You have a business that you would like to grow. It can help make other lives better by making your service or product available to them while allowing franchisees to be an employer in their own right using your business model. But there are a lot of things that go into franchising.
It sounds simple enough-you sell someone your business idea by telling them it works for you. Then you share everything you know with them, and even give them leads on your suppliers so that they can make a deal themselves (or you can earn extra income by becoming a middleman between your supplier and your franchisee). However, there is a lot more that goes into it.
A Customer Base
First of all, you need to make sure that you have a customer base. The people in the area of the franchise will be exposed to your brand name. You should make sure that they are interested in the product or service by entering the market at the right time and at the right location.
Even though you have had success in your business, there is no guarantee that your franchisee will be just as successful. Researching to make sure that there is a market in the area proposed by your franchisee should help. It will save you and your franchisee time and money before setting up if there is no need for your project.
If there is a demand, you can capitalize off of it by entering with the right first impression. As you know, customers that review businesses can make or break profits. That is why you and your franchisee need to listen to what they need, and take the necessary action to maintain quality control.
Quality Control over Franchisee
Having quality control over your franchisees is one of the crucial business lessons taught from the McDonald’s case study. The McDonald brothers wanted to keep an eye over each franchisee because they were afraid of any smear to their brand name. They were just starting, and keeping a good brand image was key for their and their franchisee’s success.
Some things they focused on were the cleanliness of the restaurants, the efficiency of the food service, and the quality and contents of the food served. In the film, “The Founder,” McDonald’s franchisees were not the best at first. Some of them added different items to the menu and did not keep the restaurant tidy. It was later decided that franchisees would be screened before handing over everything the brothers worked hard for. In the same way, you need to make sure that your franchisee can keep up with the standard that your original business provides.
Equipment for Transport
Along with screening your franchisees, you need to be able to transport your products to your franchisee no matter how far they are. Making sure that you have the right equipment to help them get there will be crucial to make sure that the quality of the product and service you provide does not get marred.
For example, if you are transporting sauces that need to stay warm, you need to have efficient drum heaters. You already know that it is important to make investments to make the business model work. Your product can spoil along the way, and the customer is going to have an unpleasant experience when they finally get to try it.
Steady Franchiser and Franchisee Relationship
To avoid any difficulties in maintaining your business’s good image, you need to provide constant support to your franchisee. You should be able to answer any question they have that can help them meet the standards you have set. Whether it is to fix the lights or send supplies when they need it, you have to stick to your terms of the agreement so that the franchisee can provide their services as best as they can.
Furthermore, providing support to your franchisee can encourage loyalty and newcomers to feel comfortable with the business model. It will be a matter of entrepreneurs supporting each other. It can be exhausting to be in constant communication but having the extra help to allow your venture to reach new locations and grow your venture.
Starting a business empire is never easy. Businesses require attention and all the tender love and care from you and your franchisees to grow. It is going to be a challenge that can greatly benefit your pockets in the future. Focus on your goals, whatever they are, and you are sure to get there with a great team behind you.
