Owning a franchise means you’ve got a license to sell goods or provide services using the parent company’s name, products, and business model.
Franchising Simplified in a Nutshell
Franchising is a mostly adapted form of business strategy where a franchisor of a merchandise hands over the distributions through affiliated franchisees.
The profit of the franchisor depends on the business progression of the franchisees. One who owns a franchise has a greater incentive than a direct employee because they have a direct stake in the business.
For example, Window Medics is an owner, and thousands of independent businesses are Window Medics’s franchisees. The dealer has the right to use its name, sell its products, or use its operating system against an investment or royalty. In return, the franchisee pays the franchisor this fee or royalty and abides by the contracts set by the franchisor.
Franchising has Got a Lots of Advantages
Franchising offers several benefits for one who owns a franchise and the brand:
#1 The most obvious reason is that the franchise has proven itself a successful business model reproduced multiple times. The franchisor will help you get your business up and running quickly and provide you with ongoing support throughout your time as a franchisee.
#2 People are more likely to choose a franchise over an independent shop because they know what they get from a trusted brand name. When customers see your storefront, they will instantly know what products or services you offer and most likely have expectations about customer service, quality, price, etc.
#3 Some franchises have national advertising campaigns to attract new customers to your location. And because people recognize the brand name, they’re more likely to visit your location than they would be a locally owned store they’ve never heard of before.
#4 Lenders often see franchises as less risky than stand-alone businesses because they come with an established history and a mighty brand name behind them. The franchiser may offer financing options or help you find lending sources for your needs.
#5 Franchisees benefit from the franchisor’s national or international advertising and marketing efforts. This is because their budget for marketing, advertising, and public relations is usually much more significant than what an individual franchisee could afford on their own. Individual franchisees may also have access to materials they can use locally to promote their businesses and may even be able to participate in group buying programs that allow them to reduce their costs for things like business supplies and equipment or get special pricing on products they purchase from vendors recommended by the franchisor.
And, Disadvantages Too!
Owning a franchise is not without its disadvantages:
#1 The advantages of the franchising model are also its most significant disadvantages. For example, one of the primary reasons people choose franchising instead of starting their own independent business is to obtain support and guidance from an experienced franchisor. However, in return for this support and advice, franchisees must be willing to follow the franchisor’s system.
#2 As part of their franchise agreement, franchisees must operate their business under the rules established by their franchisor (called operating manuals). These rules cover everything from how products are made and distributed to how employees are trained and marketed franchises. Since these rules can change from time to time as the business model evolves or as conditions change in the marketplace, prospective franchise owners need to understand that being a good follower
#3 The main disadvantage of franchising is that the franchisee will have to pay fees to the franchisor. The fees are usually a percentage of revenue, but sometimes they can be a flat fee. There may also be additional fees for advertising and other costs. Franchisees will not have complete control over their business as they have to follow the rules and regulations set in place by the franchisor.
#4 You don’t have complete control over the business or its run. The franchisor sets most rules for the company. And if you violate those rules, you can lose your franchise privileges and even your entire investment.
#5 Many franchises only allow one location in a specific geographic area, so you may not be able to make as much money if you are limited to a small market and cannot expand when you want to grow the business.
#6 No flexibility in products or services offered by the business. If customers aren’t interested in what the franchisor is offering, you can do nothing about it except try to find another way to make money with the brand name (which could be expensive).
Conclusion
Like every business framework, franchising comes with advantages and disadvantages too. The suitability depends on the nature of the business and its guidelines. Hence, before choosing a franchise, ensure to do your research well. To know details about Window Medics franchise business, call 888-329-7116 or email at info@windowmedics.com