Fast food franchises are the icons of franchises around the country, not only has the fast food industry seen growth since the beginning, it has also seen prosperity in recessions too. Fast food franchise businesses have actually been one of the very few industries that have actually see growth during our recent recession. Don't make the mistake and believe that a fast food business today is the end all be all of franchise businesses, they are not invincible and do have their own level of success. If you compare all industries and start up business failures and business growth, the fast food industry is probably one of the safer bets. The fast food business that are successful during a recession have built up a brand and customer loyalty over the years, which is the back bone of their continues success. The success during a recession has to do with people spending less money on higher priced restaurants and opting for a more economical meal. There are many choices when it comes to buying a fast food franchise, from the long established cornerstones of the fast food industry, to the new up-and-comers. With the right choice, investment and dedication any one of the fast food business opportunities available to you today, you can be very successful as a business owner and entrepreneur. Without going into detail on every fast food restaurant chain available, lets look at the top 5 fast food franchises for sale today... or at least for 2009. This list changes yearly, but you tend to see familiar faces and names in the list each and every year. There are the 2009 top 5 fast food chains.
1. Subway
Subway restaurant franchises and subway express franchises have been one of the top franchise opportunities to buy for the last 10 years or more. Subway has again reached top status in many franchise and business categories for businesses to get into. Subway promotes both a healthy alternative to the hamburger, yet also offering the speed of a traditional fast food restaurant. Many of the subway submarines have less then 6 grams of fat in them, making them one of the lowest fat content fast food choices around. Subway restaurants are the undisputed leader in serving fast, great tasting, fresh subs , sandwiches, salads and wraps. This franchise will continue to dominate the industry because it not only caters to the fast food consumer, it also focuses on the health conscious crowd.
2. McDonald's
McDonald's is probably considered one of the first and older franchises around. Although they are not the first, they have probably done it the best so far. A&W restaurants were actually the first and older franchise business in North America. McDonald's did not start franchising until 1955. A&W started in 1925, that is a significant time difference. McDonald's is an international franchise and has locations is over 110 countries. With more then 50,000 restaurants and kiosks world wide, this company is a sure winner. McDonald's has one of the most recognized symbols in the world and continues to change the fast food industry with new ideas and unique marketing and advertising campaigns.
3. Sonic Drive In Restaurant
A true American company, all of the 3000 plus franchises are within the United States and continue to grow each year. Sonic markets itself as being the American drive-in. Sonic's menu inline burgers, chicken, coneys, wraps, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, french fries, onion rings and over 150,000 drink combination's. Sonic has been franchising since 1955 and has been growing since, not with the same speed and international flare that McDonald's does, but a more American style, local franchise business.
4. KFC Corp
KFC is a chicken place, if you don't already know that. They are actually the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain. There are over 15,000 KFC locations around the world and have a long standing reputation and brand recognition that is hard to beat. You can't go wrong with a big bucket of original recipe or extra crispy chicken. KFC has been around a long time too, they began franchising in 1952 and have a long standing claim in the fast food franchising business tree.
5. Carl's Jr.
Carl's Jr. has re-invented the burger many times over, producing some of the best fast food burgers today. Their "six-dollar burger" combines premium beef with bacon, guacamole, Swiss cheese, and just about any other great burger topping you can think of. With over 600 locations already all over the country, they're ready to take on more franchisees and spread further throughout the country, bringing burger bliss that's a cut above the competition to their customers.
If you are like any other person, you've probably heard of and at least eaten at a couple franchises on this list, these are the top 5 for a reason, they are the most popular. Do not discount the lesser known fast food businesses available for sale either, there are many more to pick from, all with a great potential for success. Normally the big brand names list here are nearly guaranteed to find quick success, they can come with a higher price tag. Then again, a newer fast food chain might be the next subway, but you take a higher risk because you don't really know. It should not matter Whether you choose the long-standing names or one of the new franchises, you are sure to find success if you follow the franchisors guidelines and rules. Running a franchise is like running any other business, and sound business knowledge and management will bring results you are looking for.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Tips and facts on a Cleaning Service Franchise business
In today's market, where a lot of people are being laid off and downsized, a growing number of these people are turning to business and franchises as a way to get back on top. Many people do not know where to start when building a new business, they don't know what service to provide or what product to sell. This brings them to look at franchising. Buying a franchise is probably one of the safer ways to business ownership. The failure rate of a franchised business as a lot lower then small business start ups. Why? because you are buying into a proven system and business model. There are many franchises for sale today, in nearly any industry you can think of. Some are easier to do then others and some require special skills, such as a plumbing service franchise. Not everyone is a plumber and to do the business, you usually have to have the skill and training. That may be beside the point here. Of the many franchise businesses available, many people are also looking to the home based business and franchises. One of the more popular and growing franchises as the cleaning service franchises. They range from small, home based franchises to large commercial cleaning businesses with many employees and contracts.
The commercial cleaning service industry has had some steady growth over the years but has only recently seen a spike in franchises around the country. It seems that there is a trend among corporations to outsource and hire service businesses to take care of various operating tasks. One of the most basic operating tasks is the cleaning services. This trend has lead to a increase of small businesses that focus only on cleaning. Cleaning service franchises are one of the best low cost franchises you can get into.
There are pros and cons to any business and to any franchise business for sale on the market. What I wanted to cover where some of the specifics around the cleaning service industry. Although this was my goal, the facts really can apply to any small business franchise today.
Fact 1: There are some major benefits of franchising a cleaning service business. As with any franchise actually. One advantage is that the brand or service you buy is already known to the market and customers. Often, buying a popular franchise is just a matter of opening the doors and people will instantly recognize the business and service you provide. This is not always the case, but does happen often. The biggest benefit to the brand recognition is that you do not have to do as much local marketing for your branch of the franchise, it is already done for you can the franchisors marketing campaign and brand awareness.
Fact 2: Another positive part of buying into a cleaning service franchise is that the business model and structure is already in place and proven to work. The business model of the franchise is usually well documented and fairly easy to follow. You will receive a how to play book basically on the cleaning services of the business. Training and all materials will be provided. This is usually covered by the franchise fees associated with the purchase.
Fact 3: Buying a cleaning service franchise, or any other franchise can restrict the marketing options you might have. Owning a franchise means that you need to adhere to and follow the marketing and operating plans set out in the franchise agreements. This is often not a bad thing when you can simple implement a strategy that has already been tested and works for the cleaning industry. As an entrepreneur, you may have your own ideas on how to market and advertise a business, but when you buy a franchise, and if buying a successful one, you should follow their guidelines. Often you will have opportunity to provide your own spin on things and put in your own ideas. What works well for one business may not apply or work well for the commercial cleaning industry, so plan well and use knowledge and experience of the franchisor.
Fact 4: A cleaning service franchise is like any other business and will involve some fees and costs to setup. Knowing all the franchise fees, royalties, operating costs and legal requirements ahead of time and prior to the purchase will be an asset. Know the cost of buying a franchise before you sign the dotted line.
If you are considering buying a cleaning service franchise, know that it is a growing industry with lots of potential. The cleaning service industry and franchises are a low cost, low risk investment in my opinion. It is a great business to start your entrepreneur careen and business ownership. Do your research and consider all the facts when looking at your franchise opportunities ahead of you.
The commercial cleaning service industry has had some steady growth over the years but has only recently seen a spike in franchises around the country. It seems that there is a trend among corporations to outsource and hire service businesses to take care of various operating tasks. One of the most basic operating tasks is the cleaning services. This trend has lead to a increase of small businesses that focus only on cleaning. Cleaning service franchises are one of the best low cost franchises you can get into.
There are pros and cons to any business and to any franchise business for sale on the market. What I wanted to cover where some of the specifics around the cleaning service industry. Although this was my goal, the facts really can apply to any small business franchise today.
Fact 1: There are some major benefits of franchising a cleaning service business. As with any franchise actually. One advantage is that the brand or service you buy is already known to the market and customers. Often, buying a popular franchise is just a matter of opening the doors and people will instantly recognize the business and service you provide. This is not always the case, but does happen often. The biggest benefit to the brand recognition is that you do not have to do as much local marketing for your branch of the franchise, it is already done for you can the franchisors marketing campaign and brand awareness.
Fact 2: Another positive part of buying into a cleaning service franchise is that the business model and structure is already in place and proven to work. The business model of the franchise is usually well documented and fairly easy to follow. You will receive a how to play book basically on the cleaning services of the business. Training and all materials will be provided. This is usually covered by the franchise fees associated with the purchase.
Fact 3: Buying a cleaning service franchise, or any other franchise can restrict the marketing options you might have. Owning a franchise means that you need to adhere to and follow the marketing and operating plans set out in the franchise agreements. This is often not a bad thing when you can simple implement a strategy that has already been tested and works for the cleaning industry. As an entrepreneur, you may have your own ideas on how to market and advertise a business, but when you buy a franchise, and if buying a successful one, you should follow their guidelines. Often you will have opportunity to provide your own spin on things and put in your own ideas. What works well for one business may not apply or work well for the commercial cleaning industry, so plan well and use knowledge and experience of the franchisor.
Fact 4: A cleaning service franchise is like any other business and will involve some fees and costs to setup. Knowing all the franchise fees, royalties, operating costs and legal requirements ahead of time and prior to the purchase will be an asset. Know the cost of buying a franchise before you sign the dotted line.
If you are considering buying a cleaning service franchise, know that it is a growing industry with lots of potential. The cleaning service industry and franchises are a low cost, low risk investment in my opinion. It is a great business to start your entrepreneur careen and business ownership. Do your research and consider all the facts when looking at your franchise opportunities ahead of you.
Monday, November 2, 2009
The top 10 business franchises for 2009
Each and every year is a different year for franchise businesses around the world and within the United States. Entrepreneur.com puts out a list of the top franchises for sale each year. They also list the full top 500 franchises and estimated start up costs. If you are an entrepreneur looking to expand or start into a franchise, this is the list to check out. The top 10 for each year cover many different industries and are usually the best and more active franchises available.
This list for 2009 consists of the following top 10 franchises to buy. As listed on Entrepreneur, here they are from 10 to 1.
Number 10. Papa John's International
The first Papa John's Pizza started in 1985 and started franchising early. By 1986 they were already franchising this, now well known, pizza restaurant. This franchise now has over 3000 franchises worldwide and is continuing to grow. The franchise fee is $25,000 with 5% royalties. You can expect the investment to range from $135,000 to under $500,000 depending on the location, size and market.
Number 9. Circle K
This convenience store franchise is the highest rated convenience store franchises on the top 500 list. For good reason, it has a well established background and foundation. It started in 1951 in El Paso, Texas. Franchising did not start until 1995 and has grown quickly since then. The United States franchises are few compared to the over 3000 foreign franchises. The franchise fee is only $15,000 with royalties based on annual sales numbers. You can expect the investment to range from $160,000 to over $1,000,000. There are franchise opportunities globally for this successful convenience store business.
Number 8. The UPS Store / Mail Boxes Etc.
Mail Boxes Etc. began in 1980 and was designated as an alternative to the U.S. Postal Service. UPS bought out Mail Boxes Etc in 2001 and began re-branding the existing franchises as UPS Stores in 2003. The UPS stores include a variety of postal services, materials, printing and computer services. Your Franchise investment will have a franchise fee of $30,000 and 5% royalties. The start up costs will range from $155,000 to almost $300,000.
Number 7. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut started with a mere $600 back in 1957 in a rented building with used equipment. Within 1 year they had already sold their first franchise and have not looked back since. Pizza Hut is now owned by Yum! Brands along with Taco Bell, Long John Silver, KFC and A&W restaurants. All successful restaurant franchises. There are just under 10,00o Pizza Hut franchises worldwide and range from full restaurants to kiosk and express locations such as in Movie Theaters. The franchise fee is $25,000 with 6% royalties. You can expect the investment to range from $315,000 to nearly $3,000,000. Pizza Hut Franchise opportunities are limited in the United States at this time, but are available in other foreign countries.
Number 6. Ace Hardware Corp.
This hardware store began some time ago in 1924 as a cooperative effort with it's founders to maximize profits by minimizing their wholesale costs by buying in bulk. This Hardware store did not start franchising until 1976 and has had steady growth throughout the world to nearly 5,000 stores to date. If you have been to an Ace Hardware Store, you will know that is based on true value and small town feel. They also offer their own line of products exclusive to their stores. The franchise charges an application fee of $5,000 as the franchise fee. You can expect the investment to range from $400,000 to over $1,000,000. Business experience as well as a personal net worth of at least $400,000 is required.
Number 5. InterContinental Hotels Group
The company franchises seven hotel brands around the world that include InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo and and Staybridge Suites. These hotel brands can be recognized around the world as some of the most prestigious hotels in many of the large cities and capitals worldwide. With nearly 4,000 franchises globally, with steadily increasing numbers every year, this Franchise has an excellent track record and staying power. The franchise royalties are 5% and the franchise fees vary on brand within the group of hotels and resorts. Expect your investment to be substantial compared to a restaurant franchise and you must have Industry and business experience here.
Number 4. Sonic Drive-In Restaurants
Will you believe that this well known restaurant started as a root-beer stand over 50 years ago. The sonic name was introduced along with the founders partner and began franchising in 1959. This franchise business is well known throughout the Unite States and is seeking franchisors in Canadian and other overseas countries now. The business has seen steady growth for the last 5 years and shows no sign of slow down. The franchise fee is $45,000 and your initial investment will be over $1,000,000 with an equivalent in net worth and liquid cash. Royalty fees vary between %1 and %5.
Number 3. Liberty Tax Service
You can't get away from the tax man, and every year, more and more tax payers hire an expert to help them with their personal taxes. The Tax system tends to get more and more complicated each year and having someone that knows the system get you the most back on your return far out-weights the cost. This is why this franchise is in the top 3. It has had huge growth over the last 5 years and now has nearly 3,000 franchise locations within North America since 1973, when it started franchising. The franchise fee is $40,000 , but your initial investment is under $70,000. The franchise royalty fees do vary on the market but is a very low cost franchise to get into. Training and support is provided and makes this franchise a highly profitable and sought after business.
Number 2. McDonald's
Most people see McDonald's as the king of franchises, but it only got to number 2 this year. This franchise is the largest fast-food restaurant chain in the world and have been franchising since it was founded back in 1955. There are over 25,000 franchises worldwide and growing. McDonald's has been the founder of the franchising businesses for many years, innovating and inspiring for many restaurant and fast-food restaurant owners. The franchise fee is $45,000 with a %12.5 royalty fee. This may seem high, but McDonald's has the most recognizable symbols in the world - the golden arches. Your initial investment can range between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. Franchise training and support are superb and almost guarantee success.
Number 1. Subway
This health conscious fast-food alternative restaurant started back in 1965 with $1,000 and a great idea. It has since grown into a worldwide franchise business with over 30,000 locations. In recent years, the focus on healthier eating has really boosted the subway franchise and made it number 1 for several years in a row. Their innovative and very successful marketing campaigns have given the Subway brand as fresh and healthy alternative to fast-food restaurants. The minimal franchise fee of only $15,000 and reasonable start-up costs of under $250,000 bring this franchise to the top of the most wanted list. A royalty of %8 is reasonable for the success of this company.
This list does change every year, but you tend to see a pattern and common faces. Any savvy entrepreneur can make any one of these franchise opportunities a successful business with minimal effort.
This list for 2009 consists of the following top 10 franchises to buy. As listed on Entrepreneur, here they are from 10 to 1.
Number 10. Papa John's International
The first Papa John's Pizza started in 1985 and started franchising early. By 1986 they were already franchising this, now well known, pizza restaurant. This franchise now has over 3000 franchises worldwide and is continuing to grow. The franchise fee is $25,000 with 5% royalties. You can expect the investment to range from $135,000 to under $500,000 depending on the location, size and market.
Number 9. Circle K
This convenience store franchise is the highest rated convenience store franchises on the top 500 list. For good reason, it has a well established background and foundation. It started in 1951 in El Paso, Texas. Franchising did not start until 1995 and has grown quickly since then. The United States franchises are few compared to the over 3000 foreign franchises. The franchise fee is only $15,000 with royalties based on annual sales numbers. You can expect the investment to range from $160,000 to over $1,000,000. There are franchise opportunities globally for this successful convenience store business.
Number 8. The UPS Store / Mail Boxes Etc.
Mail Boxes Etc. began in 1980 and was designated as an alternative to the U.S. Postal Service. UPS bought out Mail Boxes Etc in 2001 and began re-branding the existing franchises as UPS Stores in 2003. The UPS stores include a variety of postal services, materials, printing and computer services. Your Franchise investment will have a franchise fee of $30,000 and 5% royalties. The start up costs will range from $155,000 to almost $300,000.
Number 7. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut started with a mere $600 back in 1957 in a rented building with used equipment. Within 1 year they had already sold their first franchise and have not looked back since. Pizza Hut is now owned by Yum! Brands along with Taco Bell, Long John Silver, KFC and A&W restaurants. All successful restaurant franchises. There are just under 10,00o Pizza Hut franchises worldwide and range from full restaurants to kiosk and express locations such as in Movie Theaters. The franchise fee is $25,000 with 6% royalties. You can expect the investment to range from $315,000 to nearly $3,000,000. Pizza Hut Franchise opportunities are limited in the United States at this time, but are available in other foreign countries.
Number 6. Ace Hardware Corp.
This hardware store began some time ago in 1924 as a cooperative effort with it's founders to maximize profits by minimizing their wholesale costs by buying in bulk. This Hardware store did not start franchising until 1976 and has had steady growth throughout the world to nearly 5,000 stores to date. If you have been to an Ace Hardware Store, you will know that is based on true value and small town feel. They also offer their own line of products exclusive to their stores. The franchise charges an application fee of $5,000 as the franchise fee. You can expect the investment to range from $400,000 to over $1,000,000. Business experience as well as a personal net worth of at least $400,000 is required.
Number 5. InterContinental Hotels Group
The company franchises seven hotel brands around the world that include InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo and and Staybridge Suites. These hotel brands can be recognized around the world as some of the most prestigious hotels in many of the large cities and capitals worldwide. With nearly 4,000 franchises globally, with steadily increasing numbers every year, this Franchise has an excellent track record and staying power. The franchise royalties are 5% and the franchise fees vary on brand within the group of hotels and resorts. Expect your investment to be substantial compared to a restaurant franchise and you must have Industry and business experience here.
Number 4. Sonic Drive-In Restaurants
Will you believe that this well known restaurant started as a root-beer stand over 50 years ago. The sonic name was introduced along with the founders partner and began franchising in 1959. This franchise business is well known throughout the Unite States and is seeking franchisors in Canadian and other overseas countries now. The business has seen steady growth for the last 5 years and shows no sign of slow down. The franchise fee is $45,000 and your initial investment will be over $1,000,000 with an equivalent in net worth and liquid cash. Royalty fees vary between %1 and %5.
Number 3. Liberty Tax Service
You can't get away from the tax man, and every year, more and more tax payers hire an expert to help them with their personal taxes. The Tax system tends to get more and more complicated each year and having someone that knows the system get you the most back on your return far out-weights the cost. This is why this franchise is in the top 3. It has had huge growth over the last 5 years and now has nearly 3,000 franchise locations within North America since 1973, when it started franchising. The franchise fee is $40,000 , but your initial investment is under $70,000. The franchise royalty fees do vary on the market but is a very low cost franchise to get into. Training and support is provided and makes this franchise a highly profitable and sought after business.
Number 2. McDonald's
Most people see McDonald's as the king of franchises, but it only got to number 2 this year. This franchise is the largest fast-food restaurant chain in the world and have been franchising since it was founded back in 1955. There are over 25,000 franchises worldwide and growing. McDonald's has been the founder of the franchising businesses for many years, innovating and inspiring for many restaurant and fast-food restaurant owners. The franchise fee is $45,000 with a %12.5 royalty fee. This may seem high, but McDonald's has the most recognizable symbols in the world - the golden arches. Your initial investment can range between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. Franchise training and support are superb and almost guarantee success.
Number 1. Subway
This health conscious fast-food alternative restaurant started back in 1965 with $1,000 and a great idea. It has since grown into a worldwide franchise business with over 30,000 locations. In recent years, the focus on healthier eating has really boosted the subway franchise and made it number 1 for several years in a row. Their innovative and very successful marketing campaigns have given the Subway brand as fresh and healthy alternative to fast-food restaurants. The minimal franchise fee of only $15,000 and reasonable start-up costs of under $250,000 bring this franchise to the top of the most wanted list. A royalty of %8 is reasonable for the success of this company.
This list does change every year, but you tend to see a pattern and common faces. Any savvy entrepreneur can make any one of these franchise opportunities a successful business with minimal effort.
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