WINTER WARMERS
Buying a franchise could be a hot ticket to your future. So why not take off the winter chill with a visit to the franchising expo and check out the best way to warm up your ambition?
Heat up your ambition at the Melbourne Franchising expo.
It’s time to put yourself first and make the move towards business ownership. The Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo delivers a host of business concepts to consider.
Do you know much about franchising? Whether you are a total novice looking to find out just what’s involved with buying a franchise, or you are familiar with the pros and cons of being a franchisee and are seeking inspiration, the expo will be a source of useful information and contacts.
It’s a clever combination of showcased brands with franchise opportunities up for grabs, and a free daily seminar program packed full of vital tips and advice.
The key to working through the expo is having a plan … visit the website franchisingexpo.com.au to see which brands you want to find out more about, and check the seminar program to ensure you don’t miss any crucial sessions.
In addition to the businesses promoting their franchise models, the exhibitor line-up will include supporting and advisory businesses. Inside Franchise Business will be there, so make sure you come and say hello.
The Franchise Council of Australia is a good source of general information about franchising and a great place to start your expo journey.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is another place to stop and glean some useful tips about franchising – what to look for and some of the warning signs of a dud business opportunity.
There will be lawyers and advisors among the exhibitors able to share
important facts and answer any specific questions you might have.
It’s a brilliant opportunity to tap into expert knowledge – for free.
You will also have the chance to chat with franchisors and franchisees on some of the brand stands. Talking directly to franchisees in a business will give you invaluable insights into the daily life of a business owner, and can help shed light on what’s really involved in running the business.
EXHIBITING BRANDS
So who will be at the expo this year? The line-up is a feast of diversity.
From the big brands that are household names in Australia (Anytime Fitness,
Aussie, Clark Rubber, Poolwerx, Snap Printing, Subway, Swimart and Yellow
Brick Road) to the quiet achievers (Battery World, BK’s Takeaway, HolidayXP, Noodle Box, NumberWorks’nWords, Ogalo).
Are you looking for a mobile business? Consider these brands: Fastway Couriers, Flatpack Assembly Services, Gutter-Vac, Hydrokleen, Jim’s Antennas and Jim’s Security, The Graffiti Eaters.
Want to bring your business skills to your new venture? Look at Bookit Bookkeeping, Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE), Minuteman Press, Signarama, The Alternative Board.
How about brands from overseas that have recently begun making a mark in Australia? Pay a visit to exercise brands Orangetheory Fitness and Xtend Barre, Japanese retail chain Miniso, and food franchises Jon Smith Subs and Pepper Lunch.
And for something really new, check out the Taiwan pavilion with a selection of franchised brands looking for Australian expansion.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A FRANCHISE
In the Brisbane expo in June, Poolwerx founder and CEO John O’Brien shared his thoughts on what’s important when searching for a winning franchise.
He shared his views in a podcast – visit www.franchisebusiness.com.au/news/ spot-winning-franchise/ to hear the full interview. Or turn to page 109 to glean some of his top tips.
Remember that franchisee profitability is crucial so don’t forget to talk to franchisees about this.
An ideal way to learn more about operations and the reality of the business is to join a discovery day. At the expo, find out if brands you are interested in offer this option.
DON’T BE RUSHED
Whatever franchisors say at the expo, there’s no need to be hurried into a purchasing decision. If you are confident of the business and have done plenty of homework, then the expo is a great opportunity to take advantage of any special offers.
However, potential franchisees just starting out on the voyage of discovery would be advised to take it slowly, and spend time after the expo reviewing the information garnered and doing further independent research before committing to a franchise.
The expo is the perfect experience that can heat up your interest in franchising … perhaps you’ll find a hot business opportunity to fire up your future.