Franchise bashing Posted by Matthew

I no longer contribute on the UK Business Forums - So instead of writing about something there in reply to a post, I am going to write here.

This is my reply to the thread found HERE

Having read through the replies to the post, I would most certainly say that some people have been rude, perhaps rude is too strong a word though, perhaps simply "jumping on the franchise bashing bandwagon" would be a better way of putting it.  I have heard over and over again from the uneducated that "anyone can set up this business idea, much cheaper than franchising" etc.

Of course they can, but having the backing of an already successful company behind them + the infrastructure they have in place, can and does help many a person get into business, regardless of the industry.

Anyone could set up a burgershop - or buy a McDonalds.

Anyone could set up a shop selling tyres - or buy a Kwikfit.

It really does not matter, it is about weighing up the pros and cons of setting it up yourself or buying a franchise with much of the prep work done for you.

Having looked over the website of: http://www.ninasnanniesforpets.co.uk/ I have came to several conclusions.

1. They are in an excellent position to franchise.
   
   
2. They have done fantastic marketing.
   
   
3. They have the right attitude to franchising.
   
   
4. They could potentially help others do what they do, at a profit.

However if you listen to all the naysayers at the UK Business Forums, you would get a different picture.  Things are said like:

• "What a silly idea, I've heard it all now, a pet sitting franchise, whatever next"

• "Oh anyone could set up a business for pet sitting, why pay a franchise fee for a logo and some brochures"

However had these people done their research they would have seen an excellent website full of content, with a lovely lady running it and offering pet sitting services all over the country, most certainly someone who would turn out to be an ethical franchisor.

They would have noticed that this site is no1 in Google for "Pet Sitting" and various other phrases, meaning that they gain good website traffic for people looking to use their services and have an excellent platform to really boost their franchisees.

Of course people can go and get this type of presence for themselves, but it took this lady 12 years of hard work.  If you want to go into business by yourself then you need to have the time, devotion, finances and ideas to make it all work.  12 years worth in this case.

What you are buying IF you bought a franchise from nannies for pets, and IF they do franchise their business, is 12 years of experience and all the infrastructure that comes with a successful business.

One of the main problems with forums such as UK Business Forums is that you never hear from Happy Franchisees, only Unhappy Ex-Franchisees who want to make people aware of the problems they have had in franchising.  Of course every other forum member sides with the unhappy ex franchisee and over time the whole forum is one of franchise bashing when the subject arises.

Personally I wish nannies for pets all the best if they franchise their business, and I do not believe that they deserved a bashing at the hands of the internet forum trolls residing under the bridge of UK Business Forums.