Posted by: Admin Post on October 28, 2009
Author: Lisa Jenkins
New franchise opportunities are springing up everywhere, and people are rapidly buying into them. A franchise may definitely provide a great business opportunity with a greater chance of survival than a traditional business startup. Here are some reasons why a franchise business opportunity may be just what you are looking for.
A Franchise Offers a Proven Business Model
One definite advantage that a franchise opportunity provides is that of a proven business model. The amount of "proof" may vary from one business to the next, but some of them are well established businesses that have definitely had the time to learn what works and what does not. While no business model can guarantee success, some franchises may come close if their techniques are closely followed. This is especially true where the brand name and products are well known.
A Franchise Provides Excellent Management Training
A business franchise that has been around for awhile has also had opportunity to develop excellent training materials for franchisees. Time is not always a determining factor on the quality of their materials, but it certainly does show whether or not they know what will work or not. By talking with other new franchise owners, you will be able to verify the quality of training materials, as well as the quality of ongoing training to enhance your franchise business even more.
A Franchise Often Supplies Excellent Marketing Materials
Many franchises will charge a monthly fee for marketing expenses. This may mean that a lot of the marketing is taken out of your hands. You should know, however, that the marketing that is provided will usually be top notch. Any materials available for your own selection will be of the same caliber and you will not need to develop your own or pay for marketing agencies fees for that level of quality.
A Franchise Enables Funds to Be Obtained Easier
Since the business model is proven to work well, lenders are much more likely to provide the needed funds for a new franchise. This is even truer when the franchise has been around for a while, and the borrower has excellent business management skills. Both need to be present in order to get the money needed. Lenders are being more selective these days and will not give a loan to anybody wanting to start a franchise.
A Franchise Furnishes Problem Resolution People
A franchise business also stands a much greater possibility of surviving over the long haul because the main office often provides expert help for franchisees. While not all franchises will provide personnel for management problems - many do. This gives you access to people trained by your particular franchise who are able to provide you with workable solutions in your business. In addition to that help, you may also have access to other franchisees that have faced similar experiences or problems. A new business startup, however, may not have that opportunity.
A Franchise Makes Materials Available for You
One more definite advantage of a franchise investment is that you are walking into a highly developed business. You are given a supply chain with pre-made printed materials and supplies, as well as being able to get them at a discount price. You also have proven products, a brand name, packaging, and marketing materials supplied for your business.
Many franchise businesses will also help you choose the building location and may even provide you with building plans that only need minor modifications for your location. Some companies will also give you many thousands of dollars in equipment or furniture to get your business going.
A Franchise Wants You to Succeed
Another advantage of a franchise investment is that the main office wants to see you become successful. While they must make sure you promote their brand their way, they also want to make sure your business thrives. They know very well that your success also ensures their own.
When you start a new franchise, you may also have the opportunity to start more than one. In fact, some of them will demand that you do so. This gives you an open door to not only have one business - but several; and many of them will also give you protected territories, too, thereby giving you no limit to how much success your new franchise business can have.
If you have a great business idea, and it's all your own, then go for it. Few things in life are as satisfying as turning a good idea into a successful business. But sometimes it's best not to 'recreate the wheel' and instead capitalize on someone else's great idea. Consider starting a franchise as an alternative to the ground-up approach. Learn more about franchises from Lisa Jenkins on JobMonkey, a free careers website. She explains how franchises work and how to analyze myriad opportunities. Learn about franchise disclosure documents, business and marketing plans, and find out which franchises are the best - from ice cream and pizza to sandwiches and coffee houses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Jenkins
Author: Lisa Jenkins