Franchise - anyone tried/running one?

[Cian]

Open a Nandos in Hove!! You would make a profit from me alone..

Nandos UK & Ireland work on an O&O basis. I've looked in to it before!

Most of the big food brands are tied up in to monster franchises for the UK.

 

[KneeOn]

KFC, McDonalds and Burger King are franchised and all have gaps filled in the markets (McDonalds only gap in Brighton for example is hove between Shoreham 1 (the Holmbush Centre) and Brighton 1 (Western Road). KFC have branches in London Road, Western Road, Blatchington Road and Portslade that I know of. Subways are a dozen a dime now a days. I've worked in a Franchised McDonalds for nearly 2 years now, and i'm training to be a shift manager. I've seen what my bosses do, it's f***ing hard work. Anything above a shift manager and you pull crazy hours. My Franchisee however is quite a well off man. As was the one i worked for before him who employed a consultant who could afford a villa in spain, it pays well if you have a good company.

 

[bluenitsuj]

I desperately need some inspiration from somewhere

 

[Lush]

I desperately need some inspiration from somewhere

What's your experience? And skills? And most importantly what do you love doing, work-wise?

Perhaps NSC can get their collective heads together.

 

[Scoffers]

Maybe have a look through here :-

http://www.daltonsbusiness.com/

 

[bluenitsuj]

What's your experience? And skills? And most importantly what do you love doing, work-wise?

Perhaps NSC can get their collective heads together.

I am currently a warehouse distribution Manager and have been for many years responsible for 50+ staff. I have all the skills/experience that someone in that position should have but more importantly I have the drive and passion to set up a company and work my arse off to make it succeed. Looking at franchise magazines the ones that stand out are property, cleaning business and garden etc. I would love be involved with property in some way but have not got the dosh to go and buy/renovate/rent out etc.

 

[JCL666]

As I understand it there are two distinct franchise set ups.

1. Product. In these you pay money and get support regarding logisitics etc
2. Service. For these you pay for an exclusive territory, marketing support and advice.

I know people who have tried them (and some are still trading). Based on what they have gone through i would stear well clear.

In the case of Product, you are bound by the processes and pricing of the franchise and as such that can be a nightmare as you cannot react to market changes and do not have control of key elements of your business (namely costs).

The service ones are worse IMO as they push the marketing, brand element, when in reality if you spent the same amount (probably less) on decent PR and marketing then you would get better results.

If you're looking for opportunities to invest or start a company you could do worse than having a chat with Sussex Enterprise or Wired Sussex. They may not be the best organisations but through them you could get access to other people in the same situation as you. Additionally there are lots of different freelance/small business forums in the Brighton area.

 

[PILTDOWN MAN]

Apart from the foodchains (McDonalds) there are very few franchises that make that much for the franchisee. The problem is that many are now at saturation point and shoe-horning another in doesn't generate any more business it just dilutes it. As others have suggested look at existing businesses that are selling for genuine reasons, ones that are unique but not faddish. Many businesses start up with a new concept that dead in the water within a few years

 

[pornomagboy]

What about parcel force earnings of up to £35k a year need own van check royal mail website

 

[Nibble]

Be careful when getting into fast food franchises, what certain food outlets do is saturate the area with them knowing only 1 or 2 will make money for the franchisee, the others are used as loss leaders, they will make a profit for the company owner but not for you as a franchise holder. It's a deliberate sales strategy and some very well known brands have been puled up for it but at present I don't believe it is actually illegal, just highly immoral.

 

[Lush]

I am currently a warehouse distribution Manager and have been for many years responsible for 50+ staff. I have all the skills/experience that someone in that position should have but more importantly I have the drive and passion to set up a company and work my arse off to make it succeed. Looking at franchise magazines the ones that stand out are property, cleaning business and garden etc. I would love be involved with property in some way but have not got the dosh to go and buy/renovate/rent out etc.

I think it's aways best to use the experience you have. So does that mean that you're good at organising getting stuff from A to B?

Why not join forces with a really big farm shop and help them set up a home delivery service? Then do the same at another farm, so you work for a number of farms. You could call it Farm Direct (or equivalent). And take over the world!

Or find another company with loads of online orders to fulfil - who are probably newish, don't have a decent distribution manager and are paying over the odds to use an external company, and offer to help them set up a better system? Create your own job! Could maybe start at the Amex Store - how many are Sussex deliveries, but sent through a national company? Dunno .. rambling now ...

 

[mattislost]

how about a Taco Bell? gap in the market for late night mexican fast food i reckon. much better than a kebab or dirty burger

 

[rool]

Probably a month too late but I got an email today offering free tickets to the Franchise Show in Earls Court 7-8 September.

Be interesting to see what's out there if nothing else.

Starting a Franchise : Franchise Exhibition - The Franchise Show

 

[Tim Over Whelmed]

Hello All,

Being made redundant early next year and am looking at the possibility of running my own business. ( not necessarily franchise ). Anyone on here running one or know of anyone.

Just after some ideas/feedback really.

Cheers

Feel free to PM I may have a couple of options for you?

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

how about a Taco Bell? gap in the market for late night mexican fast food i reckon. much better than a kebab or dirty burger

Come on, how many times have you been leathered and thought "mmmm, I fancy a taco right now."?

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

1) Open a 'Bills' in Hove. You will make a killing.
2) Locate Harry (from Harry's English Restaurant) and open up a cafe with him. Just concentrate on breakfast and other cafe essentials. Hove needs a decent (slightly) greasy spoon.
3) Open both.

You will have mine and my friends regular trade I promise.

 

[vegster]

From my experience of franchises, its all about making money for the seller of the franchise. If you buy one you will be expected to work your nuts off and flog your staff to death on low wages. After years of toil you might make a couple of hundred thou when you flog it
In the meantime, the real owners are creaming it in.

 

[gully07]

i work for DPD in crawley as an employed driver there are currently owner delivery franchises avalable more information on the dpd website

 

[bluenitsuj]

Probably a month too late but I got an email today offering free tickets to the Franchise Show in Earls Court 7-8 September.

Be interesting to see what's out there if nothing else.

Starting a Franchise : Franchise Exhibition - The Franchise Show

Hi, thanks for the reply, I have tickets already so will go and have a nosey around.

 

[bluenitsuj]

i work for DPD in crawley as an employed driver there are currently owner delivery franchises avalable more information on the dpd website

Thanks for the reply, will have a look.