Guide for Aspiring Franchisees: Tips and Advice

Barbara Maccarrone, Marketing and Franchise Recruiting Manager - Lead Generation Manager B2B and B2C, Mail Boxes Etc. Italy

Barbara Maccarrone is in charge of Marketing and Communications for the development of the Mail Boxes Etc. franchise. With extensive experience in the franchising sector, Barbara has served as the Marketing and Franchise Recruiting Manager within the Mail Boxes Etc. Network in Italy. Her role involves actively exchanging best practices with MBE networks in other countries, ensuring the growth and development of the franchise. Her expertise and dedication to the franchising model have led her to create a brief guide on the world of franchising.

At Mail Boxes Etc. in Italy, I focus on Marketing and Communication for the development of the franchising network, contributing to the expansion and strengthening of the brand's presence.

My advice aims to help people better understand the sector and choose the brand that best suits their needs and aspirations with awareness and responsibility.

Starting a franchising business can be an excellent opportunity for those who want to enter the world of entrepreneurship with the support of an established brand. However, it is essential to prepare adequately and make the right choices to ensure the success of the business. Here are some practical tips for those considering opening a franchising business.

1. Rule number 1: Start with yourself. Choose a Business Model that excites you Conduct a thorough analysis of what you like, dislike, and are good at. Ensure the chosen business aligns with your values and interests, providing the motivation needed to overcome challenges and achieve goals.

2. Research, seek references, and understand the Business Model: Acquire solid knowledge of the sector. Trade associations such as Assofranchising in Italy, the European Franchise Federation, and the International Franchise Association are excellent sources of information. Verify the franchisor's history, brand notoriety, brand reputation, and business model flexibility to ensure it can adapt to market changes.

3. Examine the Training Program: Training is crucial for the success of any business. Find out what type of training is offered, its phases, and the frequency of updates. Ensure training is guaranteed for future staff and inquire about additional costs. Continuous training investment demonstrates a franchisor's commitment to long-term success.

4. Evaluate Marketing Support: One of the main advantages of franchising is access to structured marketing campaigns. Discuss with the franchisor the marketing strategies used. Review recent advertising campaigns, channels, and the annual marketing plan. A serious franchisor will share this information and introduce you to the marketing team.

5. Operational Support: Ask for details about operational support offered in the territory. Frequent meetings with the support team, regional meetings, conventions, and affiliate interactions are indicators of a supportive franchisor.

6. Investigate Innovation: In a continuously evolving market, it is important to choose a franchisor who invests in innovation. Verify if the franchisor has resources dedicated to researching and developing new solutions or products. This will help keep the business competitive and responsive to market needs.

Choose A Business Model That Excites You Conduct A Thorough Analysis Of What You Like, Dislike, And Are Good At. Ensure The Chosen Business Aligns With Your Values And Interests, Providing The Motivation Needed To Overcome Challenges And Achieve Goals

7. Get to Know the Franchise Network: Visit other franchisees to gain valuable insights into the experience of managing a franchise. Listening to their experiences helps form a realistic picture of the franchise you are considering.

8. Consider Sustainability and Inclusion: Evaluate if the franchisor promotes inclusive and sustainable work environments. Discuss with the network and the franchisor's team to understand their commitment to these issues. A franchisor attentive to sustainability and inclusion offers added value to your business.

9. Financial Support: Verify if the franchisor offers support in finding necessary financing. Financial assistance demonstrates a franchisor's commitment to the success of their affiliates.

10. Analyze the Franchise Agreement and Start-Up Costs: The franchise agreement is a binding document that will regulate the relationship between the franchisee and the franchisor. Carefully analyze each article, the rights and duties of both parties and start-up costs. Consult a legal expert to ensure you fully understand all terms and conditions.

11. Build a Solid Business Plan: A well-structured business plan is crucial. Usually built with the franchisor, personalize it to your business specifics. Consider partners, employees, financing, and goals for the first years. Use data from existing outlets to build a realistic and long-term plan.

12. The Internationality of Franchising Choosing: Franchising with an international presence offers a wealth of experiences and perspectives. A global presence allows continuous innovation and adaptation, offering a significant competitive advantage and new ideas for your business.

13. Multi-Unit Franchisee: A good rate of multi-unit franchisees, owners of multiple stores, represents an excellent indicator of the success of the business model. So, I recommend that you delve deeper; and ask how many multi-unit franchisees there are in the network. Do not be afraid to ask to speak with a multi-unit franchisee. Learn about their story and entrepreneurial journey, from their first steps when they opened their first location to today. Remember that they also started with a single unit; through their journey, you can gain insights into potential developments.

14. Visit the Franchisor's Corporate Headquarters: Invest time to visit the franchisor's headquarters. Meeting the team, experiencing the brand's atmosphere, and evaluating alignment with proposed values and philosophy is crucial. This helps understand the corporate culture and decide if the franchisor is the right partner.

15. Choosing the Franchisor as a Strategic Partner: The franchisor proposes a consolidated business model, offers continuous training, marketing support, and innovation, and maintains high standards. Your task is to implement these elements, provide services, and contribute to the brand's success. Collaboration between franchisor and franchisee is key to a successful partnership and business growth.

I hope these tips help you evaluate if you're ready to pursue a franchise business model. Best of luck in achieving your ambitions and reaching success!