Scalability & Franchising: Like Peanut Butter & Jelly!

Written by Jim Otto

You hear people talk all the time about scalability, but what exactly does that mean? I would recommend that you find out exactly what that means as it relates to the Franchise you are thinking about buying! If you are not buying into a “scalable” system, then what you might be saying is that you're content with NOT growing your business. For example, have you ever watched the TV series Shark Tank? In this show, one of the first question they ask is, "What are your revenues?" Another good question that they ask is, "What were your revenues last year?" They ask this, because what they really want to find out is if the model growing, if it's creating more revenue than it did last year, and if it's scalable. Scalability, the ability to grow revenues and expand on an ever increasing workload, is one of the main characteristics of a franchise system. This is where the link can be found between the systems that the franchise has in place, and how those systems function under the ever increasing revenue that is produced. There are lots of ways to measure scalability for lots of different business models, but here are some of the most important when it comes to franchising;
  • Is there a market for the service? Without demand for the product, how will you grow?
  • Can you teach someone else to do it? Scalability relies on the fact that whatever you are doing can be taught to some else who can then teach it to others.
  • Standardization: Can it be repeated successfully over and over, the same way, and continue to produce more and more revenue as it grows?
  • Recurring revenue: I would venture to say that very few franchise models can survive without services or products that meet a need and require customers to come back again and again to get them.

It's a fact that running a business can be hard work and encompasses many challenges that most people have never encountered. But it's arguable that when you invest into a salon franchise system, you have a greater chance of success. Plus, most salon franchises (like Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids) do offer the advantage of a successful business history and scalability. However, as implementing a salon franchise system does take effort, you'll want to make sure all your questions are answered through doing a little research. Contact salon franchises, reach out to the franchisors, and compare business models!  You'll also want to take a look at the Franchise Disclosure document, the Franchise Agreement, and talk to current franchisees. Seek out a franchise business that currently has a long track record of success. Keep in mind that the franchise system itself may be younger than the actual concept itself.  Find out how long the franchisor has had a history with the concept itself.  Have they really figured it out before offering the franchise?

Read More

Why Professionals Like Franchising

Written by Jim Otto

Professionals who have spent numerous years working in the corporate world sometimes will find that they’re ready for a new challenge. After researching their options, many of these career shifters are choosing franchising. Why? Well, usually it boils down to people simply wanting to be their own boss, and being able to more capably utilize their unique skill-set to build wealth. They also realize that starting a business from the ground up is hard!  Investing in something that has most the kinks already worked out is a real advantage.  And even though running a franchise business offers many advantages over simply starting a business on your own, there’s still some unique challenges that potential franchisees might want to consider. Following is a list of some of those challenges an individual might want to think about before making the leap to owning their very own franchise business!

Read More

Shear Madness Salon Franchise Owners

Written by Jim Otto

The past two years have been EXCITING years for our team! Owning and operating a kid's salon franchise has it's share of hurtles and challenges, but we maintain a positive attitude and outlook as we keep pressing forward! It has been fun to see all our hard work paying off as we now celebrate having 7 locations open! Our incredibly COOL salon concept for kids has franchise locations now in Lee's Summit MO, Albuquerque NM, San Antonio TX, McAllen TX, and West Des Moines IA thanks to our dedicated and enthusiastic franchisees and our team. Now we would like to take a moment and recognize each one of our fabulous franchise owners and their families. To our ever growing Shear Mad-tastic Family - Here's to you!

Read More

10 Reasons to Invest in a Hair Salon Franchise

Written by Jim Otto

Read More

Which Salon Franchise is Best?

Written by Jim Otto

In the franchise world there are many options, and choosing between categories alone can be an interesting challenge.  However, one category that is worth careful evaluation is salon franchises.  Why?  Well, everyone needs a haircut now and then.  Most sectors of the salon industry are recession resistant, and it doesn't appear that the internet is going to be able to replace haircuts anytime soon!

Read More