If you’ve decided to pursue a career in franchising and are now in the researching stage, you are likely seeking an opportunity in an industry you’re interested in that aligns with the vision you have for your career. As you may have already discovered, the franchising industry is vast, and there are many franchise brands out there. But what elements add strength to a franchise brand? We’ve put together some standout features to look out for in your search.
Comprehensive Training
Franchisees can play a key role in the strength of a franchise brand. If a franchisee lacks the proper training or knowledge needed to successfully run the business in accordance with the franchise’s business model, it can harm the overall reputation of the franchise brand. However, when a franchisee receives sufficient initial training and ongoing support, and it is clear there has been an effort made to prepare franchisees for the role, it creates consistency across the network—a major plus in a strong franchise brand. It can also give franchisees the confidence to succeed and grow in their role, strengthening the brand as a whole.
When researching franchise brands, research the amount of training they offer and compare it to other franchises. While there may not initially be in-depth information available on this aspect of the opportunity, strong franchise brands will at least provide an outline of the training and support they offer (often on their website). Although training will look different depending on the franchise, look for brands that offer a longer initial training period, advertising and marketing assistance, site selection and construction support, and so on.
Robust Leadership and Support Team
Behind a franchise brand is a team that manages the operations and provides support to the network. Whether you’re new to franchising or to the specific brand, it’s crucial to know that you’ll be supported every step of the way. Strong franchise brands often have specific teams within various stages of the franchising journey that will offer insight and expertise. It’s a good sign when a franchise brand indicates a leadership/support team or consultants are available, as it helps indicate the support waiting when you invest.
Positive Brand Reputation and Awareness
A franchise brand’s reputation can be a significant factor in determining its strength within an industry. A positive reputation indicates that the franchise successfully meets the needs and expectations of its customers. As a result, this positive reputation helps to raise awareness of the brand. Conversely, a negative or non-existent reputation can suggest that the brand isn’t actively implementing strategies to make a positive mark among its customer base or improve its offerings. Look to online reviews and social media chatter to gauge how consumers view a brand.
Growth Plans
Plans to grow are often great markers of a strong franchise brand. Franchisors typically do not consider expanding their business if there is no clear indication of customer interest and demand. Therefore, if you find a franchise brand with plans to grow, it is a positive sign that they are confident in their business model, are thinking long-term, and can continue to meet customers’ needs in the future. Start by looking at how the franchise has grown over the years. Has there been steady growth? How many locations are there and how many are projected in the near future? A strong franchise brand will have a proven track record of consistent growth.
Franchising with The UPS Store
The UPS Store is Canada’s largest network of print and copy centres. With robust, world-class training and significant benefits, including brand strength, extensive product and service offerings, and more, you can feel confident in your investment with us.
If you have questions about our franchise opportunity, check out our detailed FAQ page for more information and fill out our online inquiry form to learn more.
