Franchising continues to evolve from its original model of fast-casual dining restaurants, with cutting-edge technology opportunities such as cloud-computing businesses now available for willing entrepreneurs. However, one recent shift in the franchising industry has been from the high expense of brick-and-mortar locations to flexible, and lower-cost mobile operations.
Mobile businesses were once only reserved for businesses owned by plumbers, electricians, handymen, etc. But today, they have gone far beyond the reach of that realm to include mobile bicycle repair, food trucks, mobile pet grooming, and mobile cleaning businesses, to name just a few.
As these businesses have grown, it has become clear that mobile franchises are not merely add-on services. They have uncovered a demand for customers who want to have services brought directly to their doorsteps. Bearing that in mind, what are the additional benefits of taking on a mobile franchise business opportunity?
1. Lower Startup Costs Than Traditional Franchise Opportunity
Many of the highest-performing franchise businesses require hefty franchise fees coupled with the expenses of securing a lease on a location and a store build-outs. The costs of starting a mobile operation are much lower. They have a much shorter ramp-up timing, and once the vehicle has been “wrapped” in company branding, franchisees are ready to start their business.
2. Flexible Working arrangement for Franchisees
One of the most significant benefits associated with taking on a mobile franchise is that franchisees can set their own hours and schedules. This is the complete opposite for those who operate traditional franchise stores, because they must follow set operating hours to fall in line with national operating standards as part of their franchise agreement.
With a mobile franchise, you, as the owner, decide the best times for visiting your customers. Better yet, you can arrange your day to accommodate other activities and essential responsibilities, such as child care needs or school events. In short, if you need a flexible business model, a mobile franchise opportunity does it better than any other.
3. Easier Expansion
Once you’ve invested the required capital into your mobile franchise and you’re starting to see some initial success, expanding your business to achieve economies of scale is also much less cost-prohibitive than within traditional franchise models.
All you need is to secure another vehicle, perhaps hire a few more critical employees, and suddenly the capacity of your business has doubled for an investment that’s a fraction of your initial outlay. Within a few years, you could have multiple vans and employees working under you, turning over millions of dollars per year.
– Sue Bennett, Certified Franchise Consultant
Sue Bennett, CFE, CFC; Co-owner of FranFinders, a Franchise Consultancy and Funding Company, with her husband Rob, since May 2008. They have helped hundreds of clients create wealth through franchise ownership. For more information, visit www.franfinders.com.