On one hand, starting a franchise seems like a safe, relatively low-risk way to launch your own business. But on the other hand, won’t you simply be a cog in a larger corporate machine? Not necessarily.
Franchisees don’t merely understand the importance of franchising; they add value to the franchising system. Here are several ways that franchisees contribute to the company. These points might also show you why you should start a franchise.
Franchisees Determine the Success of the Business
Franchise corporations usually have well-written protocols for how an individual location should run, but in the end, it all falls on the shoulders of the franchisee. Franchisees are responsible for adhering to the protocols established by their franchisor, but within these guidelines, they’ll have to make many of their own business decisions.
Franchisees, therefore, play a vital role in the success and growth of the franchise, which is why franchisors have come to rely on those who have the passion and resourcefulness to achieve their truest potential.
Franchisees Represent the Brand
Brand awareness is one of the most precious commodities of a franchising system. Franchises offer immediate name recognition, which is part of what helps franchise locations get up and running so quickly after opening their doors.
That also means that franchisees are responsible for representing the company’s brand in that location. Franchisees are responsible for adhering to company protocols and procedures as well as complying with corporate policies regarding dress code, signage, and marketing materials.
Franchisees Do Their Own Hiring
As a franchisee, you’ll conduct the hiring process. Yes, there will be some oversight from the franchising corporation to help you along, but the process of interviewing candidates will be your responsibility.
The employees who work under you will influence the success of the franchise. Franchisees must therefore assess each candidate and hire those who offer the greatest chance of success.
Similarly, franchisees need to hire workers who are able to represent the brand and deliver the kind of stellar customer service that loyal customers expect.
Franchisees Build Local Relationships
When a foreign nation wants to visit one of its allies, they send an ambassador. Franchisees have something of the same role, in that they represent the corporate brand to a local community.
This means that franchisees play a major role in building relationships with their employees, other local business owners, and the community at large.
Building relationships starts with good customer service but it also demands franchisees take an active presence in their community by participating in local events and other networking opportunities.
Franchisees Manage Local Promotions
The support you receive from the franchisor is easily one of the best reasons why you should start a franchise. This support extends to marketing materials such as signage, flyers, coupons, and more. And many franchises run nationwide ad campaigns broadcast on television, radio, and other forms of mass communication.
But as a franchisee, you’ll be responsible for executing the promotion at the local level. In some cases, you may even run the your own local social media page for your specific franchise location. Franchisees are on the front lines, so to speak, managing promotions and performing other important marketing duties.
Franchisees Financially Support the Franchise
Getting a franchise up and running is a lot easier than starting your own business from scratch. In fact, the lower startup burden is one of the reasons why you should start a franchise. You’ll have an easier time getting off the ground.
But that doesn’t mean franchisees have no “skin in the game.” Franchisees actually support the franchise chain financially. For starters, most franchises charge a franchise fee that allows them to make an initial investment. After that, many franchises charge monthly royalties, either as a flat rate or a percentage of your gross profits.
Franchisees Build Each Other up
Finally, it’s helpful to understand the importance of franchising for other franchise owners. Franchisees form an informal support network, especially when operating in adjacent territories or similar geographic areas.
Franchisees can provide one another tips and guidance, which can be helpful when first starting out or facing a period of financial hardship. Franchisees build one another up, and together they serve as a company’s greatest asset.
How to Start Franchising
To answer our original question, franchisees are one of the most important parts of a franchising system. To better understand the importance of franchising, explore some of the resources on Franchise.com. To start your own journey, use the franchise locator tool to find opportunities in your area.
