Why a Mobile Franchise Could be a Smart Way to Start a Business
If you are sick of staring at the same four walls, seeing the same people, and sitting at a desk for 40 or more hours a week and want to start your own business, owning a mobile franchise could just be the right thing for you. Franchising is an effective alternative to DIY start-ups. A mobile franchise allows owners to have a flexible schedule and proven business structure.
Benefits:
Many people are ditching their current jobs to start their own business and many are choosing a Mobile Franchise because of all the benefits you can get from not just being an employee at a company or starting a business from scratch.
- Strong Customer Relationship– When you own a mobile franchise, you travel to your customers so, you start to gain trust with quickly. Not only does a mobile franchise allow you to get to know your customer, but it provides an opportunity to better understand their concerns and interests. Strong customer relationships will increase your sales and provide you with an opportunity to up-sell.
- Flexible Work Hours– Everyone loves to design their own work schedule based on their lives. If you are a mobile franchise owner, you get to pick your own hours and set your own schedule. That gives you the freedom to manage your family needs, school work, holidays, and even other jobs.
- Be your Own Boss– Being your own boss can be very rewarding because you’re in charge. Because the majority of the time a mobile franchise is managed by one or two people, so instead of worrying about employees, you can focus on building your business. In some cases, you may have multiple units which require the addition of employees. Additionally, you might want to consider having a few employees so you can take a day off now and then. However, you won’t find yourself bogged down with a huge payroll.
- Exposure– With a mobile business you aren’t tied down to a single store location where you have to wait for the customers to come to you. Your wheels are your business. When traveling from one site to another you are marketing your business. The more units you have on the road, the more visible you are to customers. For example, if you are running a food truck business, you won’t be stuck in one location. Your restaurant can move to where the customers are.
- Low startup costs– Many mobile franchises have a very low initial investment making it affordable to get into the business. Furthermore, when you purchase a mobile franchise you have essentials you need to be successful. It’s sort of like a business in a box. You’ll have a blue print to follow an assistance from the franchisor so you don’t have to do it alone.
Red Flags
As attractive as a mobile franchise can be, not all are smart bets. There are some things that you should be aware of if you are thinking about buying a mobile franchise.
- Hidden costs– Make sure that you do your research and know exactly what you are getting for your money. You want to make sure that you have a full understanding of all of the costs you might incur when starting a mobile franchise unit.
- Territories– You want to be able to understand the market size you are serving in your area. If the area that you are starting in is so compressed that the market could be limited, you might not receive enough customers to maintain your business. Consider the area that you live in and the industry that you wish to serve and to keep your business successful.
- Local ordinances– Be aware of any local ordinances that could affect your business. For example, there may be restrictions on parking your mobile franchise. It is important to learn about these issues before you get started.
There are numerous mobile franchises available. To give you an idea, here are just a few.
*Budget Blinds is a mobile franchise that business that specializes in window covering across the entire United States and Canada. There is a minimum $40,000 cash required but that includes everything that you need to get started. There is financing from the company and they provide training and a home-based opportunity.
*Mosquito Minus is a premier insect control business. They offer customers three type of service which includes: yard barrier treatment programs, special event treatments, and commercial applications. They provide their customers with a safe and cost-effective method of getting rid of mosquitoes. Mosquito Minus has opportunities available across the entire United States, with only a $499 minimum cash requirement. There is financing that is available but through a third party. Mosquito Minus also offers training.
You can start a mobile franchise in almost anything that you are interested in – from owning a food truck to cleaning carpets, repairing screens, hairstyling, and more. Before you buy a mobile franchise make sure you choose the industry that is going to be the most enjoyable for you. It is important that you enjoy the type of work you are doing, or you could find yourself with more stress.
Madison Cottone is a student at Southern New Hampshire University majoring in Business Administration with a minor in math and marketing. She has a passion for helping under privileged children and spent her recent spring break in Nicaragua teaching English as a second language. She is also the head coordinator of a community service program that incoming freshman move in a week early to get involved in the community and also have a passion for service.