Franchise Information, advice and news.

All that glitters may not be gold, but it will probably set you back a fair sum nonetheless.

Jewellery comes in an almost inexhaustible range of styles and designs, with items ranging from thick gold chains for men to tiny droplets of diamond attached to tiaras or clothes. And the use, or significance, of jewellery has not differed much over thousands of years. Millions of various types of items are used as currency, for functional reasons such as a clasp or buckle, for fashion in order to show status or membership, with the 'bling' generation at the forefront, and as an artistic display.

From gold to silver and plastic to diamonds, almost any kind of precious material, or one created to look precious, is used in the production of jewellery. And there are an unimaginable plethora of pieces available, from watches and rings to bracelets, body piercings and cufflinks, meaning jewellers and jewellery stores often specialise in a certain area.

Most modern jewellery stores will focus on their chosen market's tastes, with the more upmarket jewellers stocking more diamond, platinum and gold items such as rings, necklaces and watches, while the middle and lower end of the scale might stock cheaper materials such as plastic and items such as bangles and piercing jewellery. However, there are certain products which cover all ranges and it is only the material and craftsmanship which distinguishes the price and exclusivity of the piece.

But aside from simply selling jewellery to customers most jewellers also run a metal-smithing service, watch repair and other maintenance issues related to items of jewellery, providing a service to consumers and retaining their custom.

Smithing is an art, meaning trained professionals are able to command large fees for their work. However, anybody interested in getting involved in the jewellery market can easily side-step this area by outsourcing a professional and getting down to the business of selling jewellery.

Jewellery store franchises are a popular way of getting into the sector, although the average set-up fee is at the high-end of the scale. Costing anything up to $750,000 and more, a franchise in the jewellery industry can still be a lucrative business.

Customers at stores which are able to keep up with the latest trends, such as those supplied by nationwide franchises, are likely to increase profits significantly thanks to return sales - and although figures tend to spike around special occasions, the trade is a year-round money-spinner.

People researching jewellery store franchises are encouraged to assess their financial situation and make sure they have at least a working knowledge of the industry before committing to it - with those with a vested interest in fashion may find it an ideal sector. However, without strong business acumen, good marketing skills, the correct customer base, relevant stock, an outstanding location and excellent customer service skills, the entrepreneur could find themselves out of depth and out of pocket in this highly competitive market.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Keeping fit and healthy has become even more important to everyday life than it was in the 80s and 90s, when spandex, sweatbands and Mr Motivator attempted to get the nation moving.

But, fitness and health does not just mean gyms, sweating, sweating in gyms and downing vegetable smoothies, as increasing numbers of people are turning to other forms of indulgence to make themselves feel better – including massages and beauty treatments at health spas.

While it is unlikely to help you shed the pounds naturally, a visit to today's health spa could literally cut off the pounds with the latest in medical technology giving punters a full makeover "while you wait".

Spas were traditionally the reserve of pampered women and a few brave men, mainly consisting of lotions, potions, massages and the odd waxing.

However, modern health spas contain everything from dermatologists to plastic surgeons to help the wealthy and able to leave feeling, and looking, a million dollars. But for most spas, especially those with franchising opportunities, the attraction of affordable luxury is the key, with facials, waxing and cosmetics attracting huge numbers of customers.

As US-based MedSpa, one franchising company, puts it: "Humankind's most powerful urges: vanity, and the quest for immortality; wrap those two in a franchising model and you have a recipe for success."

Well, immortality aside, and the quest for vanity is certainly a big money spinner. Millions of dollars are spent in the US each year on spa treatments – and its not just women. In 2004, one in four of MedSpa's customers were men with the number rising year on year.

Services offered at most spas include skin care and beautification; as well as weight loss and exercise, meaning not only the fairer sex is interested in the benefits of a full spa treatment.

But what are the advantages for potential investors? Smaller spas can operate in inner city locations meaning footfall can be high – and with membership schemes, customers are often guaranteed. However, a relatively high set up cost can often put investors off, with the starting capital investment of around $150,800 to $224,600 often a stumbling block.

However, training and support, as well as marketing and advertising help are huge bonuses for this sector. Anybody interested in making the most of the industry needs to research their finances thoroughly and make sure they have an avid interest in the health profession.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com/

From PlayStation 3s, iPods and Wi-Fi to laptops, HDTV and the internet, it seems 'digitalness' is taking over the world leaving traditional ideas and pastimes in its wake.

However, although the trendy white earphones of an iPod and the astonishing clarity and playability of the PlayStation 3 are all well and good, the digital world still lacks the versatility of a good, trusty book.

For music, the digital revolution has taken us farther from the original concept of a record as is possible – now there is not only no large black disc in a huge sleeve featuring a picture of the artist; there is no longer even anything tangible as people simply download a track from the mysteries of the internet and it magically appears in their ears.

But, of course, you can't give someone an mp3 track for their birthday, all wrapped up, nor can a teenager pour over the arty album sleeve of their favourite band. The same can be said for books. Even with downloadable books and stories – they are no match for the solid, real world object.

Over £2 billion was spent on books in the UK in 2002 alone, with 130,000 new or revised titles released annually. And sales are shooting up as consumers realise that no matter how hard they try, they can't continue staring at a computer screen all day and that a book that would make an ideal gift for dad is better wrapped up than downloaded.

And so bookstores have continued to thrive where other retail sectors have descended into their death throes. Much of this continued love of the written word and the humble book, especially among modern children, can be attributed to classics such as the Lord of the Rings and a certain Mr Potter having been made into money-printing movie franchises, but the idea remains the same. People buy books; for themselves, and for others.

And so starting a bookstore yourself, as an entrepreneur looking for a new business, can be a healthy choice. Owning a franchise bookstore, however, is not just about selling a few books. Most bookstore franchises are huge, highly organised and professional organisations who sell large numbers of books, accessories and other paraphernalia.

Anybody considering moving into the franchising sector needs to consider the market as a whole, researching sales peaks, footfall in certain areas, set up costs and personal finances, before making any decisions on an investment. But, as the old saying goes, a book should not be judged by its cover, and the book-selling industry has a lot to offer the business-minded manager.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

In a world where time is short and money speeds things up, owning a small shop or convenience store could be a sure-fire way of getting an entrepreneur on the road to riches.

The modern workday means hours of commuting, sitting in a car or on a train, for millions of people in the US and UK. And for many, this means the daily or weekly shop is something to be avoided and dreaded due to a lack of time, energy or impetus.

Convenience stores, or c-stores, are often located alongside roads, in train stations and at petrol stations, providing the ideal opportunity for enterprising food retailers to make the most of this awkward situation and cash in on the ease of use a convenience store provides.

C-stores can sell everything from your weekly shop, including household items, food supplies and bread and meat from fresh deli counters, to a few items of tinned food and self-service items. Of course, while some of the main differences between a supermarket and a c-store is the size and stock levels of the shops, some c-stores are now getting so big they almost crossover.

Prices are also generally much higher than at the supermarket, especially in the UK where the established supermarket giants such as Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's lower prices to tempt shoppers in. Mostly, however, these larger stores are located out of town, meaning c-stores can take advantage of the smaller, in-town locations, and push up prices due to a lack of competition.

Thanks to this regime, running a franchise c-store can be highly lucrative, although there are downsides a potential franchisee needs to be aware of, such as long working hours and a great deal of administration.

Much of the appeal of a c-store is in its convenience, thus early opening hours and late closing hours are a must. Opening at seven in the morning is the norm, as is staying open as late as midnight.

But the rewards can be high and investment in the store is almost guaranteed a good return for the hardworking businessperson. Anybody considering the sector should therefore conduct their research thoroughly, making sure their finances add up the pros and cons of making an investment.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Coffee is big business. It has fast become the nation's favourite drink, both in the UK and the US, beating even the humble cup of tea in Britain as the hot drink of choice for the masses.

And trendy locations in which to drink the brown, caffeinated beverage have been credited with much of this success, with upmarket coffee houses and sleek cafes taking the place of bars and pubs as the place to be seen.

But, once addicted, the coffee-slurping hordes need somewhere to quickly pick up their fix – be it on the way to work, walking around a shopping mall, in a park, or even on their way home from work. And this is where coffee kiosks find a niche market in which to thrive.

The average American drinks 3.1 cups of coffee per day according to the National Coffee Association, which claims that American coffee drinkers also spend an average $164.71 each per year on coffee – with much of this spent in cafes and coffee houses rather than on homemade coffee.

Of course, Starbucks is the name that springs to mind whenever coffee houses are mentioned, although the firm taking cosy coffee drinking global bases most of its trade on larger coffee houses and large mugs.

People looking for a quick coffee in the morning are therefore more likely to head to a small kiosk on their way to work, with the idea of the drive-through coffee kiosk a huge hit in the US.

Unwilling to get out of their cars in the manic rush to drop the kids off at school, get into work on time or get home with a car-load of shopping, drive-through coffee kiosks are the ideal way to grab a quick drink in and sip a cup of coffee in comfort.

Kiosks without in-house seating are a huge benefit to consumers, but also provide a massive opportunity for the entrepreneur. Anyone looking to get involved in the booming coffee industry would do well to consider the kiosk sector, as there is much more room to find a decent location, lower overheads, lower staff numbers and yet still attract a high number of customers.

Catering to coffee cravers' need for speed, kiosks can be set up in locations normally uninhabitable by larger coffee houses. Potential franchisees are encouraged to seek out the best location for them to make the most of their franchising opportunity, research the market thoroughly, and get sound financial advice before making any long-term commitments.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Hamburgers, the traditional American meal, have been a staple part of the diet of millions around the globe for years.

From the dubious origins of the first hamburger sandwich shop in Connecticut in 1895 at Louis Lunch to the multi billion pound McDonald's and Burger King empires of today, burgers have played a starring role in the takeaway and fast food snack industry for more than 100 years.

In the mid-50s, when Ray Kroc bought the first McDonald's store and opened his own franchise in Illinois, burgers were an essential part of the rock 'n' roll scene. A hamburger, fries and milkshake were the food of the moment, as much a part of 1950s America as teddy-boy haircuts and Elvis Presley.

And as the world developed in favour of fast food, fast service and an easy meal, the hamburger easily slotted into the common idea of a takeaway meal. By the 80s, McDonald's, Burger King and other hamburger stores were taking over the world and by 2006 McDonald's alone had stores in 120 countries, serving 54 million customers each day.

But as burgers can be sold in almost any location, by almost anyone, it makes the industry a highly appealing opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs – especially those considering the route of franchising.

McDonald's is probably the world's most famous franchise, but there are plenty of opportunities elsewhere in the fast food sector for selling burgers.

Burger King, its main rival, is also a highly accomplished and successful franchise model, offering a huge marketing, training and support structure along with one of the world's most recognisable images to aid its franchisees.

With a total investment of around $294,000 to $2.8 million, the speculative investor has a wide scope for a potential business, while the initial franchise fee of $50,000 means most franchisees can expect to get a good return on their money.

Of course, anybody looking to get involved in the burger franchising industry needs to be aware that it is highly competitive. Not only are there huge multinationals such as Burger King and McDonald's vying for customers, but there is competition from other franchises, local burger stores and other fast food outlets.

And so those hoping to make an investment in the round meat meal are advised to examine the market thoroughly, researching their chosen franchise, location, financial situation and the potential profitability of what can be a very hard industry to work in.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com/

Just ten years ago the internet was still a scary thing for the average consumer and PC user. While there were already many websites available, compared to today's vast quantity of information on the web, there is little comparison in the effect the internet has on people's lives.

It's hard to imagine but some critics panned the internet as a short-lived idea on its emergence in the mid 90s, and, despite the dot com boom of the late 90s, it was originally considered too slow, expensive and cumbersome to be of much use. Of course, with traditional dial-up connections clogging up phone lines and unable to transfer large amounts of data, there was an understandable concern.

But as home PCs became more common and, eventually, the uptake of broadband became widespread, the internet has become a vital part of the modern world, with ecommerce now featuring in millions of people's daily lives.

There is, however, still the issue that people do not yet carry their computers with them everywhere they go and that the idea of sitting on your own in a room, tapping away on the internet is a thing reserved for pale, skinny young men with a penchant for elves and goblins.

And so, until technology advances still further with the use of BlackBerrys and wireless laptops, internet cafes are generally considered the best place to relax and surf the web in a peaceful, trendy location.

Most internet cafes are situated in cities or large built up areas, taking in the maximum footfall from the surrounding region. An internet café, or cybercafé, generally offers metered access to the web via a pay as you surf method, top-level computers and equipment, and high-speed access, while also keeping internet users topped up with "real world" accessories such as coffees, drinks, food and comfortable seats based on the traditional café model.

The most obvious consumer targets for cybercafés are travellers, who use the services to keep in touch with family and friends while enjoying refreshments.

Anybody looking to enter what can be a lucrative market needs to bear all these considerations in mind. Franchising is often seen as the ideal method of getting involved quickly, although high set-up costs, to cover the cost of equipment, training, marketing and various other fees need to be considered.

Potential franchisees would need to carefully consider their chosen sector, researching the location of their cybercafé as well as the financial costs involved with running not only an IT suite, but also the food and drink side of the business. Many customers come to internet cafés for different reasons and for unique selling points, and these need to be considered when selecting a franchise or even deciding on the franchising model at all.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Sometimes all of us need a breath of fresh air, especially those living in heavily polluted cities such as New York and London.

But aside from running into the nearest park and inhaling as much oxygen from the nearest tree as possible, wearing a highly-stylish face mask when walking around the city or strapping an oxygen tank to your back, there is a new, trendy alternative – oxygen bars.

The idea behind the bars started in nightclubs in the late 1990s, fuelled by the claustrophobic and smoky atmospheres in the venues, and involves the inhalation of 50 to 99 per cent pure oxygen from filtered or bottled air, for a few minutes.

Supporters of the experience claim it is not only safe, but can enhance the well-being and health of the receiver, inhaling oxygen which is not tainted with the fumes and gases polluting normal air.

And the air can even be flavoured to suit the taste of the customer, with oils used to change the taste from peppermint to cranberry and everything in between.

However, there are many critics of the product, which some say could leave long-term problems and may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. The inhalation of too much oxygen by people suffering from emphysema, for example, can mean they stop breathing.

And while most oxygen bar proprietors are careful not to make any health or medical claims from their products, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, anyone supplying oxygen to another person means it is a prescription drug – and owners in the US ­will need to check with their individual state board to establish whether they will apply discretionary regulations to allow the practice.

And anybody looking to open an oxygen bar may have the perfect market to enter into. The current trend for healthy living means any self-respecting health spa or salon now has an oxygen bar attached, and mobile oxygen bars are also proving popular.

Most franchises are typically easy to set up, with a start-up fee normally the best way of obtaining the training, equipment and corporate image associated with a franchise.

And with typical charges starting at around one dollar per minute, there is a wide scope for a large profit.

But franchisees need to be aware of the market they are entering and make sure they prepare in advance of any business decisions, researching not only their chosen location, customer base and market, but also their financial situation and potential for profit.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

With modern lifestyles becoming ever more financially orientated, consumers are constantly looking for ways to keep their funds ticking over. With debt levels seeming to ever be on the increase, more consumers are looking out for opportunities to provide themselves with credit. However, many financial providers have been tightening their belts of late, with research carried out by price comparison site MoneyExpert.com indicating that many providers are more reluctant to offer people credit cards, as a result of having their fingers "badly burnt with bad debts". In such an environment, and particularly for those people who need to access funds in between pay days but who have a moderate credit record, organising a payday loan may be a popular solution.

Consequently, setting up one's own payday loan franchise arm may prove to be an advantageous move. The financial services industry is burgeoning both in the UK and in most other parts of the world, with potentially lucrative returns on offer. Finding the right franchising avenue to take up should not prove especially tricky. Research carried out by the British Franchise Association shows that the franchise system has grown by 60 per cent since 1995 to 30,800 units.

You needn't be of a mathematical bent to make a success of a payday loans franchising opportunity but it may help. A suitable opportunity for those people who wish to run their own business, the franchisee can benefit from using the brand identity of a larger firm to offer their own service, while businesses can benefit from the local knowledge of a franchisee.

The actual process will involve lending a set amount, usually between £80 and £1,000, to those people in need of a short-term financial fix. Consumers will send a cheque to the payday loans franchisee and get a smaller amount back in return. On their next pay day the franchisee will cash the cheque and get their money back as well as the interest payment.

With payday loans franchises are usually taken up by people with poor credit histories, from a franchisees point of view, such a position will make them an attractive proposition from a number of consumers looking for an extra cash injection. However, prospective franchisees should also appreciate that on a high interest loan scheme such as these; consumers can fall into payment arrears more readily, making the reclaiming of loans a more problematic process potentially.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com/

They say the luckiest people in the world are those who love their jobs and don't dread going to work in the morning – and many of these people can be found in the travel industry.

Helping people to plan, book and enjoy their holidays is often one of the main draws to the travel and tourism industries, although there are also those who simply love travelling, or are specialised in certain areas - from tour guides to climbing experts. And those in the high-octane world of adventure travel are among those who love their jobs more than most.

Adventure travel is fast becoming one of the most popular styles of vacation or holiday for younger people in the UK and US. Of course, older people enjoy the adrenaline rush of an action-packed trip as well, but the younger end of the spectrum is the more likely to tackle a holiday involving fire eating, white water rafting, scuba diving, water skiing, abseiling, caving and many other activities associated with adventure travel.

And it is certainly picking up speed in more ways than one. Increasing numbers of travellers are heading around the world in search of more thrills, and the people making it happen are becoming more and more in demand.

Experts feel that anybody hoping to get involved in running a travel franchise would do well to take advantage of the current boom in interest, fuelled in some way by the surge in healthy-living and exercise ideals in the consciousness of the public, with millions of people wishing to get some excitement and stay healthy by using their bodies, as well as getting a tan on holiday.

Setting up a franchise is one of the best ways of capitalising on the market, especially according to NatWest, which claims some 93 per cent of UK franchises are making a profit. Taking a gamble with a rope on a mountain side is one thing, but gambling with your finances and livelihood is another – and franchising cuts that risk substantially.

Dan Archer of the British Franchise Association explained: "The franchise sector remains a significant employer and last year alone created 7,000 more jobs in the UK.

"While we continue to hear about redundancies in the media, it seems that franchising is not only helping people realise their dream of self-employment but also has an impact on job creation, helping to plug the gap created by corporate redundancies."

So whether you're a fan of surfing in the Caribbean, pot-holing in Wales or sky-diving in New Zealand – or even just want to make somebody else happy by sending them there – the adventure travel sector is the ideal market to enter and begin setting up your business.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

With figures from the British Franchise Association showing that the number of business format franchises have grown by 60 per cent since 1995, the potential for individuals to start up their own franchise business are becoming an increasingly attractive proposition.

There are a myriad of franchise opportunities available across a number of sectors. These include the automotive sectors, cleaning and maintenance, food and drink, health and beauty, homecare, real estate and many, many more. But which kinds of training features are available for entrepreneurs who want to take their first step into the franchising arena?

The franchise arena appears to be becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with the Franchise Training group suggesting that over 670 businesses franchised in the UK last year enjoyed a turnover of £9.2 billion. And one of the key advantages of being involved in the franchising process is that individuals with very little experience of sometimes complicated industries can receive detailed information on skills and the workings of a business from people who have done it all before.

On top of the ongoing training advice which may be provided by franchisors during a contract, those people looking to extend their general knowledge base can receive training from various groups which. Many groups will offer bespoke courses geared up to providing face-to-face training at various locations, which will help the novice entrepreneur get to grips with the ins and outs of running a business.

Depending upon the franchisor that they choose, franchisees will also receive differing degrees of training. With the fitness industry experiencing a huge upward curve in recent years as Britons have become increasingly concerned about health issues and their physical state, going to gyms has become a for more commonplace activity . However, for those people who have no experience or little knowledge of the gym industry, initial and ongoing training will form a crucial element of whether the business can be a success or not.

Reputable gym franchises should offer a comprehensive training package for an individual's business and team and may also offer personal training sessions. This will be a highly important time to find out and learn about essential information in the gym industry, from the purchasing and maintenance of equipment to administrative issues and the day-to-day running of the business.

Perhaps most importantly though, before committing to any franchise, it is imperative that an entrepreneur gets detailed information about the type and amount of training provided, as training levels can vary significantly between industries.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

With talk of Easter eggs, spring cleaning, blooming flowers and the smell of freshly cut grass eking its way into the world, winter seems a long way off; and people are understandably looking towards their summer holidays with relish.

Taking a vacation during the summer is still the main choice for many, due either to work or school restrictions, or just attracted by the warmth of the summer – and with the weather changing millions of people across the US and the UK are looking to book their summer break and get away for a week or two in the sun.

And with the advent of independent travel on the internet, the burgeoning holiday market has seen an explosion in the number of types of holidays available to those with itchy feet.

From adventure travelling, including white water rafting, abseiling or skydiving to themed holidays such as horse riding breaks at cowboy ranches, holidaymakers are becoming spoilt for choice – meaning there is plenty of scope for the savvy investor looking to break into the market.

And franchising is often seen as the ideal way to begin, for good reason. In the UK, recent reports have shown that franchising has created over 7,000 new jobs and is continuing to expand over the last ten years, with the industry now worth a record £10.8 billion – with a growth in turnover of £500,000. Getting into the marketplace as part of a franchise has significant benefits for the entrepreneur, meaning they can utilise the parent company's business acumen, marketing ability, management framework, training and experience and several other support functions that other business ventures have to do without.

Dan Archer of the British Franchise Association (BFA) said: "The growth in turnover by £500 million is testimony to the position of franchising as an important contributor to the UK economy.

"There are more people expanding their business through franchising, more starting their own business through franchising and more people employed because of franchising, signifying the impact the sector has both at a national and local level."

But anybody looking to get involved in the travel industry through franchising is urged to consider carefully their intended market. Internet travel agencies are a good source of customers, but what is the turnover? Will travel agencies based in stores have decreasing footfall outside the summer months? What skills and attributes does somebody wishing to run a successful adventure tour franchise need?

Good research from a wide range of sources is needed before any decision is made, to help establish not only the market you intend to get into, but also your own personal skills and you financial limitations and expectations.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com