Key Word: Franchise+Investment+Optimistic

If we could choose keywords to recap our present business climate… they might include layoffs, downsize, bailout, grim outlook and recession, just to start. We’re hearing it could get worse before it gets better and boy oh boy, we’re really hitting this topic hard, but in our current economic situation is this really a good time to franchise? The answer is a resounding YES.

Did you know that more franchise businesses are born out of bleak economic times than any other? Entering the franchise field could truly be a very viable option that will allow you to take control of your finances, have job security, be your own boss and ensure financial equity for your family.

Financing is generally a chief concern. If you do not have funds readily available, focus on franchising options that offer in-house financing. Third party lending sources and SBA lenders are other very good alternatives. Here’s what you have working in your favor—when banks lend money, they are more likely to grant business loans for established, name-brand franchises than they are for personal start-up businesses. Buying into a franchise means that you’re buying into a solid reputation as well as the benefit of a tried-and-true business plan. When banks have already seen the success of those who have gone before you, they are more likely to lend, taking that as an indication of your own success down the road.

No business or franchise promises to be 100% fail-proof. If you’re sinking sizable savings into this venture and you’re not much of a gambler, select a franchise business that is service related to ensure long term, consistent business success. For example, home healthcare-type franchises offer job security. According to the AARP, 10,000 Americans turn 60 years old everyday, thereby reinforcing the need for eventual in-home care. Also, service businesses will continue to do well regardless of the economy. There will still be need for car and computer repair despite the conditions; therefore, service-based businesses are a good call. Another good option is children’s-related services including daycare, tutoring, after school programs, etc. All of these are merely examples of franchises that are as close to recession-proof as possible.

Still, there is no substitute for doing your franchise homework. Utilizing a web site that provides you with all of your options as a potential franchisee is priceless. At Franchise Creature, you’ll get matched to the businesses that are compatible with your financial and state availability. By narrowing their focus on a target list of franchise opportunities specific to your needs, Franchise Creature helps you avoid wasting your time and efforts. Franchising is a huge step, but it doesn’t have to feel like you’re walking in outer space—who wants to hang out on the final frontier alone?

Now, we’ve cleared that up. Perhaps you’ll invent some of your own keywords for the start of 2009, like optimistic, independent, financially free, fearless and bossless. (We admit we made that last word up, but doesn’t it have a nice ring to it?)

Service Business Franchises are Thriving!

Despite the current economic situation, this could be the best time ever to buy into a service business franchise. Of course when considering franchise ownership, the number one concern almost always centers around money. You’re talking startup fees, money for a building or merchandise, and then money for maintaining operations, and that can be a lot of green if you don’t have that much! It’s especially difficult to justify spending your life savings or draining your 401K in such low economic times, particularly if you’ve recently lost your job due to downsizing. If you’ve spent countless nights lying awake at night rolling all this around in your head, you’re probably best fit to take the franchise ownership plunge. And, if you’re financially limited, owning a service business might be your most practical solution.

It’s a rare person who enters into any serious business arrangement without apprehensions. Shaving some of the monetary investment off that plunge can defer some of the franchise ownership fears. In terms of service businesses, some can be bought into for a relatively low fee and little overhead. Some handyman-types of businesses can be started for under 30K. In general, more people are making do with what they have now that we’re in a full-blown recession and here’s where service business owners have the edge.

The average American who’s been impacted by the current recession is less likely to buy a new house. Still, the desire to have things nice and new doesn’t go away. Enter all facets of home remodeling, deck builders, interior decorators, etc. A homeowner wishing to have a new driveway poured might instead settle for a nice driveway revamp. Same with the person who would like a new bathtub, but would might be willing to settle for hiring someone to re-porcelain their existing one. And the list goes on. Consider that while unable to make any dramatic moves in this economy, some folks are choosing to revitalize their current property to make feasible for their existing housing situation or to make it more saleable once the economy has bounced back. This can only mean good things for the person in a service-related business.

According to nearly all new sources, Americans are making cutbacks in their everyday living all across the board. Furniture repairpersons are experiencing an upswing in business, traversing the city to repair, refurbish or just polish up existing pieces of furniture in lieu of purchasing new. We’ve even heard rumor about hotels and motels enlisting such services to compensate for the drop in room bookings. It’s a great idea, and don’t get us started on how great all this repair business it is for the environment.

Shoe cobblers are reporting an influx of new businesses as well. People are repairing shoes and zippers and clothing instead of tossing out and buying fresh. In other words it’s true—everything old is new again. According to an article in the Daily News, NY Local: As New Yorkers cut back on spending and cobble together their cash, the city's shoe repair stores are getting an unexpected boost. "It's getting better and better," said Cesar Andrade, who owns Andrade Shoe Repair in the West Village. That’s certainly music to the ears of new service business owners!

Finally, appliances and cars do not care what the state of the economy is and will always require regular maintenance and be subject to repairs. Seriously, when was the last time your toilet asked you if you could afford a world-class backup in your only bathroom, hmm? Didn’t think so.

So, maybe the recession isn’t hard on everyone, think? If you’ve always thought that business ownership would be right for you; if you have access to some level of funds for the purpose of investing; if you’ve recently been victimized by the fluctuating job market and are craving some semblance of job stability, buying into a service business franchise could be what you’re looking for.

Again—reputation, reputation, reputation—you’re buying into an existing line of work with a business plan that’s tried and true. Add that to the low overhead of operating out of your home and the knowledge that more and more people are repairing and restoring instead of buying new, and you’ve got the potential for more job stability than most Americans do right now.

When you’re ready to get more information about franchise ownership, visit FranchiseCreature.com to access hundreds of service business franchises that can be started for low fees and with low overhead, with representatives standing by to guide you through every step of the process. It’s a factual, no-pressure way to investigate your service business ownership choices.


Sources:
Daily News, NY Local, November 25, 2008: Shoe repair rises hard on heels of economy slump. http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/11/25/2008-11-25_shoe_repair_rises_hard_on_heels_of_econo.html

Retirement: Prime Time to Buy Into a Franchise? Could Be!

It’s possible that there’s never been a better time to buy into a franchise than when you’re standing on the threshold of retirement. Call it Retirement Plan B. Here’s what I’m thinking. You’ve spent a lifetime learning your trade and cultivating your career, why not take those skills and life lessons to the next level and collect the rewards that come with owning your own business?
In today’s economy, it may be difficult to get a loan to start a business, true. However, a retiree has the benefit of having a lifetime of experience under his/her belt and the extra addition of a pension. Lenders love experience and couple experience with financial backing and the combination is a solid one-two punch.


Retirees want to stay active and involved, but at the same time desire flexibility to do the things they enjoy. An avid golfer might enjoy investing in Golf Greens Fore U, a portable putting green business. Or, how many times have we heard the wife of a newly retired husband claim that her husband’s “constant tinkering” around the house and yard is driving her up the wall? Consider becoming your town’s Mr. Handyman franchise owner. Many people who have devoted their lives to the restaurant or retail industries may want to take life for a spin on the side and try ownership and management. Financial wizards may want to try their hand at consulting. The possibilities are endless and can allow an individual to extend his or her career well into those retirement years, enjoy increased leisure activity, and at the same time reap the rewards that come with business ownership.


Boy, if we’ve said it once…buying into a franchise beats independent business ownership hands down when you’re a first-time out entrepreneur. For a franchise fee, you get the automatic backing of a solid business reputation along with a tried and true business plan, tax information, etc. If startup costs have you worried, consider that many franchises can be bought into for under $50K; even some for under $25K.


Franchise Creature is pretty much a one-stop franchise “shopping” site. One of the things we pride ourselves with most is the fact that we are low pressure, personal and always available to answer questions. You won’t be bullied into spending more than what you want to spend to make your franchise dreams a reality, and you won’t be given time limitations or ultimatums when you’re making decisions about whether or not to franchise or about franchise selection. It’s a tough economy, we understand. Visit us today online at www.franchisecreature.com, take a look around, see what catches your eye. And when you’re ready to formulate your version of Retirement Plan B, let us know!