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Setting up Franchisee

Tracey Furey is managing director at FDS, Dubai and a specialist in strategic marketing, brand building, and business development activities, in both owner-operated and franchise formats. Tracey has a wealth of international experience fused with over 15 years of Middle East exposure and has become a regional expert and advises both the private and public sectors. A graduate of the CDT in Retail and Distributive Trades, Tracey has developed business operational systems for distinguished brands such as Next PLC, Mexx BV, Jacadi, Beverley Hills Polo Club. Under her leadership, FDS Dubai has helped numerous companies in the development of a Franchise formula and other business strategy issues, including Magrudy’s, Saj Express, and Waseet.

Tracey outlines the numerous benefits of owning a franchise suggesting that becoming a franchisor could be the fastest and least risky way of setting – up a new business of choice.

Lower Failure Rate
When you buy a franchise, you are buying an established concept that has been successful. Statistics show that franchisees stand a much better chance of success than people who start independent businesses; independent businesses stand a 70 to 80 percent chance of NOT surviving the first few critical years while franchisees have an 80 percent chance of surviving (Michael M.Coltman, Franchising in Canada: Pros and Cons, Self-Coursel Press).
Help with Start Up and Beyond
You get a lot of help starting your business and running it afterwards. Many franchises are, in fact, turnkey operations. When you buy a franchise, you get all the equipment, supplies and instruction or training needed to start the business. In many cases, you also get ongoing training, and help with management and marketing. Your franchise will reap the benefit of the parent company’s national marketing campaigns, for instance.
Buying Power
Your franchise will benefit from the collective buying power of the parent company as the franchisor can afford to buy in bulk and pass the savings along to franchisees. Inventory and supplies will cost less than if you were running an independent company.
Star Power
Many well-known franchises have national brand-name recognition. Buying a franchise can be like buying a business with built-in customers.
Profits - A franchise business can be immensely profitable. (Think of Macdonalds and Tim Hortons, for instance.
A Springboard to Entrepreneurship
Buying a franchise allows you to become an entrepreneur in less time, limiting the multiple barriers first-time business owners would face. Essentially, you are buying a “business in a box” – a turnkey operation that has been designed, tested, and proven by a team of industry experts. By simply paying the fees and costs involved and following the designated training program, your entry to entrepreneurship is instantly satisfied.
A Safer Investment Decision
The failure rate of franchises is much lower than starting an independent business. Franchises are a safer investment because as the “system” grows, so should the security and strength of the infrastructure. To support this growth, the franchisor continues to add newer and more effective methods of improving the concept. A large franchise system usually means that brand recognition has reached widespread proportions, thereby increasing your revenue potential.
Enhanced Lifestyle
Many franchisees have claimed that franchising has allowed them lifestyle flexibilities that conventional employment cannot offer. The number one lifestyle perk continues to be the opportunity to spend more time with family, followed by an enhanced income. Franchisees have felt a greater sense of pride, financial accomplishment, and personal success as members of a successful franchise concept.
Governmental Protection and Safeguarding
Franchising is a regulated industry overseen by a number of federal level organizations in the United States and Canada. The disclosure document, or UFOC, outlines 23 key areas that each franchisor is required to disclose to franchisee prospects in order to make an informed decision about the opportunity.
Quicker and Easier Access to Financing
Through such organizations as the SBA, securing franchise financing has become a streamlined process, involving less red tape and paperwork. Some larger franchise systems even provide in-house financing and/or leasing options. Local or regional small business organizations across the country have designated franchise funding programs, providing additional assistance to women, the disabled, and visible minorities.
Ongoing Training and Franchisor Support
The initial training program offered by franchisors is a key selling feature which franchisee prospects should examine thoroughly prior to signing the franchise agreement. This initial training involve head office and/or an in-outlet training session, which includes an operations manual. Ongoing training allows franchisees to grow within the system and develop strong business operating skills.
Opportunity for Growth within the Franchise System
Successful franchisees in any system are rewarded with advancement within the chain by receiving incentives on the purchase of additional outlets, leadership roles at the head office level, and an opportunity to acquire area developer rights or a master franchise - a role involving the overseeing and development of the system in a designated geographical area.
A Variety of Investment Levels
You don't have to be rich to buy a franchise or require an extensive net worth to qualify. You can find franchise opportunities for as little as a few thousand dollars that can be operated from home or on a part-time basis. The best place to begin your search is at one of many franchise directories available online that list thousands of franchises, in all categories and investment levels.
Professional Development
Becoming a franchisee does not lessen one’s entrepreneurial role and position. Progressive franchise systems provide its outlet owners with access to professional development and leadership seminars, business coaching, and other industry advancement initiatives. With a larger support network at arm’s reach, franchisees are business owners with advanced knowledge in small business affairs.
Buying Into a Start-Up Franchise System
Buying into a start-up franchise system can involve some financial risk and operational challenges, yet the long-term rewards – especially financial – is a reason to consider investing in a ground-floor opportunity. Pioneer franchising relies on the innovations, ideas, and determination of the “starter group” of franchisees to assist in the growth and development of the system. New franchisors typically offer its starter group with investment incentives such as a reduced franchise fee and a royalty-free period.

Franchise Development Services (FDS) provides national and international consultancy services to new and established Franchisors via a network of fifteen representative offices throughout Europe, the Middle East, South East Asia and U.S.A. FDS is a full member of the International Franchise Association and the British Franchise Association. More than 350 companies worldwide have now used the services of FDS to help them franchise their business and over 3,500 individuals and organisations have been helped to own the franchise of their choice.

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