strange as it may sound, everyone agrees that regardless of economic shifts and sways, using the internet as a marketing tool is not something that even businesses in decline are willing to sacrifice. First, marketing is essential to the survival of any business in any circumstances, and should always be the last cut in spending. And of all marketing tools, the internet has risen to a chief position, being the cheapest and most effective to use, because the vast majority of consumers today do everything from product research to actual purchasing all online. Being online puts a business where the customers are, and any marketing company that can make that happen will continue to have clients even in recession.

Remaining Industry Opportunities

The best part about knowing about the solidarity of internet marketing is understanding that there are still business opportunities available in the industry. If purchasing a business for sale in this sector sounds like the wise business move for you, here are two franchises that can get you into this strong line of work.

WSI Internet

One of the best online marketing companies in the industry today, WSI Internet has been Entrepreneur Magazine’s hands-down favorite in the internet business world for six years running. As the face of internet marketing has changed over the years, WSI Internet has bobbed and weaved to stay ahead of the learning curve, remaining on top of client demands at every step along the way. And it has all paid off: wherever a WSI Internet home based business arises, clients are sure to follow.

Advertising Consultants

This 10-year-old home business is not specifically an internet marketing franchise, but it does provide franchisees with 20 different potential marketing avenues for clients, one of which is internet marketing. The focus of this study has been online marketing, but depending on client needs, the work at home owner of this franchise business can choose to use the advertising method that is best, which is a huge advantage when it comes to actually working in the field

Business opportunities may seem scarce as financial stability wavers, but in the end, there will always be industries that recession really can’t touch, and at this point, internet marketing seems to be one of them. With so many businesses funneling all available finances into advertising, just to stay afloat while the economy is in decline, a good marketer is in high demand. Whether a new marketing franchisee decides to work from an office or work from home, the fact remains that internet marketing is undoubtedly the way to go during these economically troubling times.

With Recession Expected to Last, Which Franchise Businesses Will Succeed?

November 18th, 2008

Obviously, we’re in the midst of a recession; that’s been the buzzword for too long now to ignore it. But the question rising to the surface of people’s minds now is exactly how long this downward trend is going to last.

A recent survey of top economists has concluded that, if professional estimates are right, recession is likely to last through 2009. Of course, no one can definitively say what the future holds, but of 102 of today’s great economic minds, all but 10 held far more pessimistic outlooks than they had only 3 months prior. Of them, 79% expected an economic growth of no more than 1% over the next year, and 38% felt that the economy would most likely continue to shrink. Only 36% of those surveyed believe that all the government’s efforts to turn things around were having any kind of a positive impact, while the vast majority see no fruit from all the government has tried to do to free up the credit situation. All things considered, these 102 professionals do not have high expectations for 2009.

If their predictions prove true, those in the business world do not have a great deal to look forward to, and those hoping to break into the business world have a potentially steep road ahead of them. There is, however, a very stark difference between steep and impossible, and even though the economy, present and future, may not be pretty, there are still ways that franchises can help new business owners make their way even in long-term recession. The following are some of the business opportunities that franchising offers in what some people consider recession-proof industries.

Alliance Cost Containment

Thriving for the very reason that so many businesses are suffering, Alliance Cost Containment franchisees are some of the best in the business at analyzing a client company spending to establish new ways of cutting costs and saving money in tough times. Franchisees work from home and are trained how to address 35 specific areas of business finance that most companies struggle with. There is limited travel involved, and franchisees have consistent access to ongoing training and support from central staff and other franchisees who have a wealth of knowledge to share.

Grease Monkey

A great recession-proof business opportunity is the auto industry. Though manufacturing and sales of cars decrease during economic downturn, people are more likely than ever to seek auto service because they don’t want to buy a new car. A Grease Monkey franchise is the perfect way to capitalize on this trend. The only nationally recognized lube chain that is not owned by an oil company, this franchise gives franchisees a first class business experience with full training, support, and site-selection services without mandating the use of certain products over others. There is quite a bit of potential success and financial freedom to be had for a Grease Monkey franchisee.

Meineke

This is one of the most well known auto franchises around, with a nationally recognized name that has been seen by millions on TV and print advertising. With a more-than-successful 36-year track-record, Meineke has kept itself up-to-date with current industry trends without losing connection with its traditional, service-oriented roots. Join over 900 other franchisees on their road to success with this shockingly successful business franchise.

Precision Tune Auto Care

Franchisees with this business are brought into a family of franchises whose focus is on serving clients in addition to servicing cars. Though each franchise tends to numerous automotive needs, including air conditioning, brakes, fuel injection, air induction, fluid maintenance, and tune-ups, the key to their success in the industry is being able to call their clients by name, because they keep a standing relationship with each one.

Case Handyman and Remodeling

Home service franchises offer another great business opportunity in the midst of recession, because, though many Americans can’t purchase new property, they are still interested in repairing and updating the properties that they have, in case the market turns and they can sell. Case Handyman and Remodeling offers them just such an opportunity, with a home service business model that mixes neighborly treatment with Harvard-level knowledge of the industry. Franchisees are able to start their businesses at whatever size fits them best and are given plenty of room to grow as necessary.

Homeworx

Taking a different approach to the home improvement industry, this business for sale doesn’t directly serve clients who want construction services; instead it aids the other businesses doing the construction and remodeling by providing warranty services on their behalf. This frees the other companies to focus on doing the labor that they’re assigned to. Franchisees don’t necessarily need previous home industry experience, just the willingness to learn from an expert team that does have the experience and can teach them all they need to know.

Return-a-pet

Though it may come as a surprise, the pet industry seems, so far, to be recession-proof. Despite economic decline, people are unwilling to stop spending money on their family pets, and one home based business putting that knowledge to use is Return-a-pet. The system is simple: Return-a-pet has developed a pet registry that people can add their pets to, in case the pet is lost, and receive tags with a custom registration number and a phone number to call if the animal is found. Every home business franchisee pays a one-time licensing fee to become a Return-a-pet distributor and is immediately taught how to market and sell the product.

Though everyone had hopes that this recession would pass quickly, that has not been the case, and according to economic pros, it won’t be the case in the near future, either. Recession, however, is not the same as economic collapse. There are still numerous business opportunities that either survive downturn well or miraculously thrive in it. As you give heavy thought to whether or not this is the time to start up a franchise of your own, keep your eye on these industries and see how they continue to prosper in the midst of this economic crucible.

Is Dry Cleaning a Great Business Franchise Opportunity?

November 18th, 2008

Robert Devaney, head of a dry cleaning plant that processes more than 2,000 shirts every day has worked hard to produce the perfect shirt. This is why he recently spent $60,000 on new pressing machines that neatly press 200 shirts per hour, each ironed as if by hand.

Devaney got his start in the dry cleaning industry more than 30 years ago. He was pursuing a degree in speech pathology at Northeastern University when his father convinced him to join the family business. The father and son team purchased the Weymouth-based Dry cleaning by Dorothy in 1976. Later, Devaney founded the Fresh n’ Clean and Lapels franchises and opened 42 stores in five states. Both franchises have been sold.

Devaney’s latest business endeavor, The Cleaner Spot has already established nine locations on the South Shore, and looks to extend franchise business opportunities. The Weymouth plant employs 35 people and processes items from the three corporate-owned Drycleaning by Dorothy drop-off stores and The Cleaner Spot franchises.

- How casual dress trends have affected dry cleaning

Casual dress has heavily affected the dry cleaning industry over the last decade. The volume of clothes needed to be dry cleaned has greatly reduced. The industry has created new methods and equipment to handle casual dress. When a pair of khakis are pressed, for instance, it’s different than pressing a pair of wool slacks. Often, khakis are needed to be wet cleaned instead of dry cleaned, which makes them harder to press and finish. There are actually machines that grab the bottom of the pants and pull them down, helping to give a better press. Undoubtedly making that press much more popular with casual clothing.

Casual dress has become more popular over the years, but doesn’t mean you should sacrifice a professional look. Meaning if you want to dress in khakis and a polo, but still desire that professional image, it’s best to have those items professionally cleaned and pressed.

-Changes due to pollutant regulations

Environmental Protection Agency regulations have given us additional costs. Additional education and new equipment were also needed. Equipment manufacturers were needed to create more efficient equipment – equipment that didn’t harm the atmosphere. In our industry, they are referred to as closed-loop systems, so instead of releasing the odors into the atmosphere, pollutants are all self-contained. This process also made cleaning much more efficient, so that less of the chemicals could do the same volume of clothing.

In addition, after the dry cleaning process is completed, a hazardous waste residue is left behind. Dry cleaners must then take that waste and put it into barrels, and then have it professionally removed. The newest thing in dry cleaning is environmentally friendly systems, but even plants that claim to have an environmentally-friendly process use chemicals that are considered pollutants. There’s actually no such thing as a completely environmentally-friendly dry cleaner, unless they personally wash everything.

- The Perfect Shirt

You won’t see any difference in quality if you bring a sweater into 10 dry cleaners …And you can’t take a stain on a silk blouse to five dry cleaners, so this difference is very hard to see. But generally, what greatly sets dry cleaners apart Is the quality of their shirts, which is easily noticeable. You can very readily see any obstructions made to a shirt, therefore shirts are the competitive grounds between dry cleaners. 99-cent shirts are all over the place, leaving customers very attuned to the cost of shirts. For this reason, shirts are cleaned on mass production equipment. They are actually processed at about 100 or more shirts per hour, as opposed to a dry cleaning item that’s hand-ironed and pressed is only done at around 15 or 20 an hour.

You could always make the perfect shirt if you had time to hand press every shirt, which doesn’t happen anymore because of inefficiency and high price, until a new company (Japan’s Sankosha) developed a machine that can still turn out 150 to 200 shirts an hour – but as perfect shirts.

-What sets The Cleaner Spot apart

The whole dry cleaning and tailoring economy works on incentive, allowing Devaney to realize that no one cares about the business more than the owner, which is why every franchise of The Cleaner Spot is managed by the owner. The owner is always there, working 40 to 50 hours a week, so that you’re guaranteed the ultimate in service. The owner specifically inspects every piece that is processed through that store so you are ensured to get the best quality. Our drop stores are small, 1,000-square-foot stores that we are able to conveniently locate anywhere. Dry cleaning is a business based on convenience, typically drawing customers that live and work near by, enabling us to target specific communities. Large dry cleaning plants are typically not allowed anymore in heavily populated areas because of chemical and environmental problems.

Best Single Question to Ask When Buying a Franchise

November 18th, 2008

During the process of buying a franchise potential candidates come up with numerous questions. If they are prudent, they will evaluate all aspects of the selected concept’s business model, talk to the potential franchisees and gather information during their visit to the company headquarters. In my experience of evaluating franchises I have discovered that one questions, in particular, provides a good general overview of what a particular franchise concept is all about.

This question is directed to the franchisees that are currently part of the system. Talking to them is one of the most important things the candidate can do when planning to buy a franchise. I recommend asking that question towards the middle of the general conversation with a specific franchise owner. Primarily, this question has financial implications. Financials should be the centerpiece of any conversations held during the process of buying a franchise.

The question is: “Do you think that the value that you get in this business is worth the fees and royalties paid by you to the franchisor?” It may not seem like much, but I found that this question, more than any other, gets people to open up on their experience of being a franchise owner. Most likely, they ask themselves this question ever month they have to make that royalty payment. Thus, you are likely to receive an elaborate answer with some personal reflection built into it.

Some people will say that, regardless of the situation, paying fees and royalties is the deal they agreed to in the beginning and they plan to honor it. Some will say “No”, and the candidate will have an opportunity to ask them why. Some will state that in the beginning, possibly years ago, it was worth it and that now it is not (or worth much less), providing you with even grater opportunity for the follow up questions. Some will tell you that it is worth every penny.

In the end, asking this question will enable a candidate to get an in-depth look of what the franchisees currently in the system think about the franchisor. Too may people interview the current owners and fail to get clear information about the company they are investigating. In my experience, the question listed above provided me with the best opportunity to really dig into the details about the company I was looking at.

If you like this article, thinking of buying a franchise and could use some advice, please feel free to contact me at andre@findtopfranchise.com with any questions. I offer a no cost consultation which will enable you to get a better idea of the franchise options available to you.

Retail Franchisee – Earn a Residual Income

November 18th, 2008

If you have the drive to earn life long, retail franchisee is an excellent opportunity. With the advent of internet, franchisee becomes a lucrative option for many people. You do not require any previous technical experience or special skills to earn money. Teams offering retail franchisee look for people who have the ability to expand their network of franchisees. Expanding network in turn increases the rate of success thereby enabling you to make a life long income.

Online home based retail franchisee allows you to work at your own hours. You simply need to put forth your efforts whenever you want to. This is particularly beneficial if you wish to work non-standard hours.

In order to open a retail franchisee, you need to understand the strategies and business plans. Retail franchisee team offers you specially designed training programs that cater to your needs. You can easily learn the methodology. Once you obtain necessary training, you can start making multiple streams of income.

If you want to achieve success in the field of retail franchisee, you need to select a proven formula that drives you to financial success. Building your own website is an essential step in earning life long income. It is imperative to learn how to optimize your site in search engines.

You can even build powerful linking structures to help others with search engine rankings. You can divert more traffic to your site in turn. Once your franchisee logo is popularized, you can start making an enormous income. If you have self-motivation to make life long money and are ready to give enough effort and time, then you can attain sure success in online retail franchisee.

If you need money now, like I mean in the next hour, try what I did. I am making more money now than in my old business and you can too, read the amazing, true story, in the link below. When I joined I was skeptical for just ten seconds before I realized what this was. I was smiling from ear to ear and you will too.

Imagine doubling your money every week with no or little risk! To discover a verified list of Million Dollar Corporations offering you their products at 75% commission to you. Click the link below to learn HOW you will begin compounding your capital towards your first Million Dollars at the easy corporate money program.

Lighthouse Landscape Lighting

November 17th, 2008

Lighthouse Outdoor Living specializes in creative, low voltage landscape and architectural lighting, providing a high end, finished product right from design to installation and service. Lighthouse has extended its offerings to include two additional, lucrative profit centers – Holiday Lighting and Smart Dog Fencing. This is a home improvement franchise like no other!

We have developed an extensive marketing strategy which will allow you to achieve your business goals. We will work with you to prepare a custom marketing plan for your territory. This plan will detail the specific steps you need to take to get your new business on track and quickly producing good revenue.

Lighthouse Landscape Lighting franchisees are fully trained in all aspects of the business including, but not limited to, marketing, sales, installation and office management. Through our combined buying power and years of contact with our vendors, we can offer the best products at the lowest prices.

Add to that our Lifetime Warranty, the only one of its kind in this industry, and we have created a formula for success!

Lighthouse Landscape Lighting franchise opportunities
As a Lighthouse Landscape franchisee, you will offer three outstanding services:
As a Lighthouse Landscape franchisee, you will offer three outstanding servicesLighthouse Landscape Lighting

Our professional landscape lighting uses an array of special lighting techniques that not only enhance the beauty of the outdoors at night but foster outdoor safety and security. Homeowners can enjoy more time outside and create an elegant atmosphere for outdoor entertaining. Low voltage outdoor lighting gently adorns your customers’ houses, yards and garden areas with soft accent lighting to create warmth, atmosphere, ambiance and safety that they will enjoy all evening long.

Provide beautiful holiday lighting and greenery décor for both residential and commercial customersLighthouse Holiday Lighting

Bring joy to the season with Lighthouse Holiday Lighting! Lighthouse provides beautiful holiday lighting and greenery décor for both residential and commercial customers, using lighting techniques that enhance the beauty of the outdoors at night. Holiday lighting can be expertly incorporated.

Lighthouse designs have an elegance and eye-appeal that truly beautify the outdoors at night. With our holiday lighting we take our landspace lighting to another level using colorful displays which turn a home into a winter wonderland.

Offer a safe, humane and effective solution to pet containmentLighthouse Smart Dog

A safe, humane and effective solution to pet containment. Dogs like to roam. The Lighthouse Smart Dog system keeps them at home with a full line of products that set the industry standard for safe, effective pet fencing systems which are a cost-effective alternative to traditional fencing and absolutely harmless to dogs. There are no unsightly fences, posts or transmitters to spoil your customers’ landscaping. The Lighthouse Smart Dog system provides freedom for your customers’ dogs to run AND peace of mind for them.

We’ve developed the formula for success

The Lighthouse franchise allows you to follow a tried and tested business system which will greatly improve your chances of success. We have a strong commitment to the success of every one of our franchisees. Lighthouse:

* Are experts in landscape lightingThe Lighthouse franchise allows you to follow a tried and tested business system
* Have been in the outdoor lighting business since 1994
* Have completed over 30,000 installations
* Have nationwide locations
* Offer comprehensive training programs and an annual franchise conference
* Provide new business lines to cross sell to your customers
* Offer a lifetime warranty on all products
* Provide a Lighthouse Private Label product line
* Have marketing programs developed and ready for you to implement
* Offer outstanding support to help you grow your business
* Have excellent relationships with major builders
* Are widely experienced with both residential and commercial projects

The Cleaning Authority

November 17th, 2008

A leading franchisor in the growing $46 billion cleaning services industry, and one of the largest residential home cleaning companies in the U.S., The Cleaning Authority is sought after each week by over 30,000 time-crunched families looking for breathing room in their busy lives. The time crunch that now affects so many dual-income homes has led to a windfall for the cleaning services industry and The Cleaning Authority is perfectly positioned to capture a large share of it. The cleaning services sector is expected to grow 5.5 percent through 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.The Cleaning Authority Franchise Opportunity_4

The Cleaning Authority offers franchise opportunities that provide residual income, return on investment, a flexible daily schedule and unparalleled business management support. By leveraging today’s green home cleaning trend, we are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to maximize your profitability and success. Green cleaning is a rapidly expanding sector of the industry. We’re doing our part to protect families and our planet with use of Green Seal Certified® house-cleaning products, along with HEPA vacuums and microfiber dusting cloths preferred by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Here are the top 3 reasons franchisees choose The Cleaning Authority:

* We know how to attract customers. The Cleaning Authority Franchise Opportunity_5
* We know how to retain customers.
* We know how to operate profitably.

“The direct mail brochure is an awesome sales tool. The phone starts ringing as soon as they hit.” – Scott Rees, franchisee, Midvale, Utah
Take control of your success

The success of our franchisees stems from a unique business model not found anywhere else. We provide you with systems and tools so that you are in control of your success. We offer:The Cleaning Authority Franchise Opportunity_1

* Sophisticated, targeted and effective marketing on a local and national scale that drives customer acquisition.
* Ongoing training and support programs to help build a strong and reliable staff so that you can protect and grow your customer base.
* Unparalleled, proprietary, business management software to help you pinpoint your profitability every minute of every day.
* A well-trained call center to handle customer questions.
* New business training programs.

“The computer software program is great. It allows one person to do so many different things to run the whole business by The Cleaning Authority Franchise Opportunity_6themselves.” – Mike Randall, franchisee, Milford, Ohio

You don’t have to be an expert in home-cleaning services to start your franchise. You don’t even need to have a background in the industry to be successful. All that’s required are ambition and the willingness to put our proven tools to work for you. You will receive thorough training and unmatched support from day one. When you partner with The Cleaning Authority, you become part of an organization focused on maximizing revenues and continuing efficient and effective business practices. The Cleaning Authority is with you every step of the way. The bigger business you build, the bigger business we build.

Description: The Cleaning Authority offers house cleaning franchise opportunities that provide residual income, return on investment, a flexible daily schedule and unparalleled business management support.
Opportunities: Franchises available throughout the US.

Business Type: Franchise.
Minimum Investment: $30,000.
Financing Assistance: Yes, through a third party.
Training Provided: Yes.

How to Own Your Own Coffee Shop – Yes You Can

November 17th, 2008

Do you love a GREAT cup of fresh coffee? Do you love seeing people enjoying coffee? Would you love to be your own boss and run your own business? If you answered yes to any of these questions than you are a perfect candidate to own and operate your own gourmet coffee franchise opportunity.

Gourmet coffee franchise shops serve distinct varieties of coffee, often roasted specifically for them. Coffee franchise companies have long-standing relationships with renowned estates in many of the greatest coffee-growing regions such as Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Africa and Hawaii. Though high quality beans are essential, the secret of their distinctive flavor is the way that roasters roast those beans. Freshly roasted beans create superior coffee. The final step is to brew that freshly-ground coffee with personality to suit the coffee franchise customer’s taste.

For a relatively low start-up cost, you could become the next owner-operator of a gourmet coffee franchise. Imagine, waking up in the morning knowing you’re going to work at YOUR coffee shop. Imagine the pride in telling family and friends to “come down to YOUR coffee shop for the best cup of coffee in the state.” Imagine the satisfaction that comes from being an independent coffee franchise business owner. Imagine the personal fulfillment you will receive from building your customer- base and watching your coffee franchise grow and thrive. Imagine having a business legacy that you could pass down to your future generations.

Franchising opportunities are the small business opportunity of the up-and-coming entrepreneur. Coffee franchising gives you the security of selling an established product, with an established training and marketing plan, while assuming minimal risk. Coffee franchising is a fantastic way to own your own small business, while receiving assistance and training from the established corporation of your chosen coffee franchise company. Franchising with an established coffee franchise provides you with a great probability of success. You could own and operate a coffee business in a strategically placed location anywhere.

The corporate office of your coffee business franchise will use all of their expertise to make certain you become a successful small business owner. They will assist you with the training for the start-up and continual operation of your coffee business. The corporate office of your coffee business will assist with the marketing of your new coffee business. The corporate office of your chosen coffee business will use its proven process to help you with selecting the optimal location for your coffee shop. They will provide complete training for screening, hiring, training and maintaining an energetic team of employees that will enhance your business and increase your clientele. Owning and operating your gourmet coffee shop can happen right now.

Your coffee business franchise professional consultants are standing by to begin the adventure of your life. In just a very short time, you could join the ranks of the many successful small business owners that make up the backbone of America.

Where Can I Get Funding to Own My Own Franchise?

November 14th, 2008

Many folks think that because of the mortgage and banking crisis that there is no way for them to get a small business loan. There have even been rumors that SBA loans are not happening either. Still, you might be surprised at the financing options in franchising. You see, franchisors must find a way to sell their franchises. If a franchise organization is not growing it is shrinking slowing, dying on the vine through attrition.

It is for this reason that Franchisors do whatever it takes to help their team grow, they want the best franchisees, and they know without them, they’re toast in the market place. So, if you are a quality individual with strength of character and you want to be on a winning team, believe me when I tell you that the Franchisor wants you in, and they will help you get the financing you need to own your own franchise.

Franchisors have all sorts of financing programs. Perhaps, you might read up on this subject a bit. Let me recommend a very good book to you on this subject, one that I own in my own personal library that has helped me immensely:

“Franchising for Free” by Dennis Foster; John Wiley and Sons; 1994.

This book will help you understand how you can purchase a franchise even if you lack the down payment money, working capital, or perfect credit you might normally need. Do not let a weak economy keep you from your dream of owning your own business. Do not let a banker or the SBA tell you that a franchise is out of reach.

Dippin Dots franchise

November 14th, 2008

Dippin’ Dots Franchising, Inc.

Where do Dippin’ Dots fans go for all their favorite flavors of Dippin’ Dots…for Dot Delicacies like cakes and shakes…and to always see what’s new from Dippin’ Dots??? Dippin’ Dots’ Franchised retail locations!

Recent market research show Dippin’ Dots outperformed some of the top franchised ice cream brands 2:1 among kids and almost 2:1 among young adults. And one fact was very clear, Dippin’ Dots were the number one ice cream for FUN among all age groups!

If you’re considering a franchise opportunity, remember…

* Dippin’ Dots originated the “beaded” ice cream concept
* Almost 20 years of brand recognition
* Attractive store & kiosk designs
* Multiple product offerings (ice cream, yogurt, flavored ices, ice cream cakes, iced drinks, shakes and more!)
* Simple ordering and inventory control (almost no food waste)
* Store investment…labor costs…transaction time…and cost of goods all lower than the national average
* Transports easily for cross promotion at school fundraisers, party catering or community events
* International exposure and brand awareness from appearances on “Oprah”, “The Travel Channel, “The Food Network…and at high profile entertainment venues

Be the first in your area to bring Dippin’ Dots to our loyal fans! The list below shows markets currently available with almost endless growth potential. Get started with this great ground floor opportunity for experienced QSR owners.

Target Areas
Dippin’ Dots always welcomes applications from potential franchisees nationwide. In addition, we are currently targeting the following areas:
Ready-to-Own

* La Quinta, CA
* San Jose, CA
* Torrance, CA
* Ventura, CA
* Rehoboth, DE
* Fort Myers, FL
* Gainesville, FL
* Margate, FL
* Tallahassee, FL
* Ft. Wayne, IN
* Crescent Springs, KY
* Marlborough, MA
* Grosse Pointe, MI
* Macomb Township, MI
* Jersey City, NJ
* Rochester, NY
* Columbus, OH
* Eau Claire, WI
* Frisco, TX

Target Areas

* Oakland, CA
* Sacramento, CA
* San Francisco, CA
* San Jose, CA
* Denver, CO
* Florida – All Areas
* Chicago, IL
* Boston, MA
* St. Louis, MO
* New York – All Areas
* Pittsburgh, PA
* Philadelphia, PA
* Dallas, TX
* Houston, TX
* San Antonio, TX
* Madison, WI
* Milwaukee, WI
* Seattle, WA

Required Capital: $80,428 – $232,250
Net Worth: $250,000+

Unishippers franchise

November 14th, 2008

A Superb, Low Cost Business to Business Franchise Opportunity

For more than 20 years, Unishippers has offered franchise owners a unique opportunity to create an attractive lifestyle while earning substantial income. This business-to-business franchise is focused on selling shipping services to small and medium-sized companies. Our carrier network with major shipping suppliers, including a new and groundbreaking relationship with UPS®, and more than 30 local, regional and national freight carriers like Roadway® and Saia®, means we can offer substantial discounts to these companies – well beyond what they would get on their own. With over 100,000 customers and 270+ successful franchises, Unishippers is well established and enjoys a stellar reputation.

Description: Unique shipping services franchise with UPS® relationship. Attractive lifestyle and income potential. 20+ years of success.
Opportunities: Franchises available throughout the US.

Business Type: Franchise.
Minimum Investment: $40,825.
Financing Assistance: Yes, through a third party.
Training Provided: Yes.
Home-based: Yes.

“I believe in Unishippers so much that I don’t feel I really have to sell it. It’s much more like I’m just sharing a secret with people that will help them with their business.” – Mark Ware, owner, Birmingham, AL; Jackson, MS; Atlanta and Macon, GA franchises
Easy start-upUnishippers Franchise Opportunity_1

With lower start-up costs and minimal staffing and office needs, Unishippers owners don’t have huge investments that can take years to recoup; in fact, your immediate success is limited only by your willingness to work hard. With a diversified offering that covers everything from freight to overnight, Unishippers success isn’t affected by a downturn in one or two industries. And, because our customers are already using shipping services, the savings and convenience that come from Unishippers are easy to sell. You simply find the customers, and our shipping providers will pick up and deliver the packages to their destinations. Customers love Unishippers because they save money and hassle. You’ll love it because you make money on every shipment.

“The Unishippers organization is very collaborative. The corporate executives not only ask for our opinion, but actually act on our input. That’s one of the things that really impressed me.” – Terrell Barkett, owner, Springfield, MO franchise
Unique benefits

Unishippers franchise ownership really is different. Just look at the advantages:

* Reasonable hours and attractive lifestyle. Unlike retail franchises, most of your work takes place during the normal business day, allowing you to actually enjoy your success and time away from the business. Plus, your customer base is contained in a small area, eliminating the need for out-of-town travel.Unishippers Franchise Opportunity_1
* Shipping services are easily understood, and needed by most businesses. You simply have to sell them on the pricing and customer service advantages that only Unishippers can provide. And our well-known and respected carrier network, including UPS, assures customers of reliable delivery.
* You earn residuals on every shipment, so you can enjoy years of income from every single sale.
* Start-up costs are relatively low, and overhead costs are minimal, especially within the franchising world.
* Unrivaled training and support programs ensure that you are armed with the resources you need to build your business and start realizing your goals.

“I came from the inside at Unishippers. I knew and understood the processes very well. But as an owner, it’s now very gratifying for me to see just how well they work.” – Ron Kornafel, owner, Philadelphia, PA; New Jersey and Cherry Hill, NJ franchises

Computer Franchise Ownership – Is it Right For You?

November 14th, 2008

Are you starting an IT consulting business and wondering if computer franchise ownership is right for you? As a computer consultant, you have some options when it comes to which type of business you should start. Not every type of computer business works well for every consultant. So you have to think carefully as you are making important business model decisions. There are many ways to approach computer franchise ownership and quite a few pros and cons associated with being part of franchise organizations.

The following 5 computer franchise ownership secrets can help you decide which type of business will be best for your goals and aspirations.

1. Know The Advantages of Computer Franchises. You get the reputation of a larger, established company. You get a built-in peer support network (usually, but not always helpful). You get a variety of pre-established tools and resources. You get ongoing support and some basic initial hand-holding.
2. Know The Disadvantages of Computer Franchises. A substantial capital investment is required to buy into a computer franchise. You will have to pay a percentage of your revenue or profit each month as a royalty to the franchiser, which will cut into your bottom line. You will have to conform to restrictions when it comes to how you do business. You will have to adapt to geographic territory restrictions.
3. Computer Franchise Ownership Requires a Lot More Startup Capital Funds Than Other Types of Computer Consulting Businesses. When you start a computer consulting business from scratch, you can expect a relatively low initial investment. A new computer consulting company is more time intensive than capital intensive. This means you can take anywhere from three to six months (or more) to develop enough contacts, prospects and project opportunities in your sales funnel to be booked up to a 50-60 percent utilization rate. With computer franchises, you spend a significant amount of money up front but often end up spending less time getting a steady client base. You may already have prospects that have heard of you and even those that have worked with your franchise in the past.
4. Buying a Computer Franchise is Not the Same Thing as Buying an Existing, Profitable Business. Remember, with a computer franchise, no one’s going to hand you a a customer list on day one. You don’t magically acquire a bunch of clients on support agreements. And in many cases, you may not even get a list of pre-qualified prospects. So go in with both eyes open. Take off the rose-colored glasses. Know that with a computer franchise, you still have to make pretty sizable marketing investments to acquire customers and build a client list.
5. Think about Your Timeline for Getting Decent Revenue. With a computer franchise, you still need to get out there and pound the pavement by going to all your local networking events and going out on sales calls. The franchiser won’t do these business-building steps for you. Even if you do all this and get involved in computer franchise ownership, you can still expect to spend at least 3-6 months before generating substantial cash flow. In tougher times, it might take a year or more before generating decent amounts of service revenue. If you want to hire great technical staff and sales people, you can spend years building your business if you don’t have a lot of capital to start. You need to be able to continue paying your business expenses even during slow times and keep your overhead reasonably low to reduce your own stress.

With all this in mind, computer franchise ownership is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. It can work out well for some, but it’s definitely not for everyone.

In this article, we looked at 5 tips to think about as you consider investing in a Computer Franchise.

A Few Words About Franchising

November 14th, 2008

Every year thousands of prospective business owners want to buy a franchise business. Some franchises are very good, and others are scams. Below is some helpful information everyone considering investing in a franchise should know.

What is franchising?

A franchise is a legal and commercial relationship between the owner of a trademark, service mark, trade name or advertising symbol, and an individual or group seeking the right to use that identification in a business. Generally, a franchisee sells goods or services that are supplied by the franchiser or that meet the franchiser’s quality standards. McDonald’s, Service Master, UPS Kinko’s, Subway, and RE/MAX Intl’l. Inc. are just some of the well known franchises.

The success rate for franchise owned businesses is very high. According to studies conducted by the 1999 U.S. Chamber of Commerce, less than 5 percent of franchised businesses failed or were discontinued after five years.

Although forms of franchising have been in use since the Civil War, enormous growth has occurred more recently. By the end of 1990, more than 500,000 franchised establishments in 60 industries achieved gross sales of over $700 billion dollars and employed 7 million full and part time workers.

Industries that rely on franchised businesses to distribute their products and services touch every aspect of life, from automobile sales and real estate to fast foods and tax preparation.

One reason franchise businesses have a limited failure rate is the many benefits provided the franchisee. Benefits of Franchising: Business franchises often provide a full range of services including:

- Site selection
- Training
- Product supply
- Marketing plans
- Financing

There are a number of aspects to the franchising method that appeal to prospective business owners. For example, easy access to an established product and a proven method of operating a business reduces the many risks of opening a business.

Be careful when investigating a franchise business. Unfortunately some are scams. One of my clients called me asking if he should buy into one. He was very excited about it. When I started asking him some questions like “where is the corporate headquarters, what do they provide for franchisees, and does it have a record of success with current franchises”, my client said he didn’t know. If you are considering getting a franchise, check with the Better Business Bureau in the city in which their corporate headquarters is located, check with the State Attorney General’s office for any complaints, and finally talk to some successful franchisees.

The franchisee purchases not only a trademark, but also the experience and expertise of the franchiser’s organization. If you are not prepared for the total commitment of time, energy and financial resources that any business requires you should stop and reconsider your decision to enter the franchise business.