Good franchising is based on careful planning and preparation. A successful franchise can only be achieved through the development of a well-structured franchise package. However, before a company considers taking the franchise route, it must meet strictly defined criteria.
Satisfy an enduring need with suitable reward.
The product or service offered must have long-term market potential. Franchisees will have been advised to look for business opportunities that take advantage of coming trends and avoid those based on passing attractions or fads. Although franchisees may not expect substantial returns on their investment in the first couple of years, they will expect by the end of the initial franchise period to have paid off their bank loan (as will the bank) and to have achieved a reasonable return on their initial investment. The franchisor must ensure that there is sufficient margin in the business for the franchisee to pay on-going fees to the franchisor and to make money for him/herself.
Possess a clear identity.
Potential franchisees will evaluate the clarity and distinctiveness of the franchisor's identity, name and image. They will be looking for a franchise operation that has the potential to develop sales through its brand and reputation.
Display a proven track record. As with any good investment an investor will need to be able to evaluate the past success of the franchise. Potential franchisees, and those from whom they may be borrowing, will want to be assured that the franchise is proven, both financially and operationally.
Possess easily transferable operational methods.
Successful franchises are based on operations that do not require a potential franchisee to have any experience of the particular business. Regardless of the franchisee's experience, the methods of conducting the business must be transferable, allowing the franchisee to run it as successfully as the franchisor.
Have capable management to provide adequate support.
For the franchisor, franchising means decentralisation, with greater power being handed down to unit level. It also means the franchisor will have to deal with a new type of workforce whose motivation is very different to that of the company's own staff. While franchisees can be highly motivated, they can also be very demanding on the franchisor's staff. As the franchise develops the franchisor will be expected to invest in research and development to ensure that the business methods, products and services continue to meet changing consumer needs. It will also be necessary for the franchisor to provide on-going support to franchisees to assist and encourage them to develop their business and to improve its overall performance. In addition, the franchisor must see to it that the level of support provided is sufficient to ensure that the network as a whole maintains the quality standards set out in the operating manual.
What to consider before franchising your business - To learn more about this author, visit Diarmuid Kieran's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 |
Related Businesses - Evan Elite Authors |
|
Leanne Hoagland Smith
Are you or your business where you want to be? Are you facing constant struggles in business or life in general? Would you like to "unlock" those obstacles keeping you from greater business or personal success? As your results partner, we can work together to unlock those desired results by achieving tomorrow's solutions today. Let’s use your strengths for real change through proven and affordable solutions where the real problems are identified. Are you seeking loyal customers, great attitudes, increased sales, improved profitability or just some sleep filled nights? Then we should talk because my clients have experienced exactly those types of results. Learn more about customer loyalty at http://www.processspec ialist.com/customer-loyalty.htm Give me a call 219.759.5601 for a free strategy session. I look forward to speaking with you. P.S. If you are seeking a motivational speaker, sales trainer or small business expert that will leave your audience smiling and remembering, please feel free to contact me at 219.759.5601. - Visit Leanne Hoagland Smith's Website |
The Evan Elite Authors program is currently in beta phase. For details please contact us.
|
|
|
|
![[Get Copyright Permissions]](http://license.icopyright.net/images/icopy-w.gif){kind=small}
