Archive for May, 2007

Financing options to start a Franchise

Thursday, May 31st, 2007

Entrepreneurs don’t need huge amounts to start a franchise, what they need is the right source of funding. The best is to get hold of a coach who shall explain how to get your franchise invested by serious outside investors. When one is seeking money for his\her franchise, you should keep in mind that financing a franchise may not be easy but if you know what the lenders really want you will soon be on the right track. It is really tough to find franchises that finance, finding cash may be a problem as well but five common resources can help you. Tips you get from online sites which help you handling real life scenarios while investigating and investing for a franchise. • Certain rules and regulations set by the government ensure that the franchisees rights are ensured while investing. So you are not entirely on your own. • You can consult for legal advice from LLCs and corporations who know the best for you before you buy a franchise. • If you plan to take a loan you should be well aware of the terms and conditions as default cases are hugely common these days. • For the starters who even have before hand management and industry experience the starting capital may be a problem. An understanding and industrious franchiser can be a solution to your problem.

Things to check out before you start a franchise

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

For entrepreneurs countless business opportunities are available these days. For a start those who want to make a mark in business, franchise operation can be a great option. To hit an instant success a number of things have to be kept in mind. When eyeing a franchise your consideration should surely include BRAND-RECOGNITION, MANAGERIAL FREEDOM and FRANCHISE-RELATED EXPENSES.A franchise is a luring option because it has the unique advantage of pre-established brand recognition. This helps in a faster customer base and rising profit margins than an unknown business. However the same brand name can be a source of additional problems. Problems at one particular franchise location can affect the goodwill of all the other branches though that maybe a specific problem (like food contamination).

If you are a complete fresher with no experience

National franchisers provide managerial training and ongoing support to all new franchisees. This will surely appeal to all you business owners who really want to learn how to run a business. Adding to that is the ever constant presence of the national franchiser; you can always seek for uniform guidelines for help in marketing and operating decisions. Such guidelines can both help new owners as well as those who fail to follow those may have to pay fines and also be subjected to loss of franchise rights. Many entrepreneurs may find these rules real restrictive and prefer to start of freely with the creativity of a venture from the scrap

Initial investment

Initial costs can be huge with overwhelming preliminary fees. There maybe additional costs of annual royalty payments and advertising expenses .You entrepreneurs may also have to invest in legal advice help understand your rights and responsibilities under a franchise agreement .In terms of capital investments your franchise fee will be determined by the profits you receive .They can range from $4000-$20,000 and sometimes even up to $50,000. In addition to this the onetime charge that a franchisor may seek for using the business concept, attending their training programs, learning the entire business with an on going royalty may range from 3 to 8 percent.

Some of the other costs associated with franchise include-location costs, equipments signs, opening inventory, and working capital and advertising fees.

7 Tips For Skyrocketing Your Franchise’s Profit Potential

Monday, May 28th, 2007

1. Starting with the right definition. He suggests both being realistic and thinking in terms of the Return on Investment (ROI) of your capital outlay.

2. Starting with the right opportunity. Elgin says it’s essential to select an opportunity that “matches up well with you, in which you are willing and capable of performing the primary role of the franchisee.” He cites a franchise that cleans public restrooms, contending that this can be an intensely profitable business with a great return on investment, but only if the franchisee can project the excitement and enthusiasm, and not embarrassment, at cleaning urinals for a living.

3. Keeping the investment size reasonable. Elgin suggests researching thoroughly to locate an opportunity where the per-unit investment is reasonable given your net worth and liquid capital available.

4. Reinvesting to achieve your absolute goal. In other words, think big: “If you find an opportunity that fits well for you and has a great return on investment, and you’ve got your first unit up and making a lot of money, you can reach your absolute number goal by acquiring additional units.”

5. Following the system. A common complaint of franchisors is franchisees who mare willing to pay them large franchise fees, then unwilling to follow the advice the franchisor provides.  For best results, pick a good system and then follow it.

6. Capitalizing your business properly. According to Elgin, “there are many ways to capitalize your new business, including using all cash or using some portion of your cash combined with loans or leases to come up with the total investment. Most franchisees use a combination approach.” He cautions would-be franchise owners that the service costs of loans or leases will reduce the amount of money they’ll have for other purposes. Too much leverage, he contends, can be very dangerous.

7. Working with a good accountant. Elgin strongly suggests using a good accountant to help you structure your business entity and ongoing activities in a manner that reduces the tax burden. As you’ll learn, there’s can be a big difference between the money you bring in and the money you can take home.  A good accountant can help minimize the difference.