MARIA JENILEEN CORDERO-ALANO

For those contemplating franchising a business, particularly as we step into a new annum, this piece can act as a valuable guidepost towards making the decisive leap towards owning a franchised endeavor.

Reflections Before Venturing into Franchising

A stable income source might be on your mind, but setting up something from scratch can be daunting. Thus, a plethora of individuals consider commencing their journey via franchising, feeling it gives them a competitive edge. But how to take off? It’s imperative to take certain aspects into account before settling on the option of running a franchise.

– Every business involves potential hazards. Are you ready to stake your finances in business? Reflecting on past instances where money-management decisions were required could provide insight into your readiness for this significant commitment.

– As a franchisee, adherence to specified protocols stipulated in the agreement is mandated. Are you alright with abiding by the set terms and conditions, thereby sustaining the franchisor’s business standards?

– Prior to franchising, you might need a bit of self-analysis. Can you adhere to rules? If not, this might be a signal that franchising might not be your cup of tea.

– A simple calculation: ASSETS – LIABILITIES = NETWORTH
Some franchisors might have a particular net worth prerequisite, which might not be a concern unless you’re venturing into a smaller business.

– To choose the right franchise, emphasizing your skills and aptitude can equip you with much-needed tools to grow the business, rather than just picking a franchise blindly.

– Questions related to revenue might not be directly addressed by your franchisor. Hence, consulting with current franchisees might offer a clearer perspective, aiding you in deciding whether the selected franchise aligns with your goals and your capability.

– If the idea of owning a franchise has been festering for some time, mapping out a business blueprint might be beneficial, especially if you are considering taking a loan.

Banks often require future projections and your overall business game plan.

Perks of Possessing a Franchise Business

Possessing a franchised enterprise does come with fair advantages, which might motivate you to prefer it over launching your own business.

– Aligning with a recognized brand lends you leverage.

– A franchisor provides a ready-to-start business template, eliminating worries concerning business initiation. As a franchisee, your responsibility lies in implementing the stipulations mentioned in the agreement.

– You won’t have to fret over necessary equipment as they’re included in the franchise fee.

– Acquiring supplies from the franchisor is cost-effective due to the discounts they might have secured, which can be passed onto the franchisees.

– Financing becomes smoother as franchisors often have established relationships with lenders. These lenders view franchises as a reputable brand’s referral, which carries more weight than a lone, budding entrepreneur.

– Notable brands never miss an opportunity to grow their presence. They provide marketing and advertising support, which would require a monthly payment from each franchisee.

– While the ROI for your own business may span anywhere between 5-7 years, for an established brand, the projection could be 2-3 years.

– Franchisors arrange seminars and training for franchisees to better equip them for the business journey.

– As a franchisee, you don’t have to labor over creating new products or market expansion strategies. The franchisors take care of this and might request franchisees to test out new concepts.

– Franchisors have dedicated personnel to scout ideal locations for franchises, leaving you free from the stress of finding the perfect location.

– In the unlikely event of business discontinuation after the contract term, the franchisee has the option to resell the franchise to the franchisor. This could ease the transition process.

Finally, deciding to embark on a franchised venture could be a salve for current financial hardships. However, it’s crucial to discern which business suits your needs. Armed with adequate knowledge and sufficient financial prowess, you could already be on the pathway to realizing your dream. It’s all about taking that first step.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!