What support will I receive when investing in a franchise?
Investing in a franchise is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to start your entrepreneurship journey. There are numerous benefits to franchising, one of the most important being unwavering support from your franchisor. In today’s blog post, we’ll be looking at the kind of support you will receive when investing in a franchise.
Financing
Although not all, some franchisors can help you get the funding needed to start your franchise unit. This is usually done in one of two ways:
The first and most traditional method of funding is through banks and other lending institutions. Many franchises have partnered with lenders to ensure their franchisees can access investment capital. Therefore, with the backing of your franchisor, you can get the money needed to launch your business much faster.
Secondly, some franchisors have funding arrangements within their organisation to help franchisees set up their units. This is often in the form of a loan that is paid monthly after your franchise unit is up and running. Franchise opportunities with this type of financing option indicate that the franchisor is confident with their business model, and they expect it to be a profitable business venture for you.
Site selection and development
A good location helps attract the right customers and talent needed to make your business successful. The location of your business is key to its success and overall growth, but determining which location is best for your business can be difficult, especially in the early stages. When investing in a franchise, your franchisor will share their location preferences with you to help you make a better decision. They might also request information on the cost of the sites you are considering before giving their approval. Exorbitant rent prices will increase your overhead and reduce your profitability, so it is important that you find a reasonably priced location. Once you agree on a location for your franchise unit, you will have to develop the location according to the franchisor’s standards when it comes to the layout, signage, décor, furniture, fixtures and equipment. Although you will bear all the costs, the franchisor will provide you with a list of sources for everything you need.
Initial training
One of the reasons franchising is so attractive to entrepreneurs is that it allows you to join a new sector or industry with no previous experience. Franchisors put their franchisees through vigorous training to help them learn the ins and outs of the business. Initial training can take weeks or months depending on the complexities of the business, and it can include both classroom and on-the-job learning. You will be trained in business and financial management, hiring and training staff, operating digital systems, marketing and advertising, etc. In addition to that, your franchisor will send some of their staff to assist in opening your unit and help train your employees.
To ensure that standards are maintained across the entire franchise network, franchisors take training very seriously, so much so that they can terminate your contract if you do not complete training to their satisfaction.
Marketing and advertising
Investing in a well-known franchise gives your business instant recognition, but even then, you must invest in marketing and advertising to promote your business. Your franchisor will help you create a market introduction or grand opening marketing campaign when you first open your business. They will provide you with guidance as well as promotional and branding materials to base campaigns on, but you will have to choose which marketing channel to use on your own.
During the term of your franchise, you will be expected to conduct your own local marketing campaigns or collectively advertise with other franchisees in your area. You will also be required to contribute money to a system advertising fund to support the company’s marketing and advertising programs. Nationwide campaigns conducted by the parent company will benefit your business with increased visibility, so it is only fair that you contribute towards the marketing costs. Your minimum contribution amount is specified in the disclosure document and agreement.
Ongoing training and assistance
After successfully setting up your franchise unit, your franchisor will continue training and supporting you to ensure that you are working at the top of your game. Most franchise companies will provide you with a field support consultant who will work closely with you to improve business performance and ensure that you are operating within brand standards, procedures and requirements. They also provide a support helpline that you can use to contact headquarters for additional help. In addition to that, there will also be a lot of networking opportunities that come your way. Meetings and conventions held from time to time allow you to interact with other franchisees, company executives, and other key players in the industry.
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