Evaluate your handyman or home improvement franchise

Today franchising information and advice for choosing the right handyman franchise or home improvement franchise is readily available but what advice do you follow. When evaluating any franchise here are 7 important points any good franchisor should discuss with you.

 

Summary

Important advice for any would be franchisee is to consider not only what the franchisor brings to the table but also what strengths the prospective franchisee themselves have to offer. Do your own strengths fit in with the needs of the role that you will play in the new business? After 25 years in franchising during which I've experienced life both as a franchisee and a franchisor I've come to realize that no one can guarantee success. In a later blog we will consider what the would be franchisee should bring to the table to build a successful House Doctors franchise. But the first step for prospective franchisees is to decide on a concept of interest. Obviously feeling good about the market and the industry is important, but here are 7 points to consider when evaluating a franchise opportunity.

 

I use our concept, House Doctors, as a reference.Take a look at our video we use this to give prospective franchisees a simple demonstrating of what House Doctors is all about, making home improvements easier for homeowners. (See Item 1 below)

 

 

7 points any good franchisor should discuss with you during your discovery process

 

1.  What does the franchise stand for? Please watch our video to learn more.
Great franchise companies have clear visions and messages that franchisees feel part of. In our industry most people have had or know someone who has had a poor experience with a handyman or contractor.

House Doctors franchisees see the need for professionalism in the industry and buy our franchise to make a difference in their communities through making home improvements easier for homeowners. 

2.  What does it take to be successful? Is there a clear profile of a successful franchisee?
What do you need to bring to the table? During the discovery process you should speak with existing franchisees to get a feel for what your role would be.

House Doctors franchisees come from all walks of life and have 3 things in common; they are personable, have management and team building experience, and comfort with our industry.
 
3.  Is the culture of this franchise right for you?
Great franchise companies work hard at building a culture of success.

At House Doctors our goal setting and award winning culture backed by continual benchmarking against your peers supports our franchisees who strive to take their business to the next level.
 
4.  How long will it take to get it up and running?
Once you have decided on your franchise you want to get it up and running as soon as possible.

At House Doctors we have introduced fast start programs that see most franchisees ramp up more than 70% quicker than before then go on to reach stage one of growth in a matter of months.
 
5.  Is there a good lead generation program in place to help you grow?
How do you get your customers? Do you need to cold call?

At House Doctors we have developed a diverse marketing program from yard signs and mailers to SEO and SEM programs. Franchisees follow a plan to see continued lead generation for their business.
 
6.  Is there a plan to help you build the business after you've got it off the ground?
Now your up and running what next? Does the franchisor offer any business building plan? How easy and economical will it be for you to put it into place? 

The House Doctors business building program enables our franchisees to follow a simple step by step growth model using our national relationships, installation programs and existing partnerships to offer additional products and services to their customers as they grow.
 
7.  Is there a simple franchise information gathering process in place for you to follow?
Is it easy to get the information you need to make your decision?

At House Doctors prospective franchisees go through a professional step by step franchise discovery process so both parties feel comfortable that the partnership is the right fit for both parties before moving ahead.

No matter the franchise, handyman, home improvement, or fast food, these 7 points will help you valuate your franchise opportunity.

What is your experience? Do you feel that these 7 questions are worth asking? Are there any other questions that you should consider? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.