A Window of Opportunity – What is Franchising?

A Window of Opportunity – What is Franchising?

Off By Ed Hanna

A franchise is a great way to get into business without many of the complexities and worries of setting up alone. Lisa Stead of Shuttercraft goes into more detail in this first of a series of four articles, explaining the principles of franchising. She believes that it’s a great way to get started, but that it’s not for everyone.

So what is a franchise?
Effectively, it’s a brand and business toolkit with ongoing support. At Shuttercraft, we have a network of over thirty franchisees, each of whom runs a business fitting top quality shutters and blinds in people’s homes and businesses. We help them to be successful by ensuring they have the best products at their disposal, that they’re trained to sell effectively, as well as to measure and fit the product to exacting standards, and equally importantly, to grow their business, hiring a team and to develop in management.

There’s also a great support team, which builds and maintains their websites, helps them with financial and legal matters, and delivers the all-important leads that develop into sales. A tried and tested model takes much of the worry away, particularly in the early months when marketing is gaining momentum, and you need the reassurance. A good franchise team will ensure you can plan rather than fret.

Great customer service
That’s not to say it’s easy. We choose potential franchisees who are ready and willing to learn, to trust the model and the experts, and who want to be in business rather than being content to be a self-employed fitter. We build the model and our franchisees implement it in their franchise areas. They need to be prepared to offer great customer service and keep control of their admin using the industry-leading tools we provide.

So what’s next? 
Do your homework! Ask yourself how you feel about running your own business and what sort it should be. Read about different franchise types (look at the BFA, Point Franchise and What Franchise websites), brands and business models and ask your friends and family about how suited they think you are to the opportunity. When you’ve done all that, call us for a chat. Your window of opportunity could be open!

Shuttercraft
www.shuttercraft.co.uk

The British Franchise Association (Bfa)
www.thebfa.org

Point Franchise
www.pointfranchise.co.uk

What Franchise
www.what-franchise.com