Franchise Sizzle!
The Franchise and Biz Op Blog

Computer franchises are huge. It´s hard to believe that just 3 decades ago, a home computer wasn´t even possible yet . . . and now everyone has one! With internet and the ability to connect with anyone anywhere in the world, computers have become a central focus for many people. Whether they work on their computer or just play and reconnect with old friends and family members, computers are a vital part of our society. So it stands to reason that franchise opportunities dealing with computers are a good investment.

If you are comfortable with computers and the internet, it shouldn´t be too big a leap to go from simply using them to providing computer services within the business plan of a franchise. You´ll find that it is a great, flexible type of franchise in most cases and with the support and training provided, it´s quite possible to be very successful in a short amount of time.

There are franchise opportunities for everything from computer repair to providing internet service to your clients and everything in between. If you´re looking for a computer related business, these are the franchises to check out since they are definitely on the rise and in great demand.

There are plenty of situations when people need home care that isn´t necessarily medical in nature. Home care franchises are the perfect solution for anyone who is in this situation. For those interested in investing in a franchise that makes a major difference, home care franchise opportunities are really a great way to go.

Home care is a booming business with so many people reaching retirement age and discovering that living on their own isn´t necessarily as possible as it was when they were younger. There are many tasks that can be difficult for the elderly and home care franchises offer an alternative to living in a home, which is often something to avoid.

However, home care franchises don´t just cater to the elderly. You can also find home care franchises that offer services to anyone who finds themselves unable to perform their daily tasks, whether that be a pregnant woman confined to bed or someone recovering from a fractured leg. You don´t have to have medical training to get them through this period, and all training needed will be provided by the franchise. This means that just about anyone who is interested can get started in a home care business.

The Pop-A-Lock franchise opportunity offers assistance to those who need it most, people who have locked themselves out of their vehicle. It happens to the best of us and there´s nothing worse than realizing that your keys are still inside your car after you´ve shut the doors! But with this franchise, you´ll be able to help people get into their car quickly and easily.

In the news this past summer, there were plenty of stories of parents leaving their children in the car on hot days. Unfortunately, this happens all too often, a frazzled parent accidently locks the door and then realizes that the baby is still inside . . . and so are the keys! The Pop-A-Lock franchise actually offers a program for this type of incident . . . The Emergency Car Door Unlocking Program. Anytime a person´s life is in danger because of a locked car door, Pop-A-Lock will open it for free. In fact, franchisees have rescued more than 75,000 children from locked cars!

On top of opening locked doors, this franchise has an emergency roadside service to help stranded motorists with gasoline delivery, changing flat tires and jump starts. Combined with the unlocking business, Pop-A-Lock is a very useful emergency service! Franchisees and employees even use a distinctive orange uniform that helps promote visibility on the road and also puts the mind at ease, people can see at a glance that you´re here to help. Investing in this franchise could be just the thing if you like to rescue people, since it´s a non-stop mission of this franchise opportunity.

Most franchises offer their franchisees the support they need to get the business up and running, but not everyone is ok with that. Some franchisees may need ongoing support, while others might prefer a quick orientation and then strike off on their own, with occasional checks to make sure they are heading in the right direction. The amount of support that you need should be a big part of the equation when deciding on a franchise opportunity to invest in.

Here is a general idea of the support that should be offered when you invest in a new franchise opportunity:

• Marketing
• Management
• Employee hiring and training
• Basic functionality of the franchise

You should also find out how available their support is after the basic training period. If you have questions down the road, is there someone to help you? Most franchises have field support, people who will actually come to your franchise location to assist with problems you´re facing. This is very handy when you really need help and the issue can´t be solved through phone calls.

Choosing a franchise with the right level of support for you will mean you´ll be more comfortable working with them in the long run. Even if you like to run on your own, it´s good to know that you have backup when you need it!

People want convenience in their busy lives. The more we can multi-task, the better and the DVD Now Kiosk franchise is the perfect opportunity to let consumers do just that. Instead of having to make yet another stop to pick up a movie rental, they can just pause at a handy kiosk, right in the supermarket, pharmacy or anywhere else and rent the latest flick.

With such an innovative idea, this is one franchise opportunity that offers something that everyone can use. Video rental has never been so easy, just step up to the kiosk and scan available titles, watch previews and save time. Since newer titles are the most rented, that is exactly what you´ll offer.

The best part about this franchise is that you really have very little to do. Everything is managed by the kiosk software. Your job will be to place the kiosks in locations that are frequented on a daily basis, like the grocery store, and to add new movies as they come out. Your kiosks will automatically charge users, including late fees, organize inventory and even sell off older movies as they become obsolete. This helps you earn a profit, without having to attend a store all day long!

For the latest in technology and franchise techniques, DVD Now Kiosks could be just what you´re looking for. This franchise offers you the chance to earn without having to attend customers on a daily basis or hire employees. It allows far more freedom than the average franchise, which could be a good thing if you have other ways to spend your time.

How often have you attended a public event like a fair, outdoor circus or anything else that is set up in a space without public restrooms? These events usually rent the infamous Porta-potty franchise units, portable outhouses that most people avoid at all costs because they are simply disgusting. But restrooms are an absolute necessity anywhere you have crowds of people, so why not capitalize on that by offering a better solution?

Here is a franchise opportunity that offers something different. The portable restroom trailers that Wells Cargo COG rents out are air conditioned and comfortable. This franchise prides itself on providing the comforts of home . . . wherever you are, be it at an outdoor concert, fair or other exciting event.

People will always have to go to the bathroom and event organizers are starting to realize that overheated, smelly plastic boxes just aren´t going to cut it anymore. People want something clean, spacious and sanitary, none of which describes a plastic Porta-Potty! However, the Comfort Elite restroom is just that, neat and clean, like you would expect of a public restroom in a well kept shopping center.

You´ll find that this franchise opportunity offers huge earning potential. You can find clients literally everywhere. Many existing businesses bring in additional units during their busy season to help them cope with extra crowds and during disasters and emergency situations, this franchise even has combination shower/restroom trailers so people can bathe, as well.

The Wells Cargo COG Comfort Elite restroom trailers serve a growing need in this country. If you´re looking for an innovative franchise opportunity, this could be it.

Today´s job market is extremely unstable. Unlike generations before, there is very little likelihood that you will hold the same job for your entire life. Pensions are up in the air, retirement is often a distant dream and the job market is confusing for everyone, but particularly those who are being tossed back into it due to a downsizing or bankruptcy. Franchise opportunities are the perfect solution.

Wouldn´t you like to guarantee that you´ll have a job in five years? Ten years? That´s something that only business owners get these days. But starting your own business is risky and there are no guarantees, in fact, most new businesses fail within the first year. Franchises have proven businesses that you can tap into. The initial investment may see a little scary, but if you do your research ahead of time to ensure that you´re choosing the right franchise for you and one that is being well-managed, you could have a winner.

Making a mid-life career change is never easy, but you can make it a bit easier by choosing to go with a franchise, rather than look for another unstable job or start your own business which may or may not make it. Franchises tend to have bigger names, well-established brands and they have already done the tough part, figuring out how to best run the business. Nearly all franchise opportunities offer training to get you started, something that simply doesn´t happen if you start your own business.

If you are being pushed into a career change, consider investing in a franchise and making a real future for yourself and for your family. You won´t regret it.

What makes better sense than a mobile autobody shop? When someone dents their car or chips the paint, they might not have the time in their busy schedule to take their car to the shop. The ability to do minor repairs in the client´s driveway or work parking lot makes this automotive franchise one that is rapidly growing in popularity. People love Collision on Wheels because it comes to them!

With patented technology that you´ll be trained to use in a 3 week course, Collision on Wheels lets you fix minor issues like scratches, chips and dents in less than a day, leaving your clients with a car that looks as good as new by the time they leave work. Low prices make the franchise even more consumer friendly and since you come to them, clients won´t end up with higher insurance premiums.

The mobile nature of this franchise opportunity makes it ideal for anyone who would enjoy providing quality paint services and minor repairs to their clients. It could also be a great addition to a regular auto shop, a new service to pick up on the customers who don´t bring their vehicles in for small repairs.

Collision on Wheels is a franchise that believes in making sure its franchisees are prepared for the business. You will receive all the training necessary to learn how to operate the special repair technology, including a whole week of hands on paint practice. By the time you are finished, you´ll be confident and ready to provide excellent service to your clients, at their home or at work, wherever they need to be while you repair their vehicles.

The contract you will sign with a franchise is possibly the most important contract you will sign in your life, so make sure you read it over well and get some legal advice, preferably from a lawyer with franchise experience. Franchise contracts should cover the following:

• Terms: How long the agreement will last, whether or not it is renewable and who decides should all be dealt with in this section of the franchise contract.

• Territory: Do you get exclusive rights to your area or can someone else open up the same franchise one street down? Read this part carefully, it could determine the success of the franchise opportunity.

• Fees: How much will you be required to pay? Most franchises require an upfront fee and then other costs are dealt with later. You may also need to pay a management cost, make sure you know all the hidden payments before signing.

• Training and Support: Will training be included and if so, is it ongoing? Depending on the franchise, you may be given help to set up and then left on your own to continue the franchise.

• Limitations: What are the restrictions on the franchise? Some franchise opportunities are very strict in how you can set up your business, others will allow more freedom to customize. Read this part carefully to find out if you will be required to do certain things.

• Sales: What happens if you decide to sell your franchise? Find out what the exit plan is or at least what your options are before you sign a contract. Even if you plan to run the franchise until you die, know what happens then.

It is also a good idea to look at the contract or a sample contract with a lawyer before making any big decisions. This can help you avoid potential legal issues with the franchise in the future and will give you peace of mind.