Category: Franchise

StartupJournal: Bob McQuillan runs a tight ship at his Hollywood Tans franchise in Arlington, Va. He knows precisely when workers clock in and out, who each of his daily customers are and which employees are selling what products, at regular price, or discount. But there’s a twist: He’s doing all this micromanaging from home — 133 miles away in Mullica Hill, N.J.
“We monitor the business remotely via the Internet,” says Mr. McQuillan, who co-owns the store with his wife and another business partner.
While a manager handles the tanning salon’s day-to-day affairs, he pulls up data from afar by computer. A fingerprint scanner monitors workers’ arrivals and departures, while intricate software tallies sales data and pricing, almost in real time. “I’m down there once every three months,” he says.
The franchising world is letting loose. Gone are the days of one owner being chained behind the counter of a single store day in, day out. Today, there are absentee owners who oversee their operations from laptops and Treos, and owners who maintain dual careers or run multiple franchises. At Hollywood Tanning Systems Inc., more than half of the 330 franchise owners have another job. The chief executive of Sport Clips Inc. hair salons estimates that 10 hours a week is a “generous allowance” for owners to physically be in stores. And franchisees for the Decor&You Inc. interior-design business can receive decorating and product training at home whenever they like via online video seminars.
Why Running a Franchise Is Easier Than Ever [StartupJournal]

StartupNation: Franchising is a wonderful way to go into business for yourself. So many things have already been established for your benefit: branding, marketing, processes, products, systems, etc.
Building a business through franchising has been so successful that franchised businesses generate jobs for more than 18 million Americans and account for 10 percent of the private-sector economic output, according to a study recently released by the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation.
If you’re convinced that you want to investigate franchising for your next career move, how do you go about finding just the right one?
Step 1 – Take Stock of Yourself
Before you start looking at franchises, take stock of that most important component of the equation – you. By starting with a list of what you have to offer and what you need from a business, you can create a strategy and model for your research.
Step 2 – Research, and Keep an Open Mind
Whether you use a resource like FranChoice or do your own research elsewhere online, keep all options open when considering a franchise. And don’t lock yourself into one or two concepts. If you think, “I’ll only look at ice cream and exercise franchises,” you could miss finding a gem that meshes perfectly with your needs.
Step 3 – First Contact
Let’s say you’ve found several promising franchises. What’s next? Contact the franchisors and ask for information about their concepts. You’ll probably get call from someone in their development department who will gauge your interest and tell you if the territory you want is available. Thoroughly review the franchisors’ Web site and any brochures and videos they send you.
Step 4 – Read the UFOC
Every franchise in the United States is required to provide a UFOC (Uniform Franchise Offering Circular). Read it thoroughly. You’ll learn the franchisor’s history, training and marketing programs, and what costs, royalties and fees you’ll have to pay.
Step 5 – Talk with Existing Franchisees
Getting feedback from existing franchisees is one of the most important steps you can take to judge how happy you’ll be with a particular franchise. They’re your best source of information about what really happens in the business day to day. Ask what they like and dislike, if they’re happy with corporate support, and even get a feel for their earnings.
Step 6 – Narrow the Field
It may not be easy, but it’s time to narrow down your choices. Hopefully you’ve now found one or more companies that fill your needs.
Step 7 – Making your Choice
As with any major decision, you’ll be filled with anticipation and anxiety, excitement and fear. Any or all of those are normal. But if you’ve done your homework and followed these steps, you’ll be fully prepared and can be comfortable with your decision.
7 Steps to Choosing the Franchise for You [StartupNation]