Friday, July 28, 2006

 

Video game arcade franchises


Since the launch of the Atari home games console in the 1970s, the video game industry has grown at a dramatic pace. Video game arcades took off as fans flocked to play Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Space Invaders and over 30 years later they are still as popular as ever.
Technology may have changed but the desire to shoot the bad guys has not and though most kids and teens now own their own video game consoles at home, what better way to take part in the latest digital adventures than to challenge friends in a games arcade.
That's why savvy investors could be wise to take advantage of one of the biggest entertainment industries in the world and invest in a video game arcade franchise.
Because of the explosive popularity of home games consoles, many of today's arcades have found a niche in games that use special controllers unavailable to home users. Examples include rhythm games such as Dance Dance Revolution and rail shooters such as House of the Dead.
But internet cafes have undoubtedly made life harder for arcade owners, thanks to developments in web-based video games. Indeed many cafes now focus solely on browser-based gaming, causing the demand for video arcades to fall rather noticeably.
Franchisees must therefore keep their eyes on the latest innovations in gaming technology if they are to keep up with the developments in the web gaming world and rival the home console industry, since competition is extremely fierce and the audience demanding.
Another potential pitfall is opening a franchise in an already saturated market. Chances are, with competition already there from internet cafes and home consoles, setting up a franchise near an existing video games arcade would prove an unwise move.
As a result it is absolutely essential that franchisees in the arcade industry do their homework and thoroughly assess the market potential in a given area before jumping in with both feet.
Where the demand is there however, an arcade game franchise could be extremely lucrative. Franchisees will also benefit from expert experience and a proven business model too, so the chances of success will be higher than going it alone.
Operating under an already established and respected name means customers are more likely to turn up, play and spend their money, and franchisees will also benefit from professional advertising and marketing, giving them more time to concentrate on making their customers happy than getting them through the door in the first place.
Establishing a good customer base is essential, so franchisees must keep up to speed with their target audience's needs. Satisfied customers will return again and again, and since children and young adults today have more expendable income than they ever have before, keeping them happy with the latest games and software could prove a smart business move.
Investing in a video game franchise could be extremely challenging, particularly for an amateur. But with the right training and guidance from a good franchiser, there could be plenty of money to be made.
Copyright Adfero Ltd 2006
http://www.franchisedirect.com

 

Sandwich shop franchises

A sandwich shop franchise could provide a wide range of opportunities for anyone hoping to set-up their own business.

The increased demand for snacks-on-the-go means that sandwich shops could be a great way to make money as well as providing a direct opportunity to deal with the general public.

Potential franchisees are reminded that before committing to any operation they must make sure they do adequate market research and sufficient preparation for setting-up their own venture.

The first step for anyone looking to move into the sandwich shop franchise business is to request information from the leading chains who offer suitable opportunities. This literature can ten be used to compare different options as well as assessing possible business structures and the amount of investment required to get up and running.

New franchisees must also place strong importance on how much support they will receive from the company as it could be vital to ensuring maximum returns and long-term success.

With all food outlets, location can be vital to ensure there is enough passing trade and repeat customers. Some companies will provide information on how to select a site as well as advice on how to develop a floor plan that will prove attractive to consumers.

Equipment can also be a significant expense for new franchisees and selecting the right catering machines through a supporting company can lead to significant cost savings and lessens the potential of making unnecessary expensive purchases.

Choosing a leading brand-name in the sandwich shop sector could be one way to ensure strong sales. Many of the high-profile names in the industry have the ability to negotiate with other well-known brands to offer in-store promotions and discounts on a range of food and drink products.

Above all, training is vital for sandwich shop franchises, the ability to provide tasty and inexpensive snacks with a smile can lead to a successful food outlet. Some franchise companies offer week-long workshops as well as on-the-job advice to help improve customer service and product standards.

In particular, making sure that customers' needs are meant with a varied and appealing menu can take time and effort, especially as food trends and tastes can vary significantly. The ability to offer hot winter alternatives, such as soup, can help to avoid the traditional seasonal fluctuations seen by many sandwich shop outlets.

However, no matter how much training and support is given by companies, franchisees must realise that a lot of hard work and business flair is the key to success within the sandwich shop market.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2006

http://www.franchisedirect.com

Thursday, July 27, 2006

 

Internet cafe franchises

Over the past decade the internet has become an integral part of most people's lives with easy and affordable access, wherever they are a necessity for many. That's why investing in an internet cafe franchise could prove an extremely wise business move.

For over ten years the internet cafe industry has flourished as more and more people look to get online while stopping for a coffee or meeting friends for lunch.

But while it may be a well-established industry, it is by no means without new possibilities. Indeed the constant launching of new internet services, such as online banking, shopping and gaming, means there is an ever greater demand for internet access wherever and whenever.

With no set rules on how to start up and run an internet cafe, there are many options to consider. An internet cafe can focus on serving good food and drink, and simply have a few PCs in the corner for visitors to check their email, or it can concentrate solely on web-based gaming, providing users with powerful computers and graphic cards as well as all the latest gaming software for a small fee per hour of use.

The most important thing is to provide the right atmosphere, equipment or food to cater for a specific audience, whether it be corporate coffee drinkers keeping on top of their emails, students using chat rooms while catching up on homework, or gaming fanatics eager to take part in the latest web-based adventures.

Potential franchisees should make sure they conduct some thorough and extensive research into the franchise opportunities available in their chosen area and do some work to determine whether there is a market for their preferred type of internet cafe.

In order to run a flourishing internet cafe business in today's world, entrepreneurs must be able to implement ideas that will set them apart from the competition, whilst also maintaining the principle objective of providing easy, affordable access to the web.

The advantage of going the franchise way is that franchisees will purchase a trademark and a proven business model, allowing them to concentrate on the smaller but potentially more important aspects of the business, such as making sure the customers are satisfied.

They also acquire the expertise of the franchiser's organization, both commercial and technical, allowing even the least technologically literate to get into the business.

Assistance and support will include marketing and management help, but it may also include full technical support such as troubleshooting, 24-hour emergency support and equipment maintenance and upgrades.

One of the disadvantages of entering a franchise internet cafe business is that the franchise fee could be rather considerable. Computers and internet software do not come cheap and for franchises that serve food and drink as well there will be extra costs.

But with an internet cafe business sure to perform well, the returns could soon cover the initial start-up costs.

One other disadvantage is that franchisees have to follow the franchise rules in order to continue using the franchise brand. This may be a down side for the more creative and aspiring business minds, but it could equally prove advantageous for those looking for a structured set of rules to follow.

To stay at the top in the internet cafe franchises business requires dedication, perseverance, and a clean vision. Starting a cafe hub is easy, but what is rather more difficult to maintain is its ongoing popularity.

But by offering the customers a friendly atmosphere in which to mix both business and pleasure, franchisees could soon find themselves running a very successful and lucrative business.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2006

http://www.franchisedirect.com/

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

 

Tanning bed franchises


With people everywhere doing everything they can to stay looking young and healthy, it is no surprise the indoor tanning industry is booming. Let's face it, nothing looks better than a golden sun-kissed glow all year round.

Tanning salons allow people to soak up the rays on their own time schedule, even in the winter. They also give customers a more uniformed tan than they would from lying on a beach or in the garden.

By capitalising on people's natural desire to look good and providing customers with a full line of tanning products and services, the tanning industry has grown into an extremely lucrative one, making it an appealing option for new franchisees.

Advances in tanning industry equipment have made it much safer and more economical to open your own tanning business. But with so much competition in the marketplace and so many regulations to comply with, setting up your own business from scratch could prove tricky unless you know what you are doing.

Without the right training, proper promotion and necessary marketing skills, the wait for customers once the tanning beds are switched on could be a long one. That's why investing in a franchise could be the answer for those who need that extra support and guidance.

Some of the money and time saving benefits of owning a franchise include training and ongoing support, recognized brand awareness, group purchasing power and, above all, a proven business plan.

Investing in a tanning bed franchise could involve some significant start up costs, but once up and running the business should generate some healthy returns. In addition to the initial franchise fee, tanning salon franchisees will need to purchase tanning beds, skincare products and other equipment and should be careful to factor these expenses into their business plan along with any other costs they expect to incur.

Owning a tanning franchise could be a smart move for those who have other projects on the go, as it requires little direct input on a day-to-day basis. But a sound knowledge of the market is essential in order to successfully run the franchise in an industry rife with competition, since franchisees must make sure their staff are fully trained and able to offer advice that is both helpful and safe.

Indeed, customer service is paramount in the tanning industry and franchisees must be willing to take on the legal responsibilities that come with running such a business.

Potential franchisees should consider this decision carefully and consider all franchising opportunities before making a final decision.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2006

http://www.franchisedirect.com/

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