Franchise Focus
Are you asking the right questions?
Ecocleen gives real value to its network INVESTMENT LEVEL: FROM £29,637
S
ean Taylor, managing director of commercial cleaning business Ecocleen, frequently hears prospective franchisees ask: “How much does it cost?” and “What do you
give me for my money?” Although these questions are relevant to some extent, Sean maintains that those serious about investing in a franchise should pose better ones. “Only by asking the right questions can you get a clearer understanding of the opportunity being presented,” he says.
Ecocleen is looking for people interested in running a management franchise; people who are hungry for success and capable of growing a business with potentially £1million-plus turnover, employing in excess of 100 frontline operatives, organising administration and support staff, running a small fleet of vehicles and more. Ecocleen’s main priority, however, is to ensure that all franchisees are certain that they are making the right investment. Sean explains: “At Ecocleen we ask a potential franchisee to forget about costs for a moment and instead focus on their goals and ambitions. We ask: ‘What are you trying to achieve?’ Earnings will nearly always come into this question, but it is important for you as a franchisee and us as a franchisor to look at the bigger picture to ensure that we both make the right decision. Have you really thought about the style of franchise you want? There are so many options, but success is only possible if you are confident in your choice. “Once you are sure about what you want to do, it is time to ask the franchisor questions – the right questions. Instead of asking how much a franchise costs, you
should ask: “What can I really afford?” and rather than asking a franchisor about what they give you for your money, you should question the value of this proposition. In other words, what will you get out of it?”
What can I really afford?
A common danger for potential franchisees is to decide whether a business venture is affordable or not without seeking other avenues for funding. There is plenty of financial assistance available to reputable brands, and taking advantage of these can turn a dream into a reality.
“Ecocleen is looking for people hungry for success and capable of growing a business”
Ecocleen, fuelled by the wisdom and knowledge acquired from over 20 years of experience, has designed an open selection process to avoid this pitfall. Impartial third-party professionals are on hand to advise and guide prospective franchisees, whether that’s by identifying gaps in finance or by reassuring them that the opportunity is affordable after all. As Sean says: “You’ll be surprised and potentially amazed at what good business planning will reveal.”
An Ecocleen management franchise costs £29,637 for a defined territory, which covers the trade licence and a tailored training programme for the best possible start.
What is the intrinsic value of the proposition? A prospectus will list the tangible services, products and systems a franchisor provides – some included in the basic fee, and some at an extra cost. But what does this really mean?
Sean explains how creating value for franchisees is important to Ecocleen: “We recognise that while calculating financial costs might be simple, success and value are born out of many factors, most of which are difficult to bring to life in a prospectus.
“Simply being part of the great network
of entrepreneurs provides experience and camaraderie. We have worked hard over the last few years to share successes and failures, and build on relationships – and network meetings are a key element. Our franchisees tell us how much they value these meetings, from product reviews to mastermind sessions. “We also work centrally on sales and marketing, without taking away franchisees’ work locally. Another example of adding value for our franchisees is the recent gain of a national contract worth over £1million, so the majority of our franchisees benefitted at no cost. The business is bursting at the seams in some regions, which means that new franchisees could start their business with some contracts already in place. I see no better path to fulfilling your business dreams.” n
ECOCLEEN
WEBSITE:
www.ecocleen.com EMAIL:
enquiries@ecocleen.co.uk PHONE: 0845 874 0260 CLASSIFICATION: Cleaning services
October 2013 |
Businessfranchise.com | 115
Investment: £20k-£50k
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