Franchise Sizzle!
The Franchise and Biz Op Blog

Businesses can hardly exist nowadays without using the services of reliable shipping companies that are able to move things from A to B as quickly as possible whether it’s ground, sea or air.

Since 1987, Unishippers is one of the companies that can help with that 100%. Teaming up with 30 well-known shipping partners headed by UPS, Saia, YRC and Estes, Unishippers can create cost-effective express, ground, freight, and international shipping solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.

Here is what makes this franchise opportunity a solid one:

• Simplicity – The Company’s shipping providers – whose brands are the guarantee the customers need – take care of the pickup and delivery processes, while the franchise owners earn residual income for every shipment.
• Low overhead – You can run the business from a home office; there is no need for expensive investments in staff or equipment, and there’s no need to travel.
• Sales & Marketing experience – The Company’s marketing team provide franchisees with the most efficient marketing tools.
• Training and support – Every franchise owner benefits from the services of a Franchise Relations and Support (FRS) consultant who addresses all concerns. Couple this with the company’s intensive sales training that delivers the best results, and you can definitely meet your customers’ needs.
• Cutting-edge technology – The in-house technology team can provide you with advanced web-based tools and user friendly online applications and software.

If you add to all the above your previous expertise in the shipping industry, this can be the right franchise opportunity for you. For more details, visit Unishippers franchise page where you can also request free information, including updates on the latest Red Hot Franchises.

Are you interested in helping children to develop into successful and confident adults that reach beyond themselves? Do you have the business acumen necessary for starting up your own business? And, more importantly, are you an outgoing personality? If your answers to these questions are affirmative, Oxford Learning may be the right fit for you.

Since 1984, Oxford Learning has been focusing on cognitive learning techniques to provide children with the right tools to succeed. As the foremost provider of supplemental education, Oxford Learning has over 140 centers across the US, Canada, in the Bahamas and the Middle East serving one million students with a one-of-a-kind range of educational programs.

As a franchisee, you would have the opportunity to make a difference by teaming up with dedicated educators to ignite children’s interest in learning for a lifetime. You will get in-depth training and ongoing support in all aspects of a reputable business.

As a franchise owner, you will hire a center director who would be responsible for administration, hiring and training teachers. Daily operations will include organizing and scheduling your teachers and programs.

Even though you may not be a teacher, there are certain requirements you should meet before being selected by Oxford Learning to be their partner: a solid business background, a drive for financial security and personal accomplishment, and the right personality for being in such a business. You will take a personality test and go through an interviewing process.
Once selected, you will be the pivotal point of the business by being an example for the teachers, students as well as the parents.

Purchasing such a franchise does also require financial capability to open and operate an Oxford Learning center. You would need a $90,000 working capital. The total cost of operating the business will depend on your location, but it would range between $139,000 and $208,700.

More details are available on the Oxford Learning franchise page.

Transitioning from your employee status to entrepreneurship can be daunting. Whether you go through the process from the position of a layoff victim, or you simply quit your job because your employer was taking advantage of your skills, the prospect of taking control of your own life and future by becoming your own boss sounds equally scary and intriguing. The scary part would be the one that you don’t know where to start. But, as cliché as it may sound, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

First, ask yourself whether you have what it takes to start your own business. Being passionate about something you would like to be doing for a living is important. But probably, the two vital factors in starting a new successful business are a clear vision and confidence.

Becoming an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you should necessarily build a business from scratch. The option of buying a franchise shouldn’t be overlooked for a number of reasons:

- Company’s brand recognition;

- Buying a successful business model;

- Massive cash capital is not needed for some franchises, as opposed to a start-up;

- Some franchises can be home-based, so no need for an office space;

Start researching and find the best franchise for you. Find one that would suit your interests. Then meet and discuss with the other franchisees within the company. Analyze and decide if the company is the right fit for you. Also talk to a team of pros that can advise you on every aspect of buying a franchise. Don’t forget marketing and training. The franchise you would be purchasing must be able to help you with that.

Ultimately, trust yourself, your abilities, and your ambition to succeed. The right mindset will set your business in motion, and it will make your career change worthwhile.

Once you decide you want to start a business, it will help you know what the differences between a franchise and a business opportunity are. Simply put, a franchise is a type of business opportunity.

In a nutshell, what distinguishes these two notions are the following factors:

• As opposed to business opportunities which don’t require strict operational standards, franchise units run under a common brand and a proven operating system.
• Franchises provide ongoing support to the franchisees for as long as their businesses are running. This includes training programs, support with marketing and advertising techniques, technology and so on. Business opportunity owners do offer support but in a rather informal process and usually on demand. They don’t have a dedicated staff for ongoing support needs.
• As a franchisee you have to pay ongoing fees (royalties) for the right of using the franchise brand and system. They can be fixed amounts or a percentage of your sales. This is not the case with business opportunities which require less cost to purchase and rarely require royalty fees.
• The last difference between a franchise and a business opportunity are the legal aspects of selling a business to you, which have to do with both federal and state’s regulations. In a franchise, these requirements are based on the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC), which includes all information about the franchise, from associated fees to company’s background information to the franchisors-franchisees relationships. A business opportunity doesn’t require an UFOC, but it will have to meet the state requirements regarding disclosure.

The initial and ongoing fees of a franchise will be higher than for a business opportunity, but in exchange, your risk of failure will be lower, and, in the long run, the profits will be higher. A business opportunity, on the other hand, allows you to be flexible as you operate the business.

The best thing is to run a thorough analysis before you decide which direction you’d like to take with your business. In case you are more inclined towards a franchise, this article will provide you with the basics of the franchising lingo.

If you live in Canada, you’re a CPA or a bookkeeper, or you’re simply good with numbers and contemplate the opportunity of starting a small business, have a look at Padgett Business Services.

The company provides accounting, tax and payroll services and is Canada’s leading supplier of small business services. For over 40 years, Padgett focused on helping business owners to succeed by giving them the peace of mind to just focus on growth.

Ranked number 32 in Red Hot Franchises’ 2011 HOT 100 list, Padgett operates a large network of over 400 local units. Depending on their clients’ needs, they offer personalized services which, apart from keeping their books in order, include financial reporting, general business consulting, government compliance, and more.

What’s in it for you as a potential Padgett franchise owner?

You can join the team with only $25,000. The company has been in business for long enough to build a solid reputation and business model that you would benefit from. You will not be on your own. Padgett will support you with all you need to branch out and achieve your personal and professional goals. Not only is Padgett an award-winning organization, but also a growing and a stable one.

They will help you set the groundwork for accelerating your career with proven business tools, training and support. In addition to that, you will enter a constantly growing market where 89% of Canada’s businesses are SMEs that have less than 20 employees.

And if you’re still not sure, think of establishing your independence by bringing to the table your existing business experience, your entrepreneurial objectives and your desire to grow your own success. That being said, you’re just one step away from buying a franchise with Padgett Business Services.

Despite a slow-moving economy, the US franchise industry is expected to grow in 2012 according to a recent report from IHS Global Insight for the International Franchise Association.

The report forecasts growth in terms of the number of American establishments, employment, economic output and GDP. According to the 2012 Franchise Business Economic Outlook, approximately 14,000 new establishments will be added, an increase of 1.9% compared to last year. Employment is expected to continue its growing trend from 2011 with another 168,000 new jobs, representing an increase of 2.1%.

In terms of economic output (sales) of franchise businesses, the report estimates a 5% growth from $745 billion to $782 billion. A 5% growth is also expected regarding franchise industry’s contribution to the US GDP, with $21 billion.

Apart from this insightful and encouraging overview, the future of the franchise industry has also been analyzed at the Franchise Expo South which took place on January 20-22, 2012 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida, where visitors had the opportunity to look into many aspects of the industry, from the basics of starting a franchise business to launching a brand globally. Franchise Expo South is Southeast’s largest franchise show that attracts entrepreneurs, particularly from South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The entrepreneurs present at Franchise Expo have discussed adding more jobs to the South Florida economy considering the American troops which are expected to be re-entering the workforce. Tom Portesy, president of MFV Expositions, highlighted the franchising benefits in the US economy:

In fact, more than 825,000 franchises support 18 million U.S. jobs and contribute $2.1 trillion to our nation’s economy, proving that franchising has a significant impact.

More and more people, young and old, acknowledge the importance of Health and Wellness industry and are keen to benefit from this type of services not just to reduce health problems, but also as an antidote to the everyday hassle.

Massage Heights can do that for their members. The company’s business is built on a membership model that makes massages more affordable at a five-star level of service. With a monthly membership fee of $49.99, Massage Heights’ customers enjoy a one-hour monthly complimentary in-retreat massage with a pro.

The massage industry is undoubtedly on a growth trend. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the demand of qualified massage therapists will increase up to 18-26% between 2004 and 2014. Apart from that, the health insurance companies have started to recognize massage therapy as a preventive measure for various illnesses. Also, the “Baby Boomers” represent the largest segment of the U.S. population that will need such kind of therapy since they enjoy more active and longer lives.

This is where you come in as a potential investor in a massage therapy franchise. If you are interested in such a franchise opportunity and would like to develop it, retreat by retreat, here’s your chance. With $50,000 you could start a great business that will bring you happiness and job satisfaction. As a franchisee, you will benefit from a lot of advantages, such as:

• Using the Massage Heights name, logo and trademarks;
• A comprehensive training program and ongoing education both in-classroom and in-retreat;
• Proprietary systems and techniques designed to simplify your business ownership;
• Exclusive pre-negotiated and discounted vendor rates;
• A fully built website that will promote your Massage Heights franchise and will show your contact details as well as directions to your clinic.

If you have experience in massage therapy or you’re passionate about starting a career in the Health and Wellness industry, give Massage Heights a try. It’s a booming business with clear financial reward.

In an unstable economy, looking for an opportunity to start a new business in New York may not be the easiest thing to do. People try to use their money wisely. However, the option of low-investment franchise opportunities tends to be more appealing and worth considering.

Whether you want to capitalize on your current experience or you want to take on a new career, Redhotfranchises.com is the place to look at.

Below you can find a brief description of the Top 5 New York low-investment franchises. This list will give you an overview of what is available so you can choose wisely. Although they require lower investment, they are far from being of low quality.

• Waiting Game Publications is a home-based recession-resistant franchise for which the start-up capital is only $7,500. It’s a business that can be profitable from the start regardless of your choice to publish one edition (part-time) or four editions.
• Cruise Planners is another home-based recession-proof franchise opportunity that you could consider, especially if you’re a travel junkie. With $9,995 initial capital you can build the business of your dreams earning the highest commissions in the travel industry, benefiting from constant support and ongoing trainings.
• Are you a music aficionado with a great personality? DJ Couture could be a way to get into the entertainment business with only $9,995 initial investment. With a business system that’s been working since 1995, the company offers a proven and effective way to start your own music entertainment business in a special, protected territory.
• Opening your own Quiznos restaurant would only entail an initial $12,500 cash capital, and you will benefit from further assistance to secure financing. You will be part of a big national brand with a low investment and tons of support.
• Re-Bath is ideal for remodelers, plumbers or contractors and even for those who don’t have previous experience. Start-up capital is $15,000 and the company provides ongoing training and support, plus lifetime warranty.

The low-cost investments database is frequently updated with new franchise opportunities, so you may want to bookmark the page for future reference.

Have you ever thought of running a cruise business from the comfort of your own home? Now it may be your chance to pursue such an idea.

A franchise opportunity with Cruise Planners will earn franchise owners instant credibility given the company’s affiliation to American Express as its Representative Travel Service agency.

In a constantly growing and recession-resistant industry headlined by the Carribean, which continues to be the leading cruise destination, approaching a home-based business-model like this is something you should definitely look into. Not only will you partner with one of the big players in the business, but it’s a franchise that involves low investment with low risk and high returns. Your initial investment would only be $9,995 cash capital with a total investment of up to $19,995.

As a new franchisee, you will definitely not be alone. You will benefit from the best training in the business. The Cruise Planners University (CPU) offers a wide array of educational programs, which are second to none in the travel industry. Besides that, you’ll get – among others – the highest commissions in the industry, fully built functional websites, award-winning marketing programs, a proprietary accounting system, and a dedicated support team.

Since 1993, when Cruise Planners started the business in its native Coral Springs, Fla., the company has expanded to over 725 franchise owners and has been recognized by the industry numerous times, most recently in the Entrepreneur magazine’s 2012 Top Franchise List where it was ranked number 44 out of 500 franchises. Also, it was the number one franchise in the travel industry for nine consecutive years.

More and more people want to travel and experience cruise vacations. The more people are willing to do that, the more travel agents will be needed to exceed the travelers’ expectations. If you’re ready to enter the travel market, become a Cruise Planners franchise owner.

In recent years the sales market has experienced a boom in the frequency of resold goods. Whether they’re media products such as movies or other DVDs, music, or video games, or they’re clothes and other fashion accessories, today’s retail market has embraced the chance to reuse perfectly good items and offer discounted goods to the community. Kid to Kid is a franchise developed in order to widen this market to include the clothes and other products of children.

Because kids outgrow their clothes so quickly, they often need to be replaced. But unless you have a younger child, then you might not know what to do with those clothes you’ve got left that don’t fit your child anymore. A Kid to Kid retailer specializes in the repurchase and resale of pre-owned clothing for children. Kid to Kid sees its retail setup as a “win-win-win” situation. The families of growing children benefit from being able to resell goods they can no longer use; parents benefit from the chance to buy perfectly good clothes for their children at a highly discounted price; and store owners benefit from being able to reap the financial reward for providing an important service to their community.

With a Kid to Kid franchise you’ll be set up for success from the get-go. Kid to Kid will help you analyze your business market and assist you in making targeted plans for sales, expenses, and profits. They’ll also help you analyze your customers and prepare marketing plans to ensure you get the most out of your location. You’ll be taught how to manage your inventory properly to have the right products on sale at the right prices for everyone’s benefit.

Children’s clothing is a big and quickly-moving market at every point in the year. In hard economic times, customers will turn to a place that offers competitive pricing on quality products. A Kid to Kid franchise is sure to experience success in almost any retail environment.