Featured Franchises
Primary industry: Domestic Cleaning
Minimum investment level: £7,995
Primary industry: Local Internet Directory
Minimum investment level: £9,950
Primary industry: Recruitment of ex-Forces
Minimum investment level: £15,500
Primary industry: Domestic Cleaning Agency
Minimum investment level: £8,246
Primary industry: Lawn Care
Minimum investment level: £6,900
Primary industry: Estate Agency Sign Management
Minimum investment level: £10,000
Primary industry: Weddings and events
Minimum investment level: £9,995
Primary industry: care and buety producs
Minimum investment level: £17,500
Primary industry: Internet
Minimum investment level: £1,000
Primary industry: Mobile car valeting
Minimum investment level: £7,000
Primary industry: signs and graphics
Minimum investment level: £35,000
Primary industry: Business Development
Minimum investment level: £3,500
Primary industry: Accountancy
Minimum investment level: £30,000
Primary industry: Property services
Minimum investment level: £5,000
Primary industry: Photography
Minimum investment level: £46,000
Primary industry: Professional Domestic Cleaning
Minimum investment level: £16,975
10 Points to Consider Before Buying a Franchise
- Take a critical look at your strengths and weaknesses - do you have the room for growth, attitude and business expertise to run your own business? Marketing and selling skills are becoming more important when considering a franchise.
- Do you have the support of your family - the increased demands on your time may increase friction within the family unit.
- Choose some existing franchises and franchisees to talk to by looking at websites like www.SelectYourFranchise.com. Ask how the franchisee's businesses are performing and how the franchisor is assisting them in terms of service and support.
- If the franchise is new, check they have already tried and tested a pilot programme, how long did it run for, what did it achieve in terms of growth and return on investment? If there was no pilot run, how does the franchisor know the franchise and therefore will you be successful?
- Examine how well known the franchise and its service/product are. A good reputation is a head start in business.
- Look at the market as a whole - find out who your competitors are and look at their strength in the marketplace.
- Review the costs carefully, pay close attention to the the initial franchise fee and any additional monthly management costs, and whether they are reasonable and value for money. Will the margins be sufficient to support the business after payment of regular fees to the franchisor? As a guide, the average franchise fee is