The Franchise Forum gives you a daily dose of information about the franchise industry. Aspiring entrepreneurs and franchisors can share insight, experiences and ideas with each other to help buyers with the process of finding and evaluating the right franchise or business opportunity for them to buy.
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Demographics and Franchise Placement: Location Intelligence A Key Tool
Although we are still somewhat in the early years of location intelligence tools, new technologies are becoming more available and easier to use for those investors looking to buy a franchise (when it comes to analyzing just where to locate it). What is location intelligence? In the world of franchising, “location intelligence” describes technologically based tools that are used to help investigate possible locations for new businesses. Indeed, when you are shopping for a franchise business to purchase, the success of the concept most certainly relies in part on its location (at least to some degree). Besides physical traffic patterns and retail / office availability, location intelligence tools now analyze a number of additional population characteristics including:
Density – One of the most significant areas in which location intelligence software comes into play is the examination of potential customer density. While it might initially appear to be advantageous to be offered a large territory with a large population size, with fuel costs ever rising, it becomes ever more imperative to realize just how far potential customers might travel in order to visit your business.
Income – Analyzing household income levels and comparing them to a potential franchise customer base is fairly straightforward. Just as there are franchises that succeed in high income level areas, there exist franchise opportunities that are better successes in lower income environments.
Culture – Culture can play a key role in establishing a franchise business (especially when the franchise concept might be new altogether to a particular area/region). Location intelligence mapping can often analyze past statistics while sometimes even estimating future cultural specific trends for any region/locale.
Overall Size/Area – Naturally, the total size of the area your franchise location might serve is a significant statistic when analyzing possible locations for your business. More obvious is the question of whether customers will visit you, or will your franchise service be taking to the road when serving customers. Mobile service-based franchises have most notably been affected by the recent increases in oil and gas prices. However, by using new technologies including web-based mapping tools, and GPS navigation gear, these businesses can directly benefit from recent advances in location intelligence tools.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 9/4/2008
Business Opportunities Vs. Franchises: What is Right For You?
While browsing over the various franchise opportunities that exist today, you might come across a number of “business opportunities” being offered as well. In order to find out what type of opportunity is right for you (biz opp. vs. franchise), let’s take a moment and examine four primary areas of difference between business opportunities and franchises in order to understand each more completely.
Royalties - First, one of the main ways to spot a franchise from a business opportunity is to see if the system being sold has any sort of royalties or ongoing fee structure. If the opportunity being sold does have royalties (either as a percentage of profits or as a flat amount cyclically) it is very likely a franchise opportunity. Business opportunities usually only require a one-time flat fee and no ongoing royalties or payments.
Support - Secondly, similarly to ongoing fee structures, franchises will offer ongoing support and training over the course of your franchise ownership. Business opportunities on the other hand, will usually only offer support to setup their system with you, and once setup, you are then largely on your own operating and running the business. In a way, a franchise is sold with the blueprints and ongoing support, materials, and training to help you succeed. With a business opportunity, you likely only receive the “blueprints” for the business and a few items to get you started in your business.
Branding – Franchise branding is very key to the overall manner in which a franchise system works. In service under the same franchise brand, a certain product or service is by and large exactly the same, whether it’s served via a franchise located on one side of the country or the other. Alternatively, business opportunities may or may not require an element of branding in their system. As there is no ongoing support system in a business opportunity branding may be suggested but not required or followed up on by any means.
UFOC - As you might imagine, there can be some “gray” areas when it comes to franchises vs. business opportunities. The last and major difference that exists between franchises and business opportunities is that franchise systems always have a legal document, a UFOC (Uniform Franchise Offering Circular) in which to refer to. A UFOC contains a large amount of information about the franchise being offered, including legal decisions involving the company, fees, buyer costs, and financial statements from over the years.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 9/2/2008
Learning from Franchisee Mistakes and Grumblings
Franchisees are indeed some of the most valuable resources of information when you are considering a franchise for purchase. Moreover, some of the best information you can discover as a potential franchisee might be to ask past/current franchisees just what they would do differently if they were able to purchase their individual franchise investment over again. Following are some of the most common areas of franchisee complaints and regular objections.
Marketing – Most franchisors have already addressed marketing as a significant part of their respective “system.” New franchisees are typically inundated with advertisers from every direction at first. Simply, unless you have what you think is a particular untapped source of new business, stick to the marketing plan supplied by the franchisor. Marketing budgets can easily and quickly get out of hand.
Equipment – Equipment costs, particularly concerning more “general” items (appliances etc.), are often a source of complaint among franchisees. Ask the franchisor where they found and how they found the prices for their equipment. Suggest different sources or resources if you find large discrepancies in vendor pricing.
Leases – If you are considering a franchise with a “box” location (retail etc.) its good to ask about the lease terms and how they were negotiated. Franchisees can often get several free months of rent when negotiating longer terms – remember to ask if these months can take place upfront, freeing up capital as you are just getting established.
Build-Out – Be active/involved in the construction cost/estimation. Many times fixtures and materials are priced differently from one region of the country to another.
Labor – Labor costs are usually the area where new franchisees can make initial mistakes. Be diligent and remember not to hire too many employees at first, or promising too much pay initially. There is often a fine line between “making” or “breaking” one’s franchise when employment costs are not estimated correctly.
Inventory – Remember to ask existing and past franchisees how they were able to “tighten” their profit margins. A common area of suggestion is to analyze inventories and pricing. While not just important in the initial phases of the franchise rollout, constantly scrutinizing and adjusting inventories with demand is a way to help profits continually.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/28/2008
Resourcefulness a Great Characteristic in a Franchise/Franchisor
When examining franchise opportunities to purchase, one helpful trend to look for in any franchise concept is how well the franchise adapts to any form of change. With this in mind, at no time are innovative franchise actions more significant than during economic slowdowns. Following are some examples of situations where franchises have found continued success through some inventive and inspired means/relationships.
Franchises As Vendors/Partners of Franchises – Of course, many franchise concepts have benefited from business affiliation with other franchises over the years. There exists any number of instances in which one franchise operates as a vendor or exclusive partner by way of another chain. Whether it’s an Information Technology franchise service supporting the computers of a fast food business, or a juice/coffee bar situated in the lobby of fitness center, franchise concepts can (and do) assist one-another greatly. By the way of our example, while the said fast food chain benefits from the IT franchise’s services directly, the fitness franchise simply shares a similar target market customer base with that of the juice/coffee bar. Occasionally, the benefits of such relationships are recognized for their extreme value company-wide; subsequently both franchises are sometimes then co-branded and co-marketed as an altogether new opportunity.
Adapting to Changing Technologies – While a franchise can be explained as a unique “system” for doing business, components or “pieces” of the system might always be improved upon to further progress the concept overall. Technology is definitely one of these “pieces” that can drive change in many areas of franchising. Let’s consider a simple POS (point of sale) example and how cash-register technology can improve retail business success. A retail franchise that started 30 years ago or more typically used a standard cash register system to complete the POS transaction. Today, retail cash registers can be fast operating computers that are usually networked together. Not only do these computers assist in the exchange of legal tender, but they can also perform functions such as tracking inventories, evaluating customer shopping habits, gathering different forms of customer information, and more. In short, the original retail franchise business that started 30 years ago might not be around today if it weren’t able to compete though adapting and changing with newer technologies.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/26/2008
Can Franchise Growth Occur Too Fast?
Indeed, it might seem odd to address franchise growth at a time when the overall economy is stagnant; however, franchise concepts can essentially grow too quickly, regardless the state of the economy. If you are looking to purchase a franchise, a “fast-growing” franchise concept might be quite attractive as an investment - initially. However, there are a couple of trends related to escalating franchise expansion to watch for when considering the purchase of any franchise business.
First, it is part of your due diligence as a potential franchisee to take into consideration just how many new franchisees there are that are being introduced to the respective franchise system at any time. While the ideal number of new franchisees to be added to any franchise each year is largely unattainable, it might be easier to spot development trends where there are too many - or too few - franchises being added. By and large, there exists a set amount of time in which it takes to setup, train, and prepare each new franchisee. What to look for, then, is to try and find out if the franchises support staff is overloaded and overworked with so many new units. Conversely, if there are extended periods of time in which no new franchises have been deployed, this might be a sign that the system has a potential hang up somewhere when it comes to attracting more franchisees (at that particular point in time).
Comparatively, also to be taken into account should be the overall number of franchises in a franchise system in association with how “fast” the franchise concept grows. Simply, five new franchises might not be that burdensome for a franchise system with 100 total franchise units, but for a system of only a dozen units, five new franchises is more than likely enough to put a strain on the whole of a system’s franchisee support services.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/25/2008
Valuable Resources of Franchise(e) Information
When researching franchise concepts to purchase, there exist many resources of valuable information that you can turn to. Listed below are a few such sources of what can ultimately be priceless franchise information for you to behold in your franchise search.
Web Research – Most potential franchisees begin their search right from their own computer. The value of the internet really comes in initially being able to narrow down exact franchises that are best for you. Ideally, you should expect to select no less than 6-10 franchises in which to primarily investigate and evaluate.
Consultants – Franchise consultants can be a great resource of information and help with particular franchise concepts. Not only can they help you get a foothold in becoming a successful franchisee (of a respective system), but they can more importantly identify, from the onset, franchise concepts that likely won’t “fit” your exact investment profile.
UFOC – A look into a franchise concept’s Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC) gives valuable insight and statistics into each particular franchises history and financial system. It is often encouraged to have both a legal counsel and a franchise accountant take a look at the UFOC once you have narrowed down your franchise choices.
Market Research – Surprising to some, there is usually a franchise system that is a “better fit” for you than any that you initially might be aware of. While it helps to have a background in the field of the franchise concept you are interested in, it is by no means necessary. Simply, research, research, research, and find that “best fit” or “better fit” franchise for you, regardless of what industry the franchise is in.
Franchisees – Time and again, we hear that franchisees are the single most valuable source of information when you are interested in buying any particular franchise. A quick tip – try and locate a franchisee in the system you are interested in that is not an area rep. Part of the area developer franchisees success comes in “selling” more franchises for the system; understandably, their information might simply be more of a sales pitch.
Management – Simply, be comfortable with the management. Franchisors also want those individuals “best fit” for their respective system. Ask the hard questions, and always address any and all uncertainties you might have and as quickly as possible.
Others (vendors, competition, etc.) – Lastly, vendors, local media, and even customers can be a great source of unique insight into any particular franchise. Always ask for positive and negative feedback about how the respective party relates to / interacts with the franchise system at hand.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/22/2008
Franchise Possibilities That Leave Your Tail Waggin
Over the last ten years or so, the number of pet related “box-store” retail and franchise businesses has exploded. Not only have industry earnings estimates improved every year for the last decade in the pet related industry, but new pet related businesses and concepts continue to turn up everyday. Following are five areas of pet related franchises experiencing record growth over the last few years.
Pet Treats - Pets can now enjoy a good number of wonderful food and dietary treats. Pet owners are not only opening their hearts and homes to their furry 4-legged friends, but they are increasingly opening their wallets and purses as well when it comes time to buying “Rex” a treat. All-natural and even organic pet food supply stores can now be found in many locations; also, pet bakeries even exist where owners can order special-recipe dog biscuits and more.
Pet Training - Get ready, if you have considered taking your puppy to obedience school, pet training isn’t just for your pooch anymore. More and more, pet trainers are explaining that pet owners need just as much instruction (psychology) when it comes time to learning correct forms of obedience as do the dogs and cats they care for. With an estimated 74 million dogs in America, there is surely no slowing down when it comes to pet training business/franchise possibilities.
Fashionable Pet Products – Pet foods are not the only area where owners are splurging on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and even fish. High-End pet retail and online specialty stores are currently “all the rage.” Custom made beds, designer pet bags (a purse with a dog or cat in it), rhinestone collars, pet strollers, and even designer pet clothing lines are as popular as ever.
Pet Sitters and Walkers – Pet sitters aren’t just throwing a ball to your dog anymore. In fact, pet sitting now encompasses any number of duties including collecting newspapers and mail, turning lights on and off, watering plants, and even taking out trash. In a spin-off the pet and house sitting movement, errand services are also gaining in popularity.
Pet “Clean-up” – Better know as “poop-scooping,” these businesses are actually some of the fastest growing pet related franchises that exist today. Some clean-up businesses are advertised more as “landscaping” related, while others even claim “green” efforts in ridding and recycling pet waste.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/21/2008
Educational Franchises: Helping Fill a Growing Gap
More and more, parents and caretakers are turning toward third-party learning and tutoring solutions to help supplement the educational needs of children. It follows then that some of the fastest growing franchise opportunities continue to be in education / learning related fields. Let’s take a brief look at a few reasons why educational franchise businesses are enjoying growth and success.
The Kids – First off, children’s educational needs are being championed on like never before. Not only do educational franchises provide great opportunities for kids to excel forward in learning, but those young people needing extra tutelage can especially get the additional chances they need for successes through these instructive franchise businesses. Simply, there continues to be an ever-growing number of children and parents either requesting or requiring supplemental educational services.
School Systems – As a result of the slowing economy, more school systems (public and private alike) are facing budget emergencies than ever before. Budget shortfalls in education can lead to overcrowding in classrooms, a lack of tools and technology for learning, etc. Educational businesses are now not only looked at as a means to enhance a child’s education, but they are often nothing short of a necessity in areas where the education system is struggling. In short, tutoring franchise businesses exist as a wealth of support when and where the education system falls short.
The Parents – Increasingly, parents are recognizing divergence among traditional educational systems. In some places, charter and Montessori schools are becoming more and more common; while also not forgetting to mention an upward trend in home-schooling as well. Eclipsing any debate over “which educational teaching method is best,” is the fact that an educational franchise business can support/boost any one or a combination of these foundations of learning.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/20/2008
Home Service Business Franchises: Finding Opportunity in a Slowdown
In the home service franchise business arena, there exist many concepts to choose from. While these businesses can experience a slowdown along with everyone else in a downward economic time, they always exist as necessary services that are continually needed by home owners - at least to some degree. Following are brief examinations of a few home service franchise services and how they manage in slower economies:
Cleaning Service Franchises – Residential cleaning service concepts have definitely felt the pinch of an economic slowdown as more and more homeowners are simply cleaning and maintaining their own homes. However, these types of companies are staying busy by shifting the focus of their advertising efforts slightly. While a good portion of franchise cleaning business has always come from the residential side, a shift is now on in marketing more towards those individuals trying to sell foreclosed/for lease properties. In many instances such homes are often in an abandoned state, needing nothing short of a good scrubbing to look good “for sale.”
Property Inspection Franchises – Similarly, property inspection franchise businesses are also keeping busy as more and more homes fall into the real estate market. Not only are property inspections vital to real estate transactions, they are a legally required step in the process of any home purchase deal. Simply, there will always be a need for this type of business/service during any economic trend.
Landscaping / Concrete Design Franchises – While many homeowners are weighing their own necessary vs. unnecessary services during slower economic times, franchise businesses serving higher-end consumers continue to stay relatively busy. Often, it’s not really even a “choice” for owners of larger properties to consider trying to maintain their own homes/properties as such properties can be quite large. Also remaining is the simple fact that wealthier consumers in general have more disposable income for such services during a slow moving economy. Some of these franchise services might include resurfacing services, concrete design, window fashions, and custom home-theater services.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/19/2008
Food Franchises: Success is “Where its At”
In selecting a food franchise as an investment, there are few considerations more significant than deciding on the location of the franchise. One of the many reasons restaurant concepts enjoy so much success is that consumers simply tend to shop with their eyes and their stomachs when they are hungry. Add on the convenience of the drive-thru window, and the speed at which a meal may be had in general, and the potential customer base can be ever widening for food franchises. Here are some brief ideas to keep in mind when considering the purchase and possible location of a fast-food or “fast-casual” dining concept.
“Prime” location in the franchising world doesn’t always mean actual physical location and traffic flows. To explain, time is usually of the essence when assembling a franchise. Most franchisors request (some even require in the contract) that the franchise be open and ready for business in a said amount of time (usually anywhere from 12-18 months in food franchising). If a franchise agreement/negotiation is not moving along (in terms of the exact location being possessed), some franchisors will eventually terminate the contract; others have even been known to keep the franchise fee or deposit if this happens. Although this is somewhat a dubious occurrence, it is one that can usually be avoided with careful, diligent planning and resolve by both parties (the franchisee and the franchisor). The timeline for location assessment and for the exact location to be determined can last anywhere from 3 to 9 months. Also, lease negotiation usually takes several weeks beyond this initial estimate as well. Only then can permitting and build out of the franchise location finally take place. Hence, “prime” franchise location would most certainly involve any respective location’s ability to be acquired/leased in a timely fashion.
And now for Traffic Flows and Demographics - “Location Intelligence” is the newest term in locating a possible franchise location. Technology is changing rapidly in this field and there are now many web-based mapping as well as demographic pattern software applications available to choose from. The use of location intelligence tools enables franchisors to very accurately and efficiently evaluate and compare any number of location possibilities at the same time. Demographics are compared and might consist of sales data, traffic patterns, accessibility, local brand recognition, among many additional pieces of data as well.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/18/2008
Can the “Popularity” of a Brand Beat a Good Business Model?
Although many franchise concepts are based on very strong and sound business models, there do exist franchises out there that are actually more “popular” than their business makeup would initially lead us to surmise. In essence, there are a number of reasons why any well-known franchise system might not be as profitable for the franchisee as it first appears. Let us take a look at this idea and discover some good questions to ask when considering any franchise concept.
First, and probably most significant of all, many franchise concepts receive ingenious marketing and heavy branding at the national level. While national branding can be powerful and is almost always welcome at some point in time, a respective franchisee should take careful precision in knowing and understanding any cost vs. profit window. Namely, as costs go up, is the franchise system economically stable enough to still produce profits? How can the costs be absorbed by the system and passed on, or do the additional costs eat directly into franchisee profits? Also, is there any history of this happening in the franchises past? Does the franchisor require franchise ingredients / materials / supplies to be purchased from specific distributors, even as cost levels change significantly?
Similarly, if the national branding of a franchise system involves setting price specials and coupon deals, is the respective franchise location going to struggle under such customer pricing? Simply, for instance, a flat $5 meal special might be a great revenue generator for a franchise located in Wichita, Kansas, but a franchise of the same system might struggle with flat $5 meal pricing in more expensive locations like San Francisco or New York City (if not adjusted correspondingly). While the “deal” might bring a huge number of customers through the door, those same customers are suddenly not spending as much as might have been previously estimated. Also, it becomes increasing difficult to discern those customers committed to the brand, vs. those individuals who are just looking for a cheap meal.
These are just a few questions to ask ones self (or a franchisor directly) when considering the purchase of any franchise. Additionally, use these questions/points as reasons to really do your homework on the business model of any franchise concept you might be interested in before venturing in any particular franchise direction.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/15/2008
Less-Known Options to Help a Franchise Purchase Credit Crunch
In a time of tightening franchise credit distribution, David Nilssen of Guidant Financial Group offers some alternative financing options when buying a franchise. Nilssen explains, that in many cases, the following lesser known alternatives can be just the right source of funding at the right time to help “close the gap” and seal franchise deals (deals that might not assemble the required amount of capital otherwise).
Retirement Funds – Although, years ago, this was almost an unheard of method of additional financing, investing retirement funds into a franchise opportunity is quite commonplace today. Understandably, Nilssen warns “Each option comes with tax implications, so it's important that potential franchisees deal with qualified financial professionals to determine the best method for their unique situations.”
VetFran Program – For those within the franchise industry, it is quite common to see advertisements for veteran franchise buying options. However, many franchisors still do not ask or request to know this from buyers. Often times, the discount rate for veterans for purchasing a franchise can make the difference in a particular individual’s ability to purchase a franchise they have an interest in.
Private Loans – Concerning private loans, Nilssen explains “Personal lenders find it easy to beat the interest rates of lending institutions, while borrowers can secure leverage without having to meet nearly impossible qualifying standards.” He continues and informs that web sites such as Prosper.com and LendingDub.com are great for loans from as little as $50
Partnerships (and de facto Partnerships) – While partnerships offer a great source of financing in business, partnerships for the purpose of franchise financing can work, but are a bit more complicated. Mainly, the majority of franchisors require some level of personal involvement in their franchise opportunity. Both partners must understand these requirements and address any issues that might resolve around the relationship(s).
Unsecured Loans – Lastly, unsecured loans might be a source of franchise financing capital for some. However, caution is again urged as these types of loans ultimately come with either high-origination costs and/or exceptionally high interest rates.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/14/2008
Some Franchisees Busy in Down Economy
As we churn through the ever daily news of recent economic woe, there exist some franchise operations experiencing an upsurge in business. Joe Lagman, franchisee owner of an iSold It store in Texas, states "Traditionally on eBay, sales are down during the summer months. However July is turning out to be a very good month for me. My sales are actually up and if they continue at the rate they're going, I'll have a stellar month." Taking a look at why Lagman has been busy, it’s quick to understand the reason for the recent hectic auction pace. Simply, more and more families and individuals are feeling the present economic pinch. Understandably, alternative sources of income (like auctioning items off on eBay) appear advantageous to those looking for an additional source of some fairly immediate cash. Interestingly to add, many of the items being auctioned are considered “high end.” However, its not really the high-end consumers auctioning their items, but rather, it is middle-income people in the economic pinch who are giving up their expensive collectibles.
Despite being busy though, oddly enough, eBay’s corporate earnings have been hit hard of late, with shares sharply down and struggling. Some of this movement has in no doubt been prone to the fact that, even though eBay (and other auction sites as well) have been “busy,” sellers are just not able to auction items off at the price levels they have been able to generate in the past. Consumers continue to be busy in online auctions and “drop off” eBay type stores overall, but buyers simply aren’t bidding on and purchasing auction items at the higher price levels that they have in the past. Still, Lagman contends, "iSold It is the number one power seller on eBay." In any event, it looks like his franchise business will not be slowing anytime soon.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/13/2008
In "doo" Time Technology
Among the many mobile franchise concepts out there, franchisors are beginning to rely heavily on GPS (Global Positioning Systems), and other technologies, to save both time and (what is equally significant these days) gas and fuel costs. For example, pet clean-up service, Doo Care, provides franchisees with several technology based tools to run business more efficiently. CEO of Doo Care, Ray Hays, states “Among the offerings is a customized, web-based scheduling and routing program that gives franchisees the ability to maximize the efficiency of their service routes. The system can also be integrated with a GPS tracking system that enables the business owner or operations manager to monitor field teams and provide timesaving directions via mobile GPS units.” Indeed, this is not just a nice way for the franchise to cut costs, but the implementation of these systems is really nothing short of a necessity for any mobile based business/franchise these days. Similarly, certain franchise businesses can also claim “green” approval when they cut emissions by simply driving more efficiently.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/12/2008
Thinking in Terms of an “Investment” and not a “Franchise”
Indeed, the decision to buy a franchised business can be nothing short of a life-changing event for many individuals. Careful planning and keen consideration should be taken during the selection and purchase into any franchise investment. What is more, at no time is vigilant franchise investment preparation more significant than during an economic slump.
“Good due diligence franchise investment vetting always starts with the expectation of having to sort through a number of frogs before the one you kiss turns into the handsome prince.” - attorney Richard Solomon of Houston, Texas.
Initially, engage yourself in your franchise selections, but do so without allowing yourself to become completely affianced to any one concept (especially when you are just beginning your search for the perfect franchise as an investment). Not only will this possibly save you a certain amount of disappointment if it is decided a particular concept just isn’t the best fit for you, but keep in mind that there are literally thousands of franchise opportunities out there for you to choose from. This is a very significant decision. Matching yourself (or just giving yourself a great opportunity to get matched in the first place), is inevitably the best “first step” you can take in the franchise buying process.
Similarly, reviewing each UFOC (Uniform Franchise Offering Circular) of your selections, with a franchise attorney, is highly recommended. These documents are not only extensive most of the time, but they also may give you a great look into the overall franchise history. Specifically, look for any modifications to the agreement over time (each UFOC is usually dated annually). If you happen to find extensive sections of the UFOC that have been revised, don’t be afraid to ask the franchisor why. Lastly, concerning UFOC documents, always make sure the final agreement you sign with the franchisor is identical to the UFOC you were provided.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/11/2008
Two Simple Reminders While Considering Franchise Opportunities
Under the clouds of what may be a looming economic recession, there are two helpful considerations to keep in mind while searching for a franchise business to buy.
The first idea is really more of an action. Simply, consider doing a little research for any franchise opportunities that may be becoming financially unraveled under the current economic trends. Although this sounds as if it may be a daunting task at first, this type of “creditors not being paid” franchise news usually stands out among industry headlines. Also, there exist particular franchise forums, newsletters, and even entire websites wholly dedicated to reporting this type of wary information for entrepreneurial consumers. Of course, any news item of this nature should then be taken with a certain amount of caution. Even the source of the news itself should be absolutely confirmed in most cases.
The second idea to consider before deciding on any one particular franchise to buy is, plainly, to remember to keep your franchise options open. Indeed, it can be very interesting, and sometimes even fun, to discover that a restaurant or business concept that you have a curiosity in offers franchises for sale. However, doing additional research into other franchises (which probably even “fit” your particular buyer profile better in most cases) is free and can be extremely beneficial to your overall investing in the end. In fact, some sources suggest and estimate that as many as 9 out of 10 franchise buyers purchase a franchise other than the one they originally thought they had a desired interest in. This is actually quite a remarkable statistic if you think about it. Even if this percentage were a mere 5 out of 10 individuals, that still means that at least half of all franchise buyers end up buying into systems they didn’t even know that much about before beginning their research.
Two simple ideas, one important goal: be an educated franchise buyer.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/8/2008
“Comforting” Eats Experiencing National Expansion
Have you ever heard the term “comfort food” being tossed around when it comes to discussing foods we like to eat when we are stressed, down, or just feeling a little nostalgic for the good old days? For some people its “mashed potatoes” with their turkey dinner. For others, its partaking in “macaroni and cheese” – that special recipe that Grandma seemed to perfect over the years. And, for others still, nothing captures the feelings of comfort and nostalgia of good old home cooking quite like a great barbeque meal. By the way, from an investing point of view, few segments of the fast-casual food franchise industry are as hot as barbeque concepts currently are. Let’s take a look at a particular barbeque restaurant franchise that is currently experiencing national expansion, Woody’s Bar-B-Q.
Approaching 30 years of service (founded in 1980), Woody’s restaurants take a slightly different approach to the customer experience than most “big chain” restaurants. Instead of trying to “push” a new flashy design and introducing an unfamiliar branded style upon customers everywhere, Woody’s aims to create a “hometown” feeling in each of its locations. Although the same great food is served at each franchise restaurant, the overall design of each location is incorporated from elements of the surrounding neighborhood, city, region, etc. Founder Woody Mills explains “Every Woody's is special with its own hometown atmosphere . . . (we) have gone on to create a dining experience in the tradition of great hometown Bar-B-Q shacks. It's the kind of Bar-B-Q you and your family can call, well, your Bar-B-Q.”
With a relatively low entry total investment (in comparison to other fast-casual barbeque franchises) Woody’s Bar-B-Q is quickly adding franchise locations across the country. If you are considering a food concept that offers customers a local, hometown feel, and is supported by a down-home, comfort style barbeque menu, Woody’s Bar-B-Q might be a good fit for you.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/7/2008
Exclusive Technology Ready to “Cell” the Real Estate Industry
In a tough real estate market, its good to have any type of advantage over the competition. A new company on the scene, PreQuence, aims to do nothing short of revolutionize the way home buyers browse real estate properties – and all on a platform most of us already use everyday, our cell phones. The best news of all for an entrepreneur who really likes the concept, is that PreQuence is now offering its service as a business opportunity.
How PreQuence Works – Effectively, the new technology service replaces the old “brochure boxes” on real estate signs. Instead of paper advertisements, a small but highly visible sign simply displays a “text” listing number accompanied by the PreQuence Logo. When the assigned number is “texted” to 98344 (PreQuence service #) the buyer instantly can access a wealth of information on the particular piece of property including photos, virtual tours, and any other information that might be on a regular paper brochure as well. Furthermore, interested parties can immediately be put in touch with the selling Agent as an option in the information listed. PreQuence offers a preview of this service which anyone with a cell phone can experience by simply texting “Preview” to the 98344 number. (standard text messaging applies and the service works on all mobile devices).
“Green” Opportunity – As well as being technologically innovative, the PreQuence system is considered to be a “Greener” alternative to the traditional box of paper flyers. It limits the amount of driving required by a respective selling agent who must always refill and replace any out-dated/inaccurate flyers.
If you want to make some “Green,” in terms of its business opportunity, PreQuence has relatively low barriers of entry (around $25,000), and is considered to be a “Home-Based” opportunity. It also offers rather large, protected territories, no monthly fees, and exists currently with no dominant competition – just a few reasons why it is definitely an interesting cocept to consider.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/6/2008
Benefits of a Regional Franchise During an Economic Downturn
Rodney Gibbons is one of the newest franchisees for Slumberland Furniture, a popular furniture store franchise with locations across the Midwest. Gibbons really wasn’t ever faced with the decision of which franchise he wanted to purchase, as he has worked for Slumberland in different roles over the last 9 years, and witnessed its success firsthand. However, unlike Rodney, what if you are considering purchasing a “regional” franchise and you haven’t had the same exposure to a particular concept in the manner Gibbons has? What is good to know? Are there benefits of regional concepts that might be “stronger” in more questionable economies? Let’s take a closer look at two simple ideas:
Save $$ with Fuel – Those gas and oil prices. In general, they tend to hamper everything more expensive in the long run, but there do exist franchise systems that are inherently not as affected as much by “pain at the pump.” Back to Slumberland as our example, the furniture outlet not only excels in the sales of nationally recognized brands (they are actually the nation’s number one retailer of La-Z-Boy products) but, just as significantly, they also offer quite a large selection of furniture provided by local vendors. Because the furniture these vendors provide is located so close, in geographic terms, each store benefits in having lower fuel and delivery costs, right out of the gate. Consumer satisfaction is reflected in the lower prices that are offered (not to mention the fact that the “regional” vendors’ offerings might appeal to the regional consumer base more – local vendors would be more likely to be recognized locally).
Save $$ with Time – Similarly, regional chains like Slumberland benefit additionally because they can simply “move” product more quickly. Turnaround times are simply faster the less time a piece of furniture has to sit on a truck, in a train, or be tracked down in an enormous series of warehouses. Along that notion, store showrooms can be much larger (as a percentage) as they don’t have to account for the same amount of space a national retailer must (in order to accommodate the need for those very large warehouses of product). Again, the benefit is immediately reflected in consumer satisfaction as the shopper has a wide selection of displayed product to choose from.
So, two rather simple notions, but significant notions they are indeed during economic uncertainty.
Posted by: Mick Brungardt
Date Posted: 8/5/2008
Niche Franchise Conquers Consumer Frustration
In a way, many service based businesses and franchised businesses are born out of frustration. Frustration, not on the part of the business owner, but frustration exuded by consumers or homeowners who simply lack the proper tools or knowledge on how to get something accomplished the correct way, and in a timely manner.
Take blind cleaning for instance. Many home and business owners these days have some sort of blinds or mini-blinds as part of their window coverings. Cleaning these types of blinds can be nothing short of frustrating and time-consuming for a home owner or property manager. Its in this frustration where entrepreneurs can prevail, and where the opportunity for a successful business and franchise model is often born.
Ultrasonic Blinds is an ideal example of a successful franchised business that has taken advantage of this consumer frustration. Over the last decade, the practice of ultrasonic blind cleaning has become quite a popular means of cleaning blinds. The process involves using ultrasonic vibration to effectively “shake” dirt and dust away. Many sets of blinds that were nothing short of impossible to clean a few years ago, can now be cleaned using this ultrasonic service. Not only has Ultrasonic Blinds stayed at the forefront of the ultrasonic blind cleaning industry, but they have gone a step further and made the process even easier on the home / business owner.
In the past, blind cleaning businesses would have to remove the blinds and take them back to their shop or place of business to then clean the blinds. Ultrasonic Blinds created a high tech mobile unit in which the entire ultrasonic process can now be completed in a short time. Instead of homeowners waiting sometimes days without their window coverings, Ultrasonic Blinds can now remove, clean, and reinstall the blinds in a matter of hours.
Simply, its filling a niche in a “dislike” way. Many franchises simply succeed because they involve something that people really like. Ultrasonic Blinds has succeeded for 17 years largely because they are able to accomplish something that people rather dislike doing. Take advantage of consumer frustration and discover more about Ultrasonic Blinds today.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 5/6/2008
How do you Know what must be Included in a Franchise Disclosure Document?
When considering a franchise to purchase, you need to closely review the franchise's dislosure documents to learn critical details about the franchise and it's operations. But what information must be included in the discosure documents?
The Franchise Rule states what must be disclosed and provides its own disclosure format. It is published in the Code of Federal Regulations, Volume 16, Part 436 (16 CFR § 436), which may be found by link to the following page: www.ftc.gov/ftc/legal.htm.
The Commission also permits the use of an alternative disclosure format, called the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC), issued by the North American Securities Administrators Association, for Franchise Rule compliance.
Guidelines for preparing UFOC disclosures are available from:
North American Securities Administrators Association 750 First Street, Suite 710 Washington, DC 20002 (202) 737-0900 www.nasaa.org/Industry_Regulatory_Resources/Uniform_Forms/
Franchisors who use the UFOC must follow these guidelines to comply with the Franchise Rule.
You can also find the current state and federal guidelines in the Business Franchise Guide, published by Commerce Clearing House, Inc., in many law libraries.
Source FTC
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 5/5/2008
When is Coffee Bad Ass?
Coffee is bad ass when it's from the Bad Ass Coffee Company™! Bad Ass Coffee is a distinct brand in the high-growth Coffee and Specialty Beverage Industry, and we are proud to include them in our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info.
The Bad Ass Coffee Company™ is a rapidly expanding, highly sought after franchise in the coveted, well-established and growing gourmet coffee service industry. The Bad Ass Coffee Company™ also offers a unique edge that they call the "Bad Ass Coffee Culture", which they describe as “Coffee With An Attitude.”
Their distinct and desirable brand targets the emerging youth culture in the 18 to 30 year old demographic. Their store locations and their entire company outlook offer a fresh, fun and exciting approach to the business. Add to this the fact that their primary product is the finest 100% American grown Kona coffee available anywhere, and what you’ve got is the perfect blend for success. They do not require previous industry or business ownership experience to become a franchise owner.
The Bad Ass Coffee Company™ has an outstanding concept for our unique store designs, affordable equipment packages and exceptional marketing strategies. The management team at the Bad Ass Coffee Company™ firmly believes this is the best franchise available in the market today, and they would like to show you why.
To learn more about The Bad Ass Coffee Company™,visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info and search for them by name. You can view details about their franchise concept, and you can quickly request additional information from them directly.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 5/2/2008
How to Find out about Complaints against a Franchisor
No federal or state agency or private organization can tell you whether a company is legitimate or operates in good faith. The FTC or the Better Business Bureau can report on whether consumers have complained about a company. But operators of fly-by-night franchise and business opportunity scams know this, and may change the name and location of their company every few months to avoid a record of consumer complaints
There is no substitute for checking the track record of a franchisor or business opportunity seller by personally talking to at least 10 prior purchasers. That’s why the Franchise Rule requires companies to give consumers a list of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least 10 prior purchasers who are geographically closest to you. Interview these prior purchasers about their experiences. Ask questions to verify that they have purchased the franchise or business opportunity and that they are not being paid to provide a favorable review. A scheming promoter of a bogus business opportunity may line up "singers" who provide phony testimonials. Visit their business locations in person.
If you want information about consumer complaints from the FTC, request it in writing. Address your request to:
Freedom of Information Act Request Federal Trade Commission Washington, D.C. 20580.
Please identify your letter as a "FOIA Request" and include (1) your name, address and daytime phone number, and (2) the name and address of the company you are asking about.
In most cases, the FTC does not charge the public for searching, reviewing documents, or copying. Still, it is a good idea to state the maximum you are willing to pay, so we can contact you in the unusual event that any applicable fees for these services will be higher than your limit.
You can also request information from the Better Business Bureau and look up information about the franchise or business opportunity seller online at: www.bbb.org
To find the perfect franchise for you to buy, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info. It has more than 500 of the top franchise opportunitie available for you to buy and it's free to use!
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 5/1/2008
How Does the Economy Affect Franchising?
While the economy is slowing down, the franchise industry is speeding up. That is a common occurrence as the number of people inquiring about franchise ownership typically increases as the US economy shows signs of weakness.
Why?
Because when the economy is in a slump, many corporations rely on layoffs to help maintain profitability. And when people are laid off, they typically reevaluate their career options and often decide to go into business for themselves. And one of the best and most successful methods of becoming a business owner is through franchising.
Although 2008 won’t be as severe in terms of job losses as in past economic downturns, the job market continues to tighten, which will lead to more people looking into alternative career options.
Some of the hot franchise trends in 2008 are expected to include:
1. Semi-Absentee Ownership. Some people may not be willing to leave their 9 to 5 jobs completely, but they want the extra income a franchised business provides. This type of franchise provides them with the best of both worlds.
2. Low Investment Opportunities. While some franchises cost millions of dollars, there are hundreds that can be purchased for less than $20,000. These provide prospective entrepreneurs with an opportunity to own a business without breaking the bank.
3. Women-Focused Franchises. More and more women are owning businesses, and there are many new franchises available that cater to both women as owners and women as customers.
4. Technology-Related Franchises. Technology evolves at a rapid pace, and there are many franchise opportunitities available that take advantage of the new developments. Many of these make excellent businesses.
5. Senior Care. The "Graying of America" continues, and so does the demand for senior-related care. There are many franchise opportunities that provide care to seniors, and the demand for these services is expected to continue to increase.
There are many other industries and trends that will come into play in 2008, but the above are some of the most prominent. To find franchises is any of these categories, you can search our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info for free. Our directory has more than 500 franchise opportunities across 18 industries, so you are sure to find something that meets your requirements.
Posted by: Barry Jark
Date Posted: 4/30/2008
Franchise Lead Preview Feature
If you are a franchisor looking to market your franchise opportunity, take a look at the Franchise Engine web site. We have a process in place that will allow any franchisor who places a listing on our site to preview their leads before they purchase them. While there are many web sites that help franchisor's market their franchise opportunity. we believe that no one in this industry has a lead preview feature.
When you sign up for Lead Previews, you will receive an email within seconds of when a franchise candidate that meets your location and capital filters submits a request for more information about your franchise. The email will contain the following information about the candidate:
· First Name · City, state, and zip code · Amount of capital available · Desired location to own the franchise · Preferred method of contact.
The only things the Lead Preview doesn’t contain are the candidate’s last name and contact information (mailing address, email address, and phone number).
After viewing the Lead Preview, you decide if you want to contact this candidate. If you don’t want to contact the candidate, simply do nothing and you won’t be charged for the lead. However, if you do want to contact the candidate, you simply click a link in the email to purchase the lead. When you purchase the lead, you will immediately receive the candidate’s full contact information, including first and last name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address. The cost to purchase a lead is $29.00. Note that Credit card billing is required to activate the Lead Preview feature.
The Lead Preview system enables you to pick and choose which leads have value to you. As a result, this significantly increases the quality of the leads you receive from The Franchise Engine. This feature is especially valuable to anyone who wishes to tighten the location filter. In addition, you still get the full benefit of our Bad Lead reporting feature with every lead. This feature enables you to quickly and easily report any lead to us as “bad” if you cannot contact the lead using the information provided by the candidate. This ensures you don’t pay for leads that are invalid.
You never pay for a Lead Preview. You only pay if you choose to exercise the option to purchase the Lead. It’s your choice.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/26/2008
With Starbucks in the Market, Can Other Coffee Franchises Survive?
Starbucks is the 800-pound gorilla in the coffee industry. They have more than 12,000 stores worldwide, which puts them on virtually every corner. With this type of presence, does it even make sense to consider a coffee franchise? In one word: absolutely.
Starbucks commands the lions share or the coffee industry, but local coffee shops are holding strong. Over the years many industry analysts say that Starbucks has lost its focus, and some of its following, as a result of its hyper-aggressive growth.
This is evidenced by the fact that Starbucks’ revenues are down and their new CEO recently announced dramatic plans to try to re-invigorate the company’s faltering momentum. As a result, small local coffee shops that stay true to the feel of a true “local coffee shop” have been experiencing renewed success.
An example of a successful coffee franchise that is taking advantage of market conditions is The Coffee Beanery. Each The Coffee Beanery franchise has a warm and friendly atmosphere, as compared to Starbucks’ almost Spartan seating options. This makes for a very inviting place for people to frequent, which lends to its success.
To learn more about The Coffee Beanery franchise opportunity, or more than 300 other franchise opportunities, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info and use the powerful search tools for free to help you find the perfect franchise to buy.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/25/2008
What is a Franchise Directory?
A http://www.CompleteFranchise.info is a collection of information on hundreds of franchises for sale. There are many directories on the internet, but the best have the following features:
1. A large selection of franchises. If you visit a directory that only has 50 franchises listed, you are missing out on many franchises that may interest you. You want to use a directory that has at least 250 franchises listed, preferably more.
2. Powerful search tools. If the directory only allows you to search through its franchise listings by name or price, then it will take you forever to find those franchises that meet your criteria. Instead, you want to use a http://www.CompleteFranchise.info that enables you to search by price, location and industry...all at the same time...to quickly narrow down your search. You should also have the opportunity to search by name in case you already know which franchise interests you.
3. An easy way to request information about franchises that interest you. Once you find one or more franchises that interest you, you will want to request additional information from those franchisors. The best franchise directories enable you to add your selections to a Pick List and fill out their request form just once. This saves you a lot of time and frustration. In addition, most good franchise directories present you with additional franchises that meet your search criteria after you submit your request. This helps ensure you request information about all franchises that interest you.
4. Franchise-related information. In addition to franchise listings, a good http://www.CompleteFranchise.info will have articles, news, events and a blog about franchising. This will help educate you about franchising in general, and keep you on top of the latest happenings in the industry.
Our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info meets all of the above criteria. To view more than 300 franchises, as well as get a lot of valuable franchise information, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info today.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/24/2008
Massage Franchises Work out the Kinks
The health and fitness craze has been around for quite a while, and it’s here to stay. Report after report proves that we need to exercise on a regular basis to stay in shape, and many franchise concepts have been developed to cater to that need.
However, what people don’t often realize is you gain strength and muscle size during the healing process after you workout, and not from the workout itself. As a result, recuperating from a workout is just as important as the workout, and failing to recuperate properly severely limits the benefits of workouts.
One of the best ways to recuperate is a massage. A massage breaks up adhesions in muscles, which allows them to grow. It also releases toxins from the body, to help you feel and heel better. Finally, it can be very effective at eliminating stress that can be debilitating to both the mind and body.
As the benefits of massage have become more well-known, the demand for massage therapy has increased dramatically. Now, massage therapy is becoming an integral part of any training program, and several new franchise concepts have been developed to take advantage of that demand.
Two of those concepts are LaVide Massage and Massage Envy. Both are proven franchise concepts that offer quality massage services and a sound business plan. They are a professional and affordable way to get into the massage business.
To learn more about either of these massage franchises, or any of more than 300 other franchise concepts, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info and click on the Beauty & Fitness Category.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/24/2008
How is the Current Economy Impacting the Franchise Industry?
By all accounts the current economy has been slowing down for quite a while, even if we are technically not in a recession yet. This slow down has hurt many industries, and the franchise industry has not been immune.
However, not all categories within the franchise industry have been impacted the same. For example, real estate-related franchises have been hit hard. Not only are their existing franchisees suffering, but it has been difficult for franchisors to sell new real estate-related franchises.
On the flip side, some franchise categories are still going strong and are even expanding during this difficult economic period. For example, people still require professional services such as tax assistance and healthcare, no matter what the economy is doing. As a result, these categories are often recession-proof.
In addition, many people have been displaced as a result of the current economy. Rather than hunt for a job, these people consider owning a low-cost franchise or business opportunity as their new career. As a result, franchises and bizops that priced under $20,000 often continue to sell well, even in a tough economy.
If you are looking to buy a franchise, search our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info for free to find the franchise that is right for you. Our directory has more than 300 franchise concepts and you can use our powerful search tools to find the one that meets all of your criteria.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/24/2008
Express Personnel Services has Changed its Name
Express Personnel Services is rebranding for growth. It’s new name? Express Employment Professionals.
The name change is a rebranding strategy by the Oklahoma-based franchise to help better reflect the service lines of the business.
According to the company, the Express Employment Professionals name allows the company’s lines of human resources and payroll services to exist under the same name and logo.
Express Employment Professionals now boasts nearly 600 business service franchises in the United States, Canada, South Africa and Australia. Express reached $1.55 billion in revenues in 2005 and $1.8 billion in revenues in 2006.
To view complete information about Express Employment Professionals, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info. There you will find information about this franchise, as well as more than 300 additional franchises.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/24/2008
Financing the Purchase of a Franchise
So you found the franchise of your dreams, the one that will make you wealthy beyond your wildest dreams. But it usually takes money to make money, so the next question is: how do you come up with the money to buy it? Lucky for you, there are several options.
The first option is an institutional loan. Many franchisors have developed relationships with institutional lenders that are willing to loan money to their franchisees. This is often a good first place look.
Your next option includes friends and family members. They may be willing to offer you a loan on favorable terms so you can realize your entrepreneurial dreams. While this can be a quick source of cash, it can also lead to problems if the business doesn't do as well as expected, so use this option with caution.
A third option is to use your retirement funds. If you wholly believe the business will be successful, then take funds out of your retirement plan and use them to buy the franchise. When you sell the franchise, you will (hopefully) recoup the invested funds many times over, so it becomes your new retirement plan.
There are several companies that can help you use your retirement funds to purchase a franchise. I strongly using one of these companies because if you don't do the process correctly you will be subject to penalties because you "took possession" of the funds.
An example of a company that can help you use your retirement funds to purchase a franchise is Guidant Financial. Visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info to learn more about Guidant, and to get free information about more than 300 franchise concepts.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/24/2008
Can a Franchised Business Fail?
The one word answer: certainly. Any business can fail, and franchises are no exception. However, franchises fail at a much lower rate than non-franchised businesses. There are three primary reasons why:
1. Proven System. Franchises are built on a proven system of success: how to market, what price points to use, what products to offer, where to open the store, etc. This system is replicated system-wide based on what works, and it is a major factor in ensuring the franchisee's success.
2. Powerful Brand. Franchises use their brand to their advantage, and it is tremendously powerful. It is this brand recognition that is one of the most valuable assets in buying a franchise. Consider this: you are out of town and you car transmission goes out. Are you are more likely to trust an AMAACO repair center that has a brand and reputation you know and recognize, or will you go to Tony's Transmissions, a place you have never heard of? Most people go with the brand they know and trust, which gives the franchisee a huge advantage over its competition.
3. Expert Assistance. Franchises have perfected their systems and have faced most of the problems any franchisee is likely to face. As a result, they are a resource franchisees can reply upon to help them through difficult times and unforeseen problems. When things are going well, most anybody can succeed. It's getting through the difficult times that are critical, and a franchisor's expert assistance can make all the difference between success and failure.
So when evaluating potential franchises to buy, be sure to closely examine the three factors for success above and how strong the franchise is in each area. To view more than 300 franchise opportunities for sale, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info. It contains information about each franchise to help you in your search for the ideal franchise for you to buy.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/23/2008
Turn Bronze into Green
Summer is fast approaching, and so is the peak of the tanning season. While many people elect to tan all year round, the summer season represents a surge in tanning business.
In the past, there were basically two tanning options: one was to find time during a sunny day and lay outside to catch some rays. The other was to visit a tanning salon at any time of the day, in any weather, to work on that tan. Now there is a third and very popular option.
Spray-on tans are relatively new to the marketplace and have exploded in popularity. They are safer than exposing your skin to harmful UV rays, and they give you a quick, even tan that lasts for weeks. However, some people still prefer to tan the more traditional way.
Whatever your preference is, one thing is for certain: tanning franchises are hot, especially in the summer season. There are many tanning franchise concepts available, such as Hollywood Tans, Planet Beach, and Image Sun Tanning.
To get more information on these or any of more than 300 other franchise concepts, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info and click on the Beauty & Fitness Category.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/23/2008
What is the Hottest Franchise Opportunity to Buy Right Now?
The hottest franchise opportunity to buy, at any time, is the one that matches your skills, experience, interests, investment level, and desire the best. This may seem like a cop out answer, but it is 100% correct because what works for somebody else may not necessarily work for you.
True, there are some very hot industries right now (such as in-home adult care, pet franchises, and certain fast food franchises), but the specific franchise that is right for you depends upon your situation. If you only have $25,000 to invest, then a Subway franchise is not the hottest franchise for you to buy, despite their excellent system and track record. If you hate pets, then a Camp Bow Wow franchise is not right for you, regardless of how much money you have. And if you don’t have the patience for elderly people, then a senior-care franchise is not the hottest choice for you.
Like anything, one of the first questions you need to ask yourself when looking for a franchise to buy is what do you like to do? You don’t have to be too specific, just a general category will be fine, such as automotive-related, sports-related, educational-related, etc. (For a list of the top franchise categories, visit a http://www.CompleteFranchise.info .
After you select the category, the next major variable you need to determine is your price range. Remember, you typically have several financing options available to you when buying a franchise, such as using retirement funds to finance the purchase of your franchise, or a loan either from the franchisor or a third party lender. As a result, you can often afford much more than you think.
The last variable to determine is in which state you want to open the franchise. Not all franchises are available in all states, so make sure you only look at those that are registered in the state where you want to operate.
Once you have these three pieces of information (category, price range and location) visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info. Use the Franchise Finder tool to select your category, price and location and the Franchise Finder will instantly show you a summary of every franchise in the directory that meets your criteria.
From there, read summaries about the franchises and request additional information for free from every franchise that interests you. This process will give you a background on a variety franchise options you have available to you, to help you determine which is the “hottest” franchise for you to buy.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/22/2008
What Makes Franchises so Successful?
Franchised businesses are more than twice as likely to still be in business after 5 years than non-franchised businesses. This is a compelling reason for any aspiring entrepreneur to consider buying a franchise. But just what is it that makes a franchise more successful than non-franchised businesses?
There are several reasons: 1. Established Operating System. Franchises have developed, tested and honed an operating system that has proven to be highly successful. By applying this proven formula for success, new franchisees greatly increase the odds in their favor that they will also be successful.
2. Collective Buying Power. Since franchisors make arrangements to supply all of their franchisees with the goods and services they sell, the franchisor can leverage this buying power into lower costs of goods sold for their franchisees. And one of the keys to success in any business is keeping more of every dollar you earn, this buying power gives franchisees a powerful advantage over their competition in the marketplace.
3. Branding Power and Marketing Plan. People buy from companies they know and trust. And the more they see and hear about a company, the more they tend to trust it. By pooling all of their money together, franchisees are able to build a strong nationwide brand that benefits all franchisees equally. It’s truly a case where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
4. Startup Assistance. Getting started is one of the most critical periods for any new business. The franchisor has been through the startup process many times and is experienced at making the right decisions. Franchisees weather this timeframe successfully because they have the support and expertise of the franchisor behind them.
5. On-Going Support. Once the doors are open and the business is up and running, the franchisee has the on-going support of the franchisor. This is critical to success because the franchisee has an experienced mentor they can rely on to continue to make the correct business decisions that will ensure their long-term success.
To view hundreds of successful franchise opportunities, visit the our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info and use the powerful search tools to quickly and easily find the perfect franchise for you to buy.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/21/2008
What makes a good franchisee?
You want to own a franchise because you hear they are up to 5 times more successful than starting a business by yourself. However, it often takes a certain personality to own a franchise, one that is very different from that of a true entrepreneur. How do you know if you are a good candidate to own a franchise? If you posses these following traits, you are most likely an excellent candidate to be a successful franchisee:
1. Willingness to follow a system. Franchises are successful because they have developed a blueprint for success based on years of trial and error. These blueprints, or systems, must be rigidly followed by all franchisees in a franchise system, without exception. You do not have the freedom to freelance in a franchise system or to try different things to see if they work. Can you do this?
2. Willingness to take direction. Since you must follow the franchisor’s system to the letter, you must also be willing to take direction from the franchisor how to run your business. Often times it feels like you are working for someone else when you are a franchisor, which runs contrary to the desire of many entrepreneurs. Can you handle this dynamic?
3. Long term commitment. When you buy a franchise, you sign a long-term contract. This means you are commitment to this business, financially and otherwise, for the long-haul. If you are a serial entrepreneur, this may not be right for you because you might be bored halfway through the agreement. However, if you are the type of person that is willing to make the commitment, then the rewards of the long-term relationship can be very rewarding.
While owning a franchise is not necessarily the purest pursuit of entrepreneurialism, it is often one of the safest methods of owning a successful business. Not all people are cut out to be franchisees, but those that are typically are handsomely rewarded. If you feel you possess the traits to be a good franchisee, the next step is to look for the right franchise for you to buy. Visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info to find the ideal franchise for you.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/20/2008
How much does a franchise cost?
The price range for franchises varies greatly. Some excellent franchises can be purchased for less than $15,000, while other franchises cost several million dollars. But does the price of a franchise correlate to its changes for and magnitude of success? More often than not, the answer is yes.
More expensive franchises typically cost more because they are in higher demand. And they are in higher demand because they have a strong track record of proven success. However this is not always the case. Most retail-type franchises (including fast food) that requires land and buildings are the most expensive to purchase and operate. When looking at a true measure of ROI, they may not always be the most profitable.
What about low-cost franchises, those that can be purchased for $25,000 or less? While many of these franchises are new, the primary reason they are less expensive is because they don’t require a lot of capital investment to get started. You don’t have to buy land, build a building, buy equipment, buy inventory, and train and hire a staff of 30 people. Most of these franchises can be run from a home office with only one employee. These low-cost franchises are ideal for people who want to simply own a successful, yet small, business without all of the hassles that come with employees.
Whatever your preference, our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info has hundreds of franchises you can buy from as little as $1,000 to more than $3,000,000. Visit the directory and enter your capital amount to view all of the franchises that fall into your price range; you may be surprised at some of the outstanding franchise opportunities are available to you.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/19/2008
Re-Bath Teams up with House Smart’s Lou Manfredini
Re-Bath has partnered with House Smarts host and home improvement expert Lou Manfredini, to be the face of Re-Bath for the next two years. As part of the new partnership, Re-Bath will be featured in a segment on House Smarts highlighting their services and expertise in the industry. In addition, Lou Manfredini will appear in Re-Bath’s advertisements and promotions.
Re-Bath is a national bathroom remodeling company that specializes in new bathtubs, wall surrounds and a variety of patented designs and patterns. Re-Bath’s patented installation technology offers the highest quality products in the market. This Technology gives the customer the option of putting “a new tub over their old one”™.
The Re-Bath process typically does not require tear out of existing tub and walls, costs significantly less than a complete tear out and usually requires no more than one day to install. Re-Bath owners work with clients to save time and money while increasing the value and beauty of their bathroom.
For or more information on Re-Bath and the services they offer, view their listing in our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/18/2008
How to Spot a Franchise Scam
Buying a new franchise is an excellent way to own a successful business. However, like everything else in life, while searching for the right franchise for you to buy you need to be on the lookout for potential scams.
Avoiding a franchise scam is the best defense against losing your investment to an unscrupulous franchisor. Here are some red flags that may indicate you are dealing with a potential scam artist:
1. The franchisor promises exorbitant returns. Responsible franchisors do not guarantee specific rates of return because they realize your success depends in a very large part upon your commitment to your own success. Any franchisor that says you will have guaranteed success should be eyed with suspicion. All they can do is tell you how well their system has worked for other franchisors, and if you follow the system to a “T” then you should experience similar results. This is honest and upfront, and should be the extent of any guarantee you receive from any franchisor.
2. The franchisor claims 100% of their franchisees are satisfied 100% of the time. Even the most successful franchise systems experience problems at some time. Remember the old adage: if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.
3. The franchisor uses high-pressure sales tactics to convince you to buy their franchise. Often times a franchisor wants to pressure you through the sales process if they have something to hide and don’t want you to find out about it. Take your time and conduct your full due diligence; any reputable franchisor will certainly understand and respect your decision.
4. If the franchisor gives evasive answers to your questions. When you ask standard questions related to the franchise, the franchisor should be able to immediately be able to give you direct and straight-forward answers. Or at a minimum, they should be willing to find the answer for you if they don’t know it. If the franchisor doesn’t, then the alarm in your head should start ringing and you should seriously consider a different franchise.
5. Steep franchise fees the franchisor can justify. Typically, a franchisor’s upfront fees are designed to cover their costs of recruiting new franchisors and helping them establish their franchise. The fees should not represent the franchisor’s primary method of generating a profit; this profit should come from back-end royalties generated by successful franchisees in the franchisor’s system. If the majority of a franchisor’s revenues come from the franchise fee, this should be a glowing red flag. (Note, however, that business opportunities are completely different. Nearly 100% of their revenues and profits are generated from their upfront fee because you do not have to pay them an on-going royalty on future revenues.
These are just a few of the red flags you should be aware of when searching for a franchise to buy. Visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info to search several hundred reputable franchises; one of them may be exactly what you are looking for.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/16/2008
What makes a good franchise?
In your search to find the right franchise for you to buy, you suddenly ask yourself a key question: what makes a good franchise? You don’t want to invest your time and money in a franchise that won’t be around for the long-haul, so you need to limit your choices to only those that are reputable and sustainable.
When evaluating potential franchises to buy, be sure to get a good feel for the management team. These are the people that make the overall franchise concept viable and ensure it is heading in the right direction. Also speak with members of the support team, because these are the people you will be relying on to ensure your success.
Most importantly, speak with existing and past, if possible, franchisees. These conversations will give you the greatest insight into the culture, attitude and satisfaction of the overall franchise system. If you detect any malcontent from this group, be very weary in your decision to move forward.
Also, ensure there is no legal action against the franchise that could cripple the future of the franchise. This could include lawsuits from franchisees, customers, or other parties that could threaten to shut down or severely impact the franchise in a negative way.
Finally, use your gut. When you evaluate different franchise opportunities, listen to what your instincts tell you because they are usually very accurate. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions, and be prepared to filter through the various answers.
There are plenty of good franchises available to buy; just be sure to follow a rigid buying process to ensure it’s right for you. To see hundreds of good franchises, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info to search for those that meet all of your investment criteria.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/15/2008
How do franchise consultants work?
You want to buy a franchise, but you don’t know where to start. You see an ad for a franchise consultant that states they can help you find and buy the franchise of your dreams, and it won’t cost you a cent. Is this too good to be true? Thankfully, it’s very true.
Franchise consultants (also referred to as franchise brokers) typically work with a number of different franchises. They are very knowledgeable about the overall franchise industry, and also about specific franchises in that industry. Franchise consultants have been “around the block” several times, and know which franchises are reputable, and which aren’t. They also know how the entire selection and purchase process works, and they often have solid relationships with financing partners.
So if franchise consultants are so good, and provide such a valuable service, how can their services be free? Well, the short answer is they aren’t. You are indirectly paying for their services because they are compensated by the franchisor when you buy one of the franchisor’s franchises. As a result, part of the fee you pay the franchisor to buy their franchise is then remitted back to the franchise consultant. But remember that you are paying that fee to the franchisor regardless of whether or not you use a franchise consultant, so you might as well get the benefits of the consultant’s services at no additional cost to you.
But does this create a conflict of interest for franchise consultants? Will they will steer you towards buying a franchise from one of the franchisors with whom they have a financial relationship, versus a different franchise that interests you? While the answer to both questions may be yes, most reputable franchise consultants are very open and honest about their relationships. They are very professional and will help you find the franchise that is right for YOU, even if they don’t earn a commission from the sale. Sometimes when they help you buy a franchise from a franchisor they don’t currently have a relationship with, your sale helps them develop a relationship with the franchisor for future sales. This helps the consultant expand their network, which helps them in the long run.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/8/2008
Hair Care is Profitable
Hair care is a large and rapidly growing industry. Women (and an increasing number of men) spend a small fortune every month taking care of their hair, and that trend is not about to change anytime soon.
As a service business, hair care franchises typically have very little overhead. In addition, the service side of the business is augmented by the sale of product, which also has strong margins. Combined, the result is a franchise opportunity that is very profitable and has very strong repeat business.
There are many hair care franchises available, such as Great Clips, Pro Cuts, Cost Cutters, Super Cuts, Fantastic Sams, Sport Clips, and Snip-its. Each has a different approach, from those that focus on kids (Snip-its) to those that focus on men (Sport Clips), and all have strong brand recognition.
To learn more about hair care franchises, or any of more than 300 other franchise concepts, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info and click on the Beauty & Fitness Category.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 4/5/2008
Restaurant Franchises are a Tasty Investment
Due to time constraints, more and more people are eating out these days. However, most people are becoming more health conscious at the same time, which means they don’t want to settle on eating unhealthy fast food on a consistent basis. The solution: casual sit down restaurants that also have take-out service.
There are many restaurant franchises available that fit this criteria. They have relatively low startup costs, a sound business plan, and strong brand recognition. As a result, they are proving to be a sound investment for people that want to own a restaurant franchise.
Visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info to view all Food & Restaurant franchises available in our database. There are nearly 50 to choose from, and you get complete information about each franchise.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 3/31/2008
The Staffing Industry is a Bright Spot in the Employment Market
According to the American Staffing Association, more companies are turning to staffing companies to help them meet their personnel needs. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics has been quoted as saying, “the staffing industry has been characterized as a “bright spot” in the employment market. The industry is expected to create more new jobs than any other.”
You can cash in on this strong business opportunity with a staffing franchise. Staffing franchises can be geared towards general staffing needs (Snelling Staffing Services, Express Personnel Services, Link Staffing), they can focus on excutive staffing (Worldwide Search Partners), or they can focus on a specific industry (Medical Staffing Consultants).
To learn more about any of these staffing franchise opportunities, or any of more than 300 other franchise opportunities, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info and use the powerful search tools to quickly and easily find the perfect franchise for you.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 3/27/2008
Make a difference educating kids, and make money at the same time
Child education businesses are very popular because they provide a very valuable service to kids, while providing the business owner with a rewarding and profitable business.
Chyten Education Services is a premium tutoring and test preparation company with proprietary strategies that have earned it a reputation for excellence. You do not need an education background to operate a Chyten franchise, and Chyten will help you interview, hire and train your tutors and set up your business properly.
Learn more about owning a Chyten franchise by selecting the listing from the http://www.CompleteFranchise.info.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 3/26/2008
Spring is the ideal time to make money from a home services franchise
Every Spring, and all year round, homeowners need professional services for their home. These services include painting, design, remodeling, landscaping, and more.
One of the newest and most demanded services is gutter cleaning. It’s not a popular chore, which makes it an ideal opportunity for an enterprising business person to make some money.
Gutter Genius® is a revolutionary company that has developed several exclusive patent pending products along with a unique business model. Combined, this franchise can help you generate a lot of money.
For more information about Gutter Genius®, view their franchise listing in the http://www.CompleteFranchise.info.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 3/25/2008
Cash in on the fitness craze with a VERT Fitness franchise
The fitness business is booming. Over 40 million Americans now belong to health clubs, but the current trend is away from the impersonal 25,000 square foot mega-clubs and towards smaller facilities with a differentiating and more personalized experience.
VERT Fitness Centers focus on the fastest growing and most profitable segments of the Health & Fitness Industry…personalized performance training and sports medicine/physical therapy. VERT has created a new and highly profitable “niche” in the Health and Fitness market.
To learn more about this franchise opportunity, read more about VERT Fitness in the http://www.CompleteFranchise.info.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 3/24/2008
Own a business for a very little investment with Ameritax
The dreaded tax season is upon us, but here is a way you can make money from it. Ameritax is a tax preparation firm creating tremendous revenue streams for families and businesses across the country.
Ameritax is unique because it's a licensee business model instead of a franchise. The difference to you is the business structure. Ameritax supplies you with all of the tools to establish and grow your business, but unlike a franchise they do not collect on-going royalties from you. Instead, Ameritax only charges a licensing fee of $2,500, and they can even finance it for you.
Are you interested? If yes, view Ameritax’s listing in the http://www.CompleteFranchise.info to learn more about this exciting business opportunity!
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 3/23/2008
Take advantage of the summer season with a CertaPro franchise
Summer is the prime season for house painting. With summer just around the corner, you can take advantage of the timing with a CertaPro Painters franchise to get a jump on owning a successful franchised business.
This is a perfect franchise opportunity for nearly anybody that likes to work outdoors, and no special expertise is required. To learn more about CertaPro and their franchise opportunities, review CertaPro’s franchise listing in the http://www.CompleteFranchise.info.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 3/21/2008
What is a Franchise UFOC?
The Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC) is a comprehensive document every franchisor is required to process and keep current. The FTC requires franchisors to give the UFOC to prospects that want to purchase a franchise from the franchisor. The purpose of the UFOC is to give the potential franchisee complete background about the franchise.
The UFOC includes detailed information on items such as the franchise’s business history, litigation, bankruptcy, initial franchise fee and other fees, total initial investment required, franchisee’s obligations, franchisor’s obligations, financing, territory, trademarks, patents, copyrights, restrictions, dispute resolution, earnings claims, financial statements, contracts, and more.
Once you narrow your list of franchises down to the ones that interest you the most, be sure to carefully read each franchisor’s UFOC as part of your due diligence process. What you find in it is often the case for moving forward with the franchisor, or moving on to another franchise opportunity.
In your search to find the perfect franchise for you to buy, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info. There you will find detailed information for free about hundreds of potential franchises to buy.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 3/15/2008
Is a franchise right for you?
You want to own a successful business, but you don’t know where to start. Starting a business is hard work, and starting a franchise is no exception. However, a franchise provides you with a professional support group and a proven system, both of which greatly increase your chances for success.
So the question isn’t “Is a franchise right for you?”; the real question is, “Which franchise is right for you?” To answer this question, you need to answer several additional questions:
1. What do you enjoy doing? 2. What do you have experience doing? 3. How much capital do you have? 4. Where do you want to open your franchise?
Armed with answers to these questions, you are ready to start your search for a franchise to buy. The next step is to visit a franchise directory and enter your industry, location and capital criteria to see what franchises are available that meet your criteria.
Read about and request information from as many franchises as possible that meet your criteria so you can get a good idea of what options are available to you. Even better, request information from a franchise consultant. They can help guide you through the entire process, and their services are free to you.
When you do find the right franchise for you, take the time to do your due-diligence and talk to other franchisees in the system to get the full story. Once you feel comfortable, make the decision to move forward and enjoy your success.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 2/7/2008
Why an Internet Franchise May be Right for You
Owning a business can be extremely exciting and lucrative. Plus, it’s fun and highly rewarding to be your own boss. However, you may not want the drawbacks associated with a traditional brick and mortar business, which includes employees, office space, lots of overhead, and more. If that’s the case, then an internet franchise may be perfect for you.
What are some of the advantages of an internet franchise over more traditional franchises? There are four of them:
1. You can run your franchise from home. Since internet franchises are located on the internet, customers have no idea if the owner is one person with a home office, or a large corporation with 1,000 employees. This means you can wake up in the morning, log on in your pajamas, and make money, all while looking like a professional corporation to your customers.
2. Your franchise has extremely low overhead. Since your business is located in cyberspace, you don’t need an office, or a storefront, or a warehouse. Instead, all you need is your computer. You also don’t need delivery vans and large amounts of inventory. The result is you don’t waste a ton of money every month on overhead that eats into your profits, which is a huge benefit.
3. The doors of your business are always open. When you run a brick and mortar business, you need to set and maintain hours, and ensure you have employees available to meet and assist customers. With an internet business, your store is open 100% of the time. This means your customers can buy from you whenever they want to and you can make money even while you are sleeping or playing golf.
4. You are not limited to drawing customers from a specific geographic region. With a traditional business, your customers are typically limited to a specific geographic area around where your business is located. This severely limits the number of potential customers you can cater to. However, an internet business is available to customers world-wide, at all hours of the day, all days of the week. This extended reach greatly enhances your revenue potential which enables you to grow more rapidly.
5. Your business is 100% scalable. With an internet business, you can cater to 100 or 100,000 customers with little to no additional effort on your part. You don’t need to rent a larger store or open more locations to grow. Instead, you typically just need to increase your marketing and your internet-based business system will automatically handle the increased growth.
These are just a few of the benefits of owning an internet-based business. To find details about some of the top internet-based businesses available to buy, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info and view the “Computers & Internet” franchise category.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 12/1/2007
Some Businesses are Poised to Capitalize on the Looming Economic Downturn
A downturn in the economy, or even worse, a recession, typically means hard times for businesses large and small. People are less-likely to spend money due to the uncertain economic future, businesses are less likely to invest additional money to expand or develop new products and services.
One this is certain however: all businesses want to collect as much money from their customers as they can, and limit their costs as much as possible.
However, there are some companies that thrive during these uncertain economic times because they have created a business model that flourishes in a tough economy and is recession-proof. An example of businesses that have accomplished this feat are expense recovery and cost savings services companies.
These companies help clients save money on things they didn’t even know they could save money on. These types of companies usually keep a percentage of the amount they recover for their clients, which makes the service extremely attractive to potential customers because they don’t have any out-of-pocket expenses and have 100% upside gain.
An example of this type of business is Blue Coast Financial Group. They have several services that are recession-proof, and a strong track record and operating history. To learn more about owning a Blue Coast Financial Group business, or more than 300 other franchise opportunities, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 11/16/2007
In-Home Healthcare Demand Explodes
With the graying of America in full swing, demand for help in caring for the elderly has exploded. This type of care includes full-fledged nursing homes, but the more recent boom is for part-time care that takes place in the patient’s home.
The Wall Street Journal reported that as the elderly population explodes, families are increasingly turning to in-home care for help, experts say. Many people need an extra hand at home to help the elderly or infirm run their daily lives, including bathing, cooking, light housework, running errands, visiting the doctor, and sometimes dispensing medication.
In-home senior-care franchises do face particular challenges that set them apart from many other types of franchises. For one, finding employees who can be counted on to forge relationships with clients is more complex than hiring, say, a maid or a restaurant worker. The worker must be responsible and compassionate -- and up to the task of entering someone's home and possibly taking on very personal tasks.
And while some franchisees may enter the industry because of a personal experience with an elderly family member, that doesn't mean they're ready or qualified to run a health-care business. However, those that are cut out for this type of business typically find it extremely rewarding – both financially and emotionally.
There are several in-home senior-care franchises available, including ComForCare, Americare Alliance, Synergy HomeCare, Comfort Keepers, Homewatch Caregivers, Right At Home, Senior Helpers, and more.
To learn about these franchises, and more than 300 other franchise opportunities, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info. You can use the powerful tools for free to quickly and easily find the franchise of your dreams.
Posted by: Tom Parsley
Date Posted: 7/31/2007
More Returning Veterans are Becoming Franchise Owners
Many veterans returning from service in the Mideast are turning to the world of franchised small businesses for their next careers. More than 350 veterans own franchised small businesses in the United States today, and an additional 126 are in various stages of negotiation.
The International Franchise Association has a special program called VetFran that offers discounted franchise fees to veterans seeking to purchase a franchise. Presently more than 160 IFA member franchise companies participate in the program, including the UPS.
To see if The UPS Store might be is fits your needs as a potential business owner, visit our http://www.CompleteFranchise.info to read complete details about this popular franchise opportunity. You can search for and read complete details about more than 300 additional franchise opportunties.
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