Having the opportunity to be your own boss, set your own schedule, and maximize your quality of life are incredibly appealing prospects, but starting from the ground up is both costly and risky. To help mitigate those risks, many turn to franchising.
Franchising allows owners the benefits of partnering with experts invested in their success while also taking advantage of the perks of business ownership. It comes with significantly less risk than a startup because owners can draw on brand recognition and proven techniques for success. But before diving in, here are a few things to consider.
Before becoming a Franchise Owner, consider how involved you want to be in the daily operations of your new business. Do you want to maximize profits as an owner–operator? Would you prefer to have a manager run the business for you? Something in between? Many franchises offer different models so you can run your business in a way that works for your life.
Additionally, consider how much you are willing or able to invest in getting the business off the ground. Within the best franchise industries, initial investment costs can vary widely. You’ll also want to learn about the support offered by the franchise. What kind of training does the franchise offer? What ongoing support is provided for owners once the business opens? How much flexibility do owners have to customize the business to the needs of their specific market?
Finally, consider your overall business goals. Some franchises are scalable, which means owners have the opportunity to open additional locations and increase overall profitability. Other franchises might have standard operating procedures that are great for owners looking to take advantage of a flexible schedule to take care of children, travel, or pursue other interests. Whatever your goals are in opening your own business, you’re sure to find a franchise to match.
With so many franchises available in virtually every industry, how do you pick the right one for you? Determining your own goals with owning a franchise will help narrow the search. Here are some more suggestions on what to look for among franchise industries:
Consider how long a franchise has operated and the overall success of each franchise. While franchises are less likely to go out of business than startups, it does happen. Also, pay attention to how much existing franchise locations bring in annually to see how reliable the franchise's success might be across the market.
Look at the industry of the franchise overall. Is the industry growing or in high demand? How long has that growth been sustained? Does it show signs of decline?
How does this franchise stand up against those providing similar goods or services in your community? What will help your business stand out?
Does this brand already have a loyal customer following? Does the franchise offer opportunities for building customer loyalty? Will customers want to (or need to) return regularly, or will you need to devote more time to search out new clients? A well–known franchise comes with its own customer base you can build upon. It's much easier to run a franchise where the business model leads naturally to repeat visits rather than having to drum up new customers constantly.
Does this franchise promote values that you stand by? Is the product or service one that you are personally passionate about? While most franchises don't require experience or familiarity with their product, you are far more likely to find success in franchise ownership if you care about the work you do.
Does the franchise offer variety for its customers? Franchises that provide multiple goods or services are more likely to build repeat clientele.
What kind of growth opportunities are available for you within the company? Does the company actively invest in the success of its owners, or do they take a more hands–off approach? When you choose a franchise that makes an effort to support its owners, you are more likely to overcome the obstacles and frustrations that come your way.
Unlike many industries, the salon industry can withstand almost any pressure from the marketplace. In 2016 the hair salon industry was valued at $69 billion. According to reports, it's projected to be valued at $87 billion. Family–friendly salons like Lemon Tree have seen even more growth.
Even in times of economic downturn, salons and the services they offer are highly valued, so business is maintained. By providing specialized services and products, salons can diversify revenue streams which also helps increase profitability.
With decades of experience in salon ownership and franchising, Lemon Tree is a particularly stellar example of a reliable franchise to invest in. Owners who choose Lemon Tree not only join one of the best franchise industries, they join one of the best franchises on the market today.
While other salons focus only on a narrow range of customers or only provide hair cutting services, Lemon Tree provides services for the whole family. From a great cut and color to facial waxing, Lemon Tree has a reputation for providing incredible services at affordable prices. This helps keep our salons competitive in the market and provides a single location suitable for everyone in the family, driving higher revenue streams for their owners.
Additionally, Lemon Tree is ideal for owners looking for opportunities to grow over time. We actively seek out owners who want to open multiple salons. With a simple, scalable model, owners can also grow their businesses quickly. In fact, their revenues are significantly higher than most of the competition. Thanks to a strong support system and a proven foundation for success, Lemon Tree is one of the best franchises in the salon industry.