Debunking Franchise Myths
We all know the upside to franchising: proven franchise system, training and support, purchasing power, brand recognition, and lower risk of failure top the list. But before you utter those three little words, "it's all good," take a reality check. Consider this list of common myths surrounding franchising and get the true facts.
Myth
Success is guaranteed.
Fact
Franchising does increase your chances for success over going it alone, but it's not a magic solution. Any venture involves risks; a proven system merely lowers those risks.
Myth
You can be your own boss.
Fact
Yes, you will enjoy some perks as a business owner, but you still have to follow someone else's rules-the franchisor's. You may not have the power to make even the most basic decisions about hours of operation, pricing, suppliers, and marketing.
Myth
It's cheaper than starting from scratch.
Fact
The cost of starting a franchise is about the same as starting your own business when you consider the real estate, build-out, equipment, supplies, and advertising. You might get some price breaks from group purchasing, but royalty fees will offset any savings.
Myth
It's easy.
Fact
Don't assume that once you make your investment it's not going to be as hard as a regular non-franchise business. With a franchise it's going to be an easier transition and a lower chance of failure, but there's no way around it-running a business is hard work.
Myth
Bigger is better.
Fact
Bigger companies do offer some advantages like large-scale advertising, sophisticated systems, and more capital to support the brand. But smaller franchisers are often more flexible and responsive to franchisees.
Myth
A high-priced franchise will yield a bigger ROI.
Fact
Often the opposite is true. The price of the franchise has little to do with profit potential. You need to take into account numerous factors such as market conditions, system efficiency, location, and your own knowledge of the industry.
We'll Leave the Light On For You: Motel 6's Advertising Success
When Motel 6 conceived of the idea for a campaign in the mid-1980s, Bodett worked on NPR’s All Things Considered program. The Richards Group, a Dallas- based advertising agency, was hired by Motel 6 in 1985 and thought Bodett would be an excellent spokesman for the chain because of his warm and friendly vocal style. Hired in 1986, Bodett ad-libbed the line, “We’ll leave the light on for you”while in the recording studio for the first time and the slogan was both an instant and lasting success, staying with the chain for over 25 years and counting.
Protect Your Brand: Trademark Monitoring for Franchisors
Almost all franchisors own at least one federally registered trademark (and if they don’t, they should). As a general principle, brand owners are required to monitor and enforce their trademark rights in order to retain the exclusivity afforded by federal trademark registrations. This takes on additional complexities for franchisors—who need to make sure not only that no one is using their trademarks without authorization, but also that franchisees are making proper use of their marks.
Quiznos Franchise Narrowly Avoids Bankruptcy
With a second lease on life and control of the franchisor squarely in the hands of private equity professionals, will Quiznos be able to navigate a still-shaky economy, challenge Subway for supremacy, and win back the trust of its surviving franchisees?
