A franchise is a fantastic business opportunity with a massive array of benefits. But not all business opportunities are the same - and it's helpful to understand the difference between a classic franchise and a broader business opportunity offered by Franchise Direct US.
Business opportunities offer people with no prior experience of running a company the chance to invest in an existing business. With Franchise Direct business opportunities, you buy into the "idea" of the business. This means that you buy the right to market and sell products and services that have already proven successful, popular, and profitable. You access an existing business "system" and get the chance to afford your own entrepreneurialism into a popular marketplace - all after an initial period of training and guidance.
Business opportunities differ from traditional franchises because you have the freedom to run your business in any way you see fit once you're up and running.
Traditional franchising is different, offering ongoing training and support with continued specialism-focused coaching. This mode of business is particularly suited to those who have never run a business before.
When you invest in a franchise, you enter into an agreement with the parent company. This effectively means that you enter into a partnership with them. And while they're there to support you every step of the way, there are restrictions regarding how you operate your franchise business, dictated by the contract.
For some, franchising is too restrictive - and for those people, the business opportunities offered by Franchise Direct are perfect, giving greater freedom in the way you operate. However, franchising does provide a range of excellent benefits, including regional exclusivity, meaning that you're not going to compete with other franchisees in your specified area during the agreed term of your agreement.
If you're seeking out an established business idea that's already proven its worth in the marketplace, then a business opportunity is for you.
Franchising vs. "Business Opportunities"
Many people consider franchising one of the safest approaches to going into business for yourself. Franchising is especially suited to those who haven't been the head of a company before. This is because you take on a fully-formed business that's already weathered the "startup storm."
That means they've already made all of the mistakes that independent companies inevitably make when starting their new companies. Franchises and existing business opportunities, therefore, offer a fantastic chance to take on a tried-and-tested brand.
Franchise parent companies often offer continuous support, helping franchisees maximise their business potential. Parent companies have years of expertise in their specialised field, and that experience and knowledge get handed down to you.
In the majority of cases, you're never on your own with a franchise. The parent company offers expert guidance and ongoing coaching as well as a range of compliance and HR functions. It's the business regulations that keep most business owners up at night - franchisees have the benefit of experts to ensure compliance with business and financial laws.
Broader business opportunities are less prescriptive in terms of operational function. You invest in a concept and receive training to deliver that product or service. From there, you're free to run your business however you consider best.
The main pros of investing in broader business opportunities are:
- Less restrictive agreements. You can run your business in any way you see fit.
- You still benefit from an established brand
- Lower initial investment fees
- Fewer ongoing fees
But:
It may be necessary to conduct further research to maximise your business opportunity. Additionally, you might need to employ compliance experts to make sure your business aligns with business regulations.
Facts About Business Opportunities
It may be possible to invest in a business opportunity without a loan because the initial investment is generally lower than a traditional franchise. This minimises the risk of ROI (Return On Investment).
Standard franchise opportunities often require a relatively substantial initial investment. Most business people need support from a funding body or a bank to meet these financial demands.
However, you're likely to see a fast ROI with a franchise. Independent companies, on the other hand, are far riskier.
Broader business opportunities offer tremendous growth potential. But it would help if you had more solid business acumen to face the significant challenge of taking on a business without ongoing support.
Whether you're considering a classic franchise or a broader and freer business opportunity, you'll find that going into business is an empowering, exciting way to regain control over your career.
Franchising vs. Independent
Whether you're thinking about a classic franchise or a broader business opportunity, you'll need startup collateral. You may need to acquire tools and equipment or purchase stock or materials to deliver your services and products.
Either way, franchising or investing in a business opportunity is an exciting way to go into business.
Independent businesses are often really challenging because you start from scratch. With a franchise or business opportunity, you invest in:
- An existing supply chain
- An existing base of clients who already know and love the brand
- Recognisable branding and instant curb appeal
- A partnership with established experts with experience in your marketplace
Many indies struggle - they can’t penetrate the marketplace due to a lack of reputation.
Nearly half of all independent companies go into receivership within their first five years in the United States. They struggle to recoup their investment and end up in debt to their financiers. Franchise companies and business opportunities turn around profits more quickly due to a ready-built customer base.
Of course, some people need to apply for bank loans to finance their business opportunities. Banks and moneylenders favor franchises because they have a history of successful growth and profit.
What Is a Turnkey Business?
Turnkey businesses are ventures ready to operate as soon as you close on the deal. A typical turnkey operation runs on the franchise model, where a large parent company provides most or all of what a small business needs to operate. This can be exciting for new business owners looking for an exceptional investment opportunity that comes with limited risk and less work.
Benefits of a Turnkey Business
The turnkey business model comes with several advantages that make it attractive to franchise owners. These include:
- Low startup costs: Entrepreneurs looking to own a high-profit business franchise have to invest in the project to get started. A large operation, such as a hotel franchise, might take several million dollars to start. On the other hand, a small business could start for as little as a few thousand dollars and be accessible to new and part-time entrepreneurs.
- Ongoing operational support: You're never alone when you buy into an established turnkey business. Most turnkey business opportunities come with a large support network that delivers supplies, branding, pricing information and, sometimes, an established customer base, reducing the risk of starting a new business.
- Proven business models: While you can buy into many different types of turnkey businesses, most have been in business for at least a few years before they sell. This can be attractive for owners looking to step in and get started rather than spending a year or 2 learning the basics.
- Significant time savings: For business owners looking for high returns in a reasonable timeframe, this model saves time and reduces the complexities of new startups.
Is a Turnkey Business Right for You?
As much as the turnkey business model offers, it isn't for everyone. Here are some questions to ask before you decide to invest in a turnkey operation.
Do You Have the Money to Invest?
You have to buy into a turnkey business, and the price you pay varies enormously. In addition to the initial franchise fee, some brands want you to have a certain amount of liquid capital on hand for emergencies. Make sure you know what the cash requirements are for your turnkey business before you buy in.
Do You Have Industry Experience?
Some turnkey businesses are relatively simple and easy to learn quickly. Others are highly technical and require specialised industry knowledge. Before you invest, consider your expertise and how it can help you in your new venture.
What Are Your Business Goals?
Entrepreneurs don't all want the same thing out of a business. Turnkey businesses tend to work best for investors who want an established business ready to go with high scalability and low initial uncertainty.
How Much Can You Commit?
Owning a business takes time and hard work, no matter what industry you're in. Before committing to a turnkey business, be sure you're ready to invest the sweat equity necessary to succeed.
Starting a Turnkey Business
Turnkey businesses can be a viable option for many new and experienced entrepreneurs, but they aren't for everybody. If you can afford the fees and startup costs, getting an established business that's all yours and ready to go could be your path to success.
Business Opportunities with Franchise Direct
Check out Franchise Direct's fantastic portfolio of profitable business opportunities. And benefit from the freedom of business ownership while being your own boss.
Find your brand new start with Franchise Direct.