How to Research Low Cost Franchises

There are many franchise opportunities for people with small budgets. A low cost franchise does not necessarily mean a business with low income potential. Trawling through the franchise market, I have discovered that some of the best franchises only need a small initial outlay.

In some cases it is possible to recover the entire franchise fee in the first year of trading. With many of these businesses, you do not need any premises as you can work from home. This greatly reduces overheads and enables you to reach profitability very quickly.

Another very important benefit of low cost franchises is that some of them can be run full time or part time. This is ideal for people who do not have large monthly outlays and only require a small income to supplement their existing business. Just be very careful when analyzing any new business opportunity. If you cannot see a market for the product then it probably does not exist!

One low cost franchise opportunity specializes in cleaning carpets. They use extra powerful industrial vacuum cleaners to remove 80 percent of the dirt and dust in carpets before applying specialist chemicals which dissolves most of the oily and greasy particles that still remain. Their specialist equipment then removes almost all of the fluids used in the cleaning process. This means that your carpet is bone dry within a couple of hours.

Householders benefit because they get their carpets cleaned to a high professional standard at a reasonable cost. This then leads to repeat business possibly every couple of years for the franchisee and his reputation spreads quickly by word of mouth. The franchisee also benefits from professionally created marketing material including leaflets and business cards.

This business also benefits from positive cash flow as the franchisee gets paid for his work on completion and he receives generous term from his suppliers for his cleaning materials. The ideal franchisee for this company is a person who is still relatively strong and does not mind the hard physical work involved.

Another franchise for people with low budgets specialize in bringing single people together. Again this business can be managed from home. The franchisee has to follow a predefined local marketing programs that generates enquiries. This is then followed by a professional consultation so that a suitable match can be found.

This franchise requires people who have decent communication skills and are very presentable. This business is ideal for people who sincerely like to help other people and do not mind networking. The one downfall of this business is that if you do your job properly then you will not get any repeat business although you might get referrals!

Another interesting business opportunity is providing asset finance (lease & hire purchase) to local businesses. Again you do not need expensive premises (and can possibly work from home) but an aptitude for basic arithmetic definitively helps. If you already have many business contacts then this might be right up your street!

This business targets a very specific niche in business and has well proven marketing strategies to help you identify your most lucrative clients. The best factor in this business is that you can generate a lot of repeat business with the same client and if the business is handled correctly then most of your new clients will be generated by referrals.

In this type of business you will most definitely have to be prepared to learn new skills and some cold calling is required. From the point of initial contact to actually generating new business might take months and in some cases years. Patience is a virtue in this business.

My advice to anyone thinking of buying a franchise is:

-Do not just think about the earning potential.

-Find a business that suits your personality and lifestyle.

-Always take professional advice before embarking on a new business.

-Be prepared to “go back to school” and learn new skills.

In short, if you have a small budget, are prepared to learn new skills and choose the right niche, then one of these opportunities could work for you.

David Schwartz of Franchise Clique Announces New Daniel Island Headquarters to Accommodate Increased Growth

Charleston, SC (May 31, 2018)— Franchise Clique, LLC, a leading franchise recruitment and lead generation company serving the franchise industry, today announced it has moved into new corporate offices at 133 River Landing Drive in Daniel Island’s growing business district to accommodate rapid company growth.

Franchise Clique was founded in 2009 in Charleston, South Carolina. The company offers lead generation and business development services for franchises and businesses of all kinds. It is privately held and boasts that its leadership team has decades of combined experience in lead generation.

Franchise Clique, LLC New Corporate Headquarters

“Going into our tenth year this is a monumental time for Franchise Clique and is the start to large company improvements that have the staff and customers eager to benefit from the unique opportunities this expansion provides,” said Franchise Clique Chief Executive Officer David Schwartz. “Franchise Clique’s new office space provides an updated and healthier work environment for existing and incoming employees while also leaving room for even greater company growth in the future.”

The new space reflects Franchise Clique’s proactive company goals that are meant to bring customers top-notch service while maintaining a high level of efficiency.  The new location is near Daniel Island’s public dock and walking/biking trails which are walking distance from multiple restaurants and shops.  The new office provides each employee with a personal office space which is a drastic improvement from the cubicle-style space from before.

FranServe: Get To Know The Fast-Growing Firm

FranServe is currently one of the largest and fastest growing franchise marketing, consulting and development firms in the franchising industry. With over 250 active affiliated consultants located throughout the US, Canada and Internationally, FranServe’s consultants are discussing franchise opportunities with thousands of potential franchise buyers each month. FranServe boasts a corporate team of industry experts with over 100 years of combined experience in the franchise industry.

FranServe’s Mission
FranServe seeks to “help others achieve their dreams of business ownership through franchising. [Their] professional consultants work with prospects every day that are in the market for a career change and who desire business ownership opportunities. They assist clients in identifying and exploring ideal franchise opportunities that meet each candidate’s professional and personal goals as well as helping them access the capital to own and operate that franchise.”

FranServe consultants are among the best in the industry. All FranServe consultants receive extensive training and support. With a wide range of marketing strategies, FranServe provides consultants with prospective franchise buyers to determine financial qualifications, strengths, goals, market demographics, desired lifestyle and more to help identify and explore potential franchise opportunities.

Interested in learning more? Check out http://franserve.com/

Perks of Being a Gymboree Franchisee!

For over 30 years, Gymboree Play & Music’s carefully crafted programs have been helping both parents and children to grow young minds. The company has continually developed classes and program content to incorporate cutting edge learning and fitness activities. They strive to bring fun, creativity and friendship to both customers and franchisees alike.

There are more than 700 Gymboree franchises in over 40 countries. As the creator and leader in interactive children’s play, music, art and development programs, Gymboree Play & Music built a business system with an unequalled reputation. The company’s unique approach has created a loyal customer base that continues to grow worldwide. Gymboree franchisees also have the advantage of being part of a rapidly growing Gymboree brand. Gymboree is quickly expanding in U.S. markets and opening new franchises all over the world.  Some existing locations are also for sale.

Want the details?

Key markets are available in the US and internationally.

Gymboree Play & Music Center
Franchise Fee: $45,000
Royalty: 6% of gross receipts
Estimated total investment: $126,000-$270,950

Gymboree Metro Play Center
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty: 6% of gross receipts
Estimated total investment: $77,000- $178,350
If you are interested in learning more, contact us here.

Marketing to the “20-Somethings” of the World

I have been reading recently about a hot topic in marketing and advertising – targeting the Millennial generation. Who is the Millennial generation, you may ask? While there has been some debate over when the generation starts and stops, generally, it is considered those born between 1977 and 1995. Larger than the baby boomers’ 76 million, there are an estimated 80 million Millennials in this group of 18 to 34 year olds.

So from a marketing perspective, how do we target this generation of people ranging from college students to young parents? First off, we must recognize that most Millennials are technology dependent. There are several tips that Susan Glosby from FIT4MOM offered in this past month’s issue of Franchising World magazine offers some advice.

1. Offer ease of access to your information

Most Millennials use their smartphones and other similar electronic devices to access webpages. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and is easy to read for those accessing info via a smartphone. Additionally, make sure you have all the information people are seeking on your site – contact information, sales information, costs of goods – if they can’t find it quickly, they may take their business elsewhere.

2. A sense of involvement and purpose

Millennials are said to care about the purpose and identity of the brands they support more than generations of the past. What does your brand do to make the world a better place? This generation wants to know. Do you promote local volunteering with your franchisees and employees? Do you help educate your community? Do you donate to certain causes as a company? They want to know those things, and are more likely to be a repeat customer if your ideals are in line with their own.

3. Peer value

Use social media to provide peer endorsements! Millennials have the sense that when using technology, they are never truly alone – their peers are always with them. Having Instagram tags, a Facebook page, a twitter account, allows this generation to easily do some of the advertising for you among their friends.

 

What other ways can we appeal to our 20-somethings? Leave your marketing tips in the comments below!

Franchise Profile: Baskin Robbins

Are you looking for a cool franchising opportunity?

Named “#1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Franchise” by Entrepreneur Magazine, Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream shops. Baskin Robbins has developed over the years to  offer ice cream and frozen desserts with creative cones, unique cakes, specialty desserts, frozen beverages and take-home treats. They also offer BRight Choices®, a line of better-for-you options including fat-free, dairy-free, no sugar added and light ice creams.

Reasons to Invest

  • Simplistic operations with convenient operating hours
  • Multiple revenue streams – in-store, take home, cakes and beverages
  • 95% brand awareness with a multi-million dollar national advertising program
  • Flexible real estate options
  • First-rate product innovation and new product pipeline
  • World-class training and support

Baskin Robbins can be opened in a traditional storefront with a floor plan usually between 800-1,500 square feet, or in non-traditional venues such as gas and convenient stores, universities, airports, mall food courts, and stadiums. To learn more about Baskin Robbins and available franchising opportunities, check out Baskin Robbins over on Franchise Clique.

CarePatrol Franchising System Grows

CarePatrol, the pioneer of the senior living placement industry, recently bought their competitor, Assisted Transition. CarePatrol, founded in 1995 by a social worker after observing the personal trauma experienced by a family whose loved one had been placed in the wrong type of assisted living facility, today helps families make safe choices for their loved ones across the United States.

The recent deal will give CarePatrol approximately 150 franchises by the end of the year, after converting about 60 into the CarePatrol system. CEO Chuck Bongiovanni is excited for this purchase and transition for the company. With his social worker background, he prides himself in using the social work model to clients at CarePatrol. Client phone calls are answered by Master’s level social workers, rather than “the typical call center employees.”

Franchisees must receive their national certification as a certified senior advisor to maintain their franchise license. The purchase makes CarePatrol 10 times larger than their nearest competitor in the assisted living placement industry.

Want to learn more about CarePatrol? Learn more over on our site!

Virtual Expo Asks the Tough Question: Is Business Ownership Right for You?

North America’s Leading Career and Franchise Business Coaching Company, The Entrepreneur’s Source®, Fuels Dreams of Business Ownership with “Start a Business Weekend” Virtual Franchise Expo July 25-27

The nation’s leading career and franchise business coaching network, The Entrepreneur’s Source® is hosting its virtual Start a Business Weekend® expo July 25-27, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT. The virtual expo offers current and aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to explore business opportunities and gain advice from experts – all from the comfort of their home or office.

The Start a Business Weekend expo allows attendees to “walk” into a digital Exhibit Hall and visit the booths of more than 90 of the nation’s hottest franchise concepts. Participants can chat live with representatives about a variety of different franchise brands, learn how to finance their new business, attend keynote presentations, and download informational resources. Business coaches from The Entrepreneur’s Source will be available to help would-be entrepreneurs determine if business ownership is right for them. After attending a Start a Business Weekend expo, 95 percent of participants end up discovering options they admittedly would have never looked at on their own or would have previously dismissed.

 

“Many people would love to start their own business, especially with the job market moving towards part-time work. The problem is, many people don’t know where to start or are unsure of the skills needed to run a business,” said Brian Miller, COO of The Entrepreneur’s Source. “Our free Start a Business Weekend expo asks the hard hitting question: is business ownership right for you? By the end of the three day event, participants will have that question answered and the tools and guidance necessary to start their entrepreneurial journey.”

 

The Entrepreneur’s Source has more than 30 years of experience in helping make franchisors and their franchisees more profitable. With more than 230 offices in the United States, Canada and the UK, the company presents prospective franchisees with new business opportunities that complement their goals, needs and expectations, while delivering franchisors the right individuals to grow their concepts. Additionally, the company also offers business-coaching services to help franchisees advance, improve efficiency and increase the return on the investment made on their franchise business.

 

Registration for the SABW Expo is currently open, with no registration fee, at www.StartABusinessWeekend.com. For more information about The Entrepreneur’s Source and business coaching support, visit http://www.entrepreneurssource.com/.

 

About The Entrepreneur’s Source
The Entrepreneur’s Source is North America’s leading career and franchise Business Coaching Company dedicated to the entrepreneur, with more than 230 offices in the United States, Canada, and the UK. Dominating the $1.5 billion dollar Business Coaching/Consulting franchise market in North America, the company offers a full range of services to individuals seeking alternate career options and to franchise businesses looking to increase performance. For more information about The Entrepreneur’s Source, please visit http://www.EntrepreneursSource.com/

 

The Entrepreneur’s Source and Start a Business Weekend are trademarks of TES Franchising, LLC.  All rights reserved.

What Will They Think of Next?

Did you think that cupcakes were the only weird thing found in vending machines? Well, think again. A British company has recently sold rights to two American women to own and operate a new vending machine in America according to the Washington Post. This vending machine distributes ballet flats for women who are fed up with their 6″ heels. You can find the vending machine, called Rollasole, outside of nightclubs in Vegas and L.A.

The two American girls found that they had been beaten to the punch with this shoe vending business opportunity, but found that they could buy the rights to operate Rollasoles in America. So that’s exactly what they did. Ashley Ross and Lindsay Klimitz are now making women’s feet happy out west. I hope they will be a great success, as the flats are not only cute, but affordable, at $20 a pop.