Ok, here is my take.
Most anyone can clean carpets. Most have no idea how to market themselves, create a logo and name that can be easily recognizable to consumers. Most have no idea about systems and how to implement them.
When all of us get into carpet cleaning we dream of having a successful business, a business that can create an above average income so we and our families can enjoy a better quality of life. We know it can be done as there are examples in our industry that have proven it can be done.
So think of all the things one needs to start and create a successful business.
First thing is, do you posses the necessary attributes, personality, characteristics and drive to be a successful business owner.
Ok so you have bought your equipment. You now have a blank canvas. Your truck is most likely just white. You need to come up with a company name. You need to create a logo, business cards, letterheads, websites, embroidered shirts and jackets. You need a lot of things. You need things you don't even realize you need.
You also need to know the markets your going to go after. How best to go after your chosen markets. You need a clear, detailed precise marketing plan and the required marketing pieces to go after new business. Do most people poses the ability to create all of this, or even know what they need to create ?
So this is where a franchise comes in. It can be done a couple ways. Let's take for example The Maters Touch People, with their Tile and Grout Cleaning. They put together the equipment package, a couple of marketing pieces along with some training. They have examples of people who have been successful and we all think we can do it better than that successful person. And off they go. They charges an upfront fee for their equipment and no monthly fees or royalties.
Then you have the full blown national Franchises. They have put together everything someone need to be in business. Company name logo's ect. You go for your week long training or however long it is and away you go. You pay big bucks for these national franchises. Up front costs, monthly fees, royalties. Your locked into using their chemicals so on and so on.
Ok here is a couple of questions for everyone.
How long have you been in business for?
Think back to the early days of your business … how long did it take and how much money over that period of time did it take you to create your companies image? How long did it take you come up with a successful marketing plan? How much did you spend on advertising mistakes? How long was it it and maybe your still trying to pinpoint a precise marketing missile. How about all the other things, phones scripts, reminder service cards, follow up service comment cards, the list goes on and on.
So if a company has been successful, has created a likeable and recognizeable name and logo, and has created all the necessary market pieces, reminder cards, comment cards, sales letters, fridge magnets, spotter bottles, the list goes on and on and they have for their own existing business infastructure in place so they can come and go and spend required time with their new franchise people then it can be a great thing for both the person selling the franchise and the person buying into it.
If the franchise seller is not greedy, sells the franchise at a fair price and is ethical, great strides in time money and resources can be made.
Here is the difficulty. The person buying the franchise. Does he or she really have it in them to be successful ?
Is the franchise seller honest, ethical and really prepared to help you get up on your feet and running along nicely.
All things to be taken into consideration.