Many of us dream of being our own boss and realizing our ambitions of managing a business. But many of us are unsure how or where to begin. Buying a franchise is one way to start a business. But before going to the steps, let us define the franchise business model first.
What is a Franchise Business Model?
The franchise model is perhaps the most popular among different business models. After all, many of us probably visit franchise businesses in our daily lives.
In a nutshell, a franchise operates as follows: In business terms, a franchise is a proven business model purchased and replicated by the buyer, known as the franchisee. The franchiser or the franchisor is the original owner who will collaborate with the franchisee and assist them with financing, marketing, and other business operations to ensure that the business operates as intended. In exchange, the franchisee pays the franchisor a percentage of the profits generated by the franchised business.
TYPES OF FRANCHISES
Manufacturing Franchises
When it comes to manufacturing franchises, a franchisor lets a franchisee use their brand name and trademark to produce products. Although this form of a franchise is most common in the food and beverage industry, it can also be found in the manufacturing industry, from children’s toys to automobiles.
Soft drinks companies are a great example of this franchise. The original company will sell the concentrated syrup to a bottling company using the name and trademarks. After that, the syrup will need to combine with water. The final product will be packaged and sold to a variety of distributors.
Business Format
The business format franchise is the most widely recognized type of franchise. This franchising supports the franchiser’s business expansion by allowing individuals to purchase a business with an established brand name. New business owners are frequently assisted throughout the initial stages of their business. They will continue to receive support as their business grows. The franchisee must pay a royalty fee to the franchiser in exchange for the provided support, access to professional workers, and the ability to use the business name and trademarks.
Many industries are dominated by business format franchises, from fast food to retail, hospitality, and many others. Some popular examples include McDonald’s, Starbucks, and 7-Eleven.
Product Franchises
An industry or trade-specific franchise model is the emphasis of this concept. As part of the franchise agreement, you will be allowed to use the franchiser’s brand name, trademarks, uniform, and equipment. First-time business owners, independent contractors, and home-based entrepreneurs should consider product franchises because the initial cost is usually lower than business format franchises.
Examples are car dealerships, auto parts suppliers, tire businesses, and convenience store inventory.
HOW TO START A FRANCHISE?
It takes certain qualities to run a franchise business. It transforms a company’s structure. So, to become a good franchisee, you will need to put in some effort, time, and patience. Having the right attitude from the start is essential in running a successful franchise.
If you are planning to have a franchise business, here are the steps you must consider to achieve your goal.
STEP 1:
- Evaluate What is Available
Decide on the type of franchise you’d like to purchase. If you’ve been considering a particular type of franchise for some time, do your homework and make sure it’s right for you. When you buy a franchise, you can consider the things you are passionate about to make sure it fits your personality.
There are large numbers of franchise stores to choose from, so do your research and look into as many as you can. You can get good ideas of what you want to do in your career by attending some of the many franchising trade shows held throughout the country each year.
STEP 2:
- Financing
Many different sources of funding are available. In some cases, people can save up the money needed for their franchise and rely on sales revenue to keep the business going. In some cases, people take out a loan or form a partnership with a group of investors willing to lend the start-up capital.
Determine your start-up costs after deciding on the franchise you want to buy and request information about it. In addition to the franchise fees, you’ll have to pay for things like rent, advertising, hiring employees, and purchasing supplies and equipment. Prepare a thorough cost analysis before beginning the search for the capital you’ll need to get your business off the ground.
STEP 3:
- Negotiate
Once the financing is in place, it’s time to talk to the franchiser about the process of purchasing a franchise from them. The information you requested for your financial analysis includes all you need to know about owning a franchise. With the franchisor, you’ll now want to talk about how the owner monitors the marketing and the level of support you can expect from the main office. Ensure you have a list of questions ready when you meet with the franchise owner to better understand how you will run the business.
STEP 4:
- Location
Depending on the franchise agreement, the franchisor may require you to inform him of your plans for a new location. He may even offer to send a consultant to assist you in your search for the ideal location for your company if you speak with the right person at the company. Choose a place that makes sense for your franchise if you are allowed to do so. Make sure you’re in a mall or other location with a similar customer base.
STEP 5:
- Details
Before you open the business, always make sure that you have all the details. For a well-publicized launching, open a month in advance to work out the bugs in your workplace and other equipment. Don’t forget to watch how frequently you need to re-supply. Successful franchises pay attention to the smallest details and regularly stick to them.
TIPS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE FIELD OF FRANCHISING
After opening a franchise, improving yourself personally and professionally is a great way to succeed in any field. Whether you are a veteran franchise owner or new to franchising, taking the time to develop yourself is critical to growing your business and career.
1. Never stop learning
Regardless of the industry in which your business operates, learning new skills is essential for development because each franchise operation provides a unique level, type, and depth of training for its affiliates. Franchising offers an opportunity for people to learn and grow on the job. The best franchise opportunities also provide ongoing support to ensure that franchisees practice their training.
2. Listen to those around you.
“No man is an island,” the famous saying goes. When you own a franchise, this is even more true. Your business is only as strong as the individuals with whom you work. Although you are in charge of your franchise, you are never truly alone. If you own a franchise, you’ll have access to your franchisor, other franchisees, and your own employees in addition to your customers. As a business owner, you should always be open to new ideas from your employees and customers.
3. Build a strong and positive relationship with your franchisor and fellow franchisees
Being able to communicate openly and honestly with your franchisor will give you peace of mind as you run your business. It will allow you to address any concerns you have sincerely. You need to trust your franchisor’s experience in running a successful franchise. You became a franchisee with them in part because of their successful business model. Open and honest communication is essential in any relationship, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
4. Develop a solid plan of action
There is no shortcut to success. In other words, make a business plan at least once a week, and then stick to it! Developing a business plan is essential for any franchisee who wants to build a successful career in franchising. A good business plan can be compared to a map. It is possible to travel without a compass, but the risk of becoming disoriented is much greater. A business plan shows you where you want to go, gives you a framework for your day, allows you to set performance goals. It also helps to identify any challenges you may face to put measures in place if they occur.
5. Review and improve
The development of a franchise business requires constant monitoring of the performance of your franchise units. Make a list of the mistakes you’ve made and what you’ll do to avoid them in the future. Use the input of your franchisee, employees, and customers here. You can use this feedback to improve specific areas and learn the necessary skills to succeed. Lastly, you can also ask your franchisor for any useful performance data, how your business compares to the rest of the network, and their advice for increasing profitability.
If you’re inspired to start a franchise. I hope this guide helps you in some ways.
Thank you and Goodluck!
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