Franchise Information, advice and news.

If there's one thing every family loves to do on holiday it's play miniature golf. Indeed it has become something of a culture craze over the years, with families and school groups alike taking to the tiny greens to play a few rounds.

So for those with a sense of fun and adventure as well as strong customer-focussed business skills, setting up a miniature golf franchise could be a rewarding move.

Today mini golf courses can be as traditional or as unique as the heart desires, ranging from little replicas of world famous pro courses to wacky worlds filled with strange wildlife and bright colours. So those with a vivid imagination will be right at home running a crazy golf course.

Miniature golf is a great family activity, and it could be a great family business too. Husband and wife entrepreneurial couples could be particularly suited to running a mini golf franchise and turning the business into not just a career, but also a way of life.

A successful mini golf business will serve families, individuals, and a wide variety of community groups, such as schools, scouting groups, and church and civic organizations. People skills and the ability to interact with all age groups is therefore an essential skill for any franchisee. Having an outgoing, energetic spirit as well as outstanding customer service skills will prove invaluable in this business.

The most vital thing to consider when investing in a miniature golf franchise is location. Of course conducting extensive research into customer demand in a given area is important for any business, but here it is even more so. Franchisees need to make sure they base themselves near a popular tourists area where families are always looking for fun activities. Setting up a course in the middle of a residential area could be disastrous. Once the novelty of having a mini golf course on the doorstep wears off local customers are unlikely to return regularly.

But of course investing in a course in the middle of a busy tourist area may not bring guaranteed success. It is important to consider the competition and examine whether there is enough demand for another mini golf course in the same holiday resort.

Start-up costs for a mini golf franchise will vary depending on the chosen location and the size of the operation, so franchisees should examine offers carefully to find a deal that suits their budget. The investment may be quite substantial compared to other business opportunities, but once the course is up and running the cash should soon start flooding in.

Those who decide to go it alone may find that as long as their course is in a prime location marketing it will be relatively easy, since mini golf appeals to everyone from kids to senior citizens. But those who take the franchise route will benefit from advertising support as well as an already-established brand name, so attracting the customers should be a walk in the park.

As well as this franchisees will also be given full training and facility design assistance, so hands on experience is not essential. However, a desire to make the franchise a success and a good head for business in the family entertainment sector are essential skills.

Running a miniature golf franchise will entail hard work and dedication, as well as a solid commitment to excellent customer service. But for those with the right attitude getting involved could be extremely rewarding both socially and financially.

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