Start An Independent Business Or Buy A Franchise?

Should you start an independent business or buy a franchise?

Smart entrepreneurs are looking at 2023 and making plans to fly solo. What does that mean, though? For some, it will involve opening their own storefront, whereas others will opt to buy a franchise and begin their own small business that way.

There are good arguments for both options. Someone who has a distinct vision, or is starting an unusual business, may well be better off hanging out their own shingle and building a brand. That is, after all, how many franchises got their start! On the flip side, franchising offers a wealth of bonuses that going it alone can’t. Here’s a look at some of those differentiators, and why they matter.

Why Buy a Franchise instead of Going Solo

First, consider that tapping into a franchise means an immediate connection with dozens, hundreds, and even thousands of fellow owners. That’s invaluable when it comes to mentoring opportunities — knowing there’s someone (or several someones) to call when you’re struggling with a specific operational issue or want some insights into creating a unique marketing campaign.

In the case of Chem-Dry franchise owners, that includes the annual conference featuring workshops, speakers, hands-on demos of new equipment and services, and much more. That, coupled with other opportunities for franchise owners to get together physically and via online meetings, is an invaluable way for new owners to get the support they need from both the home-office team as well as their peer owners.

Training and ongoing support

Another plus? Back-office training and support. After you buy a franchise, there’ll be initial onboarding and training, and that usually continues out over the life of the business. The new owner gets point-of-sale (POS) and other systems, as well as customized software for scheduling, inventory control, and more.

Taking the guesswork out of daily operations is a huge plus in franchising, as it allows a new business to shorten its ramp-up to profitability significantly. This goal is also supported by mentoring programs, such as the one Chem-Dry offers franchise owners. No matter how savvy an entrepreneur may be, they can always benefit from some sage advice from someone who’s seen it all before and knows exactly how to work through any thorny issues that pop up, as well as lay the groundwork for avoiding such problems down the road.

Marketing input and planning

And speaking of marketing — buying a franchise means getting support from seasoned pros who know exactly how to market this business in communities of all shapes and sizes. New franchise owners get help with grand-opening and other awareness efforts, then can plug into ongoing campaigns around holidays and more.

Everything from websites to social media is usually supported, providing multiple opportunities to grow the customer base and see the resulting revenue uptick. Even better, the ability to customize a marketing approach for a specific market, as Chem-Dry does across the United States and the world, means a franchise is seen as a community asset and not a “chain” outfit that doesn’t know the local community.

Proven business model

Finally, franchising works. There’s a reason why Entrepreneur magazine puts out an annual Franchise 500 list every year. That renowned publication, and many other print and online industry evaluators, keep a close eye on franchising and have extensively covered the growth across the industry in the last couple of decades.

Chances are, whatever your business interests might be, there’s a franchise (or two, or three) that exists in that market niche. Why not tap into a business model that’s been proven to work and, along with your own hard work, open a business that fulfills your goals of being your own boss, as well as creating a financial asset for yourself and your family?

Buy a Chem-Dry franchise today!

Chem-Dry is the world’s largest carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise, with more than 2,500 franchises in more than 55 countries, serving 11,000 homes and businesses a day. Chem-Dry is a top-rated global franchise with unrivaled franchise service and support. The Chem-Dry Hot Carbonating Extraction process delivers a faster-drying, deeper and more environmentally friendly clean that appeals to home and business owners. In addition to carpet and area rugs, Chem-Dry provides cleaning and renewal services for tile and stone, granite countertops, leather and upholstery.

For more details about the Chem-Dry franchise opportunity, please fill out our form here. You can also learn more by visiting our research pages here.