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Posts Tagged ‘home service’
Thursday, December 16th, 2010
By Kerry Pipes
Anyone seriously considering the purchase of a franchise will ultimately have to decide if a “service” franchise or a “retail” franchise is a better fit. It’s an important distinction in terms of both entry requirements and operational realities, and it’s a decision that can determine your ultimate effectiveness as a franchise operator.
First, a basic summary of some typical service franchise opportunities available today, here are just a few: trade and handyman (electricians, plumbers), lawn maintenance, landscape services, childcare, tutoring, education, business coaches accounting, bookkeeping real estate agents, travel agents, commercial, domestic cleaning, automotive-related services, computer-related services, and interior design/decorating.
With this is mind, consider that service franchises generally can offer more economical start up and operating costs and often require much less personnel for daily operation. A service franchise is frequently home-based and allows for – and often requires – a lot of mobility. Of course, there are pros and cons to this business model.
 We are leading the service industry. Find out why. Service franchise advantages
Service franchises typically allow you entry at a fraction of the cost of a retail franchise – often just a few thousand dollars of investment compared to six figures for many retail opportunities. Yet, the income potential is still attractive and can be considerable. So there’s the affordability factor and a lower upfront risk from day one.
There’s also a wide selection of opportunities and niches in the service franchise sector. And many of these businesses have a healthy and constant demand (plumbing will always need to be repaired, for example).
Service franchises are typically “skills based” and offer those with the ability, interest, and dedication to be active and “work with their hands” as they build their business.
Because many service franchises do not require a brick and mortar location for franchisee operations, overhead is typically much lower. It’s very easy to turn a quick and healthy cash flow when you work from a home-based office. And with very few employees, your staffing headaches can be minimal. And later on, the lack of a physical location makes it easier to take on additional territories at a minimal cost.
Additionally, working hours can be flexible – often by appointment only – so you’re not restricted by long retail hours. This can be a big plus for some lifestyles. But keep in mind, like most businesses, the more you work the more you earn.
Service franchise disadvantages
Because of the nature of the beast, service-oriented franchises may not offer the kind of customer and transaction volume you’d find at a retail franchise. That fact alone can limit your degree of profitability. Especially, if you are a one man operation, there are only so many appointments you can make in a day. And small operations can become seriously derailed in the case of personal illness or any major sickness.
Also, some service franchisees can limit the number of employees you have and can also restrict your territory. You’ll want to ask about this right off the bat. And, it’s not uncommon to have to function as the owner/operator as well as the employee (you wear all the hats). You may be providing electrical repairs for your customer by day while marketing your business and handling paperwork by night.
And some trades, such as plumbers and electricians, require technical knowledge, certification, and continuing education. That could occupy time that would otherwise be spent making customer calls.
You’ll certainly want to evaluate how these pros and cons measure up for you. For many who are active and like to be right in the middle of the action, a service franchise may be just right choice.
Anyone seriously considering the purchase of a franchise will ultimately have to decide if a “service” franchise or a “retail” franchise is a better fit. It’s an important distinction in terms of both entry requirements and operational realities, and it’s a decision that can determine your ultimate effectiveness as a franchise operator.
First, a basic summary of some typical service franchise opportunities available today, here are just a few: trade and handyman (electricians, plumbers), lawn maintenance, landscape services, childcare, tutoring, education, business coaches accounting, bookkeeping real estate agents, travel agents, commercial, domestic cleaning, automotive-related services, computer-related services, and interior design/decorating.
With this is mind, consider that service franchises generally can offer more economical start up and operating costs and often require much less personnel for daily operation. A service franchise is frequently home-based and allows for – and often requires – a lot of mobility. Of course, there are pros and cons to this business model.
Service franchise advantages
Service franchises typically allow you entry at a fraction of the cost of a retail franchise – often just a few thousand dollars of investment compared to six figures for many retail opportunities. Yet, the income potential is still attractive and can be considerable. So there’s the affordability factor and a lower upfront risk from day one.
There’s also a wide selection of opportunities and niches in the service franchise sector. And many of these businesses have a healthy and constant demand (plumbing will always need to be repaired, for example).
Service franchises are typically “skills based” and offer those with the ability, interest, and dedication to be active and “work with their hands” as they build their business.
Because many service franchises do not require a brick and mortar location for franchisee operations, overhead is typically much lower. It’s very easy to turn a quick and healthy cash flow when you work from a home-based office. And with very few employees, your staffing headaches can be minimal. And later on, the lack of a physical location makes it easier to take on additional territories at a minimal cost.
Additionally, working hours can be flexible – often by appointment only – so you’re not restricted by long retail hours. This can be a big plus for some lifestyles. But keep in mind, like most businesses, the more you work the more you earn.
Service franchise disadvantages
Because of the nature of the beast, service-oriented franchises may not offer the kind of customer and transaction volume you’d find at a retail franchise. That fact alone can limit your degree of profitability. Especially, if you are a one man operation, there are only so many appointments you can make in a day. And small operations can become seriously derailed in the case of personal illness or any major sickness.
Also, some service franchisees can limit the number of employees you have and can also restrict your territory. You’ll want to ask about this right off the bat. And, it’s not uncommon to have to function as the owner/operator as well as the employee (you wear all the hats). You may be providing electrical repairs for your customer by day while marketing your business and handling paperwork by night.
And some trades, such as plumbers and electricians, require technical knowledge, certification, and continuing education. That could occupy time that would otherwise be spent making customer calls.
You’ll certainly want to evaluate how these pros and cons measure up for you. For many who are active and like to be right in the middle of the action, a service franchise may be just right choice.
Tags: franchise, franchisee, home service, service
Posted in franchise, Uncategorized | Comments Off
Thursday, October 14th, 2010
A recent e-mail from a pleased Mr. Electric customer proves that we follow our Code of Values. Our polished system guarantees actions that leave a positive impression on our customers.
“The work was well done and definitely customer focused,” said Linda Goetz, customer of Ross Kostron in Regina, SK, Canada.
Goetz sought an initial quote from Mr. Electric and was greatly impressed with the business card and Code of Values she received.
“It is because of that code that I decided to call Mr. Electric to have the work done in my home,” wrote Goetz.
Once the service professional from Mr. Electric, Cody Andris, arrived at her home to do the job, Goetz immediately took note of his professionalism, courtesy and respect for her property.
“Many businesses have codes of conduct or values written on their cards,” wrote Goetz, “however, I found Cody, the gentleman who came to do the work, putting those values into practice.”
Goetz went out her way to send an e-mail to the Regina franchise owner, Ross Kostron, thanking him for a such an incredible job.
“It is important to compliment good service and, as a client, I am trying to ensure that I do take those opportunities to say, ‘Well done!” I would recommend your company to others,” concluded Goetz.
Delivering superior service is just one of the ways we are leading the service industry!
For more information on Mr. Electric or Mr. Electric franchise opportunities, visit:
www.MrElectricFranchise.com
http://www.MrElectricFranchise.com
Tags: franchise, franchisee, home service, Mr. Electric, The Dwyer Group
Posted in Mr. Electric, The Dwyer Group, Uncategorized | Comments Off
Friday, September 24th, 2010
For many people, landscaping serves to boost up the aesthetic appeal of one’s home to others, particularly when it comes to attracting homeowners or tenants, increasing property values.
Some prefer a simple lawn, requiring little to no care beyond a sprinkler treatment here and there. However, for those who enjoy gardening, pruning, mowing and sprucing their lawn, we hope the following information can be of service!
When asked what Top 5 Tips he would suggest to a client about landscape and lawn care, Frank Myrland of The Grounds Guys Canada, offered up these suggestions:
1) Herbicide can be dangerous to the environment and your soil. Horticultural Vinegar, an organic alternative, is quite different from the regular vinegar that you’ll find in the kitchen.
Cooking vinegar contains no more than 5% acetic acid, which makes it harmless to weeds for the most part. Horticultural Vinegar contains more acetic acid, which allows it to penetrate into the root system of weeds and kill them.
Horticultural Vinegar can still damage grasses and flowers, however, so it must be used cautiously so that there isn’t any collateral damage. Take care to spray with direction, and pay close attention to a potential runoff into other plants. You can find Horticultural Vinegars available with different strengths.
Remember that since it contains acid, it can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. If you decide to use Horticultural Vinegar, make sure you read the label first.
2) Do you have grand visions of what your yard could be this summer? Do you dream of vibrant gardens with neatly edged garden beds, perfectly pruned hedges? Where do you start?
When we start gardening or landscaping, many of us forget the importance of planning ahead. Buying flowers and equipment without taking to time to figure things out first certainly could work out, but who really wants to take that chance?
Make good use of the information available. Internet resources or employees of local garden centers can help you figure out how to fill out your garden. You can talk to landscaping service companies as well if you are looking for the best possible end result.
Take note of the space you have to work with. Plan out where your new landscape features or objects will go. Set a deadline for finishing planting so you don’t keep putting it off. Set a schedule for watering, raking, edging or maintaining your gardens. Remember that spending half-an-hour to construct a good plan now can save you hours of work trying to salvage your garden later on.
3) Any time is a good time to sharpen your lawn mower blades. This is a job that some of us find easy to put off, but the effect of dull blades can quickly be seen on a lawn. A ragged, uneven cut isn’t the first thing you want visitors to be greeted with at your house.
There are many different gardening centers and hardware stores that will sharpen your lawn mower blades. Take the time to get it done and you will be glad you did later!
4) Plants grow and die, depending on the season they are most compatible with, as well as their life span. Be sure that when you plan your garden, each flower, bush or tree works best with the upcoming season.
For less maintenance, go for a perennial plant. Typically, these grow and bloom over the spring and summer, then die back each autumn and winter. They also live typically for more than two years, which makes less of a hassle to replant so often.
5) Have you ever considered a backyard pond? Building your own pond, or having a landscape crew build one for you, is something you may never have considered before. There are many reasons why you might want to take the time to think about it now.
With a vibrant looking design and well-manicured surrounding landscape, a backyard pond adds a touch of beauty. A pond will attract birds, butterflies and crickets and can be filled with fish. It obviously depends on size, but most ponds don’t take very long to make at all. You can do it yourself if you fancy yourself to be a clever landscaper. Simply use a tarp to line the pond and a hose and pump to supply the water.
You can also hire a landscaping company to do it for you, to ensure that the job is done professionally and exactly how you want it. If you haven’t spent any time thinking about what a backyard pond would add to your property, now is the time.
Aside from all of these fun tips, The Grounds Guys want you to contact them now. Let them put their knowledge and experience to work for you. They offer weekly services for those who find it hard to spare time to their lawn, including:
- Mowing
- Line trimming of beds, fence lines, foundations and trees
- Knife edging all concrete and paver edges (monthly or as needed)
- Blowing clippings and leaves from all walks, drives, patios and decks
- Garden care
- Landscape enhancements
On top of that, they also offer comprehensive landscape management services for multi-residential yard care.
About The Grounds Guys
The Grounds Guys are the newest service franchise opportunity in the landscaping and lawn care industry. It’s a new name, but comes with more than 20 years of landscape management experience. Patterned upon the success of its Canadian counterpart, Sunshine Grounds Care, The Grounds Guys franchisees are bringing the proven systems of success and excellence to the U.S. market, providing quality commercial and estate residential landscape management services. The Grounds Guys is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group.
If you are interested in becoming a Grounds Guys franchisee, please visit: www.GroundsGuysFranchise.com
Tags: franchise, Grounds Guys, home service, The Dwyer Group, The Grounds Guys
Posted in The Dwyer Group, The Grounds Guys, Uncategorized | Comments Off
Wednesday, September 15th, 2010
While we all know that Mr. Rooter offers an extensive array of assistance ranging from full service plumbing around the house to drain and sewer service; however, this economy is turning everyone into a plumber!
We at The Dwyer Group definitely encourage our customers to be certain a professional is necessary, but at the same time we would like to offer a few suggestions on Do-It-Yourself repair around the house. So with no further ado, here are our Top Five Tips for your Bathroom:
1) To begin, try routinely cleaning your drains and pipes! Don’t wait until your water begins to back up and thus stain your sink. There are many unclogging solutions out there in a variety of forms; from eco-friendly to home remedies like three Alka-Seltzer tablets and white vinegar. You can also be more aggressive by using a hanger to pull up what is clogging drains which is more than likely hair.
2) As a house settles, or the weather begins to affect your foundation, you will notice fine lines appearing in the grouted tiles of your floor or shower walls. Remove about an eighth of an inch from your grout and apply a fresh layer. (This is also a chance to change that color you have been getting tired of!) Mold is also a common resident of grout. After applying fresh grout, be sure to use a grout sealer to prevent any more molds from growing!
3) Does that leaky faucet keep you up all night? We can help you get a higher quality of sleep! Check and see whether the water is hot or cold. After you do that, turn off both water supplies, typically in the cabinet under your sink. Next, take off the knob for the side that is leaking and unscrew the valve stem. Check that washer that is located at the base of the stem (and possibly replace it if it’s in bad shape). Make sure to put all of the components back where they came from. Finally, turn your water supply on (don’t forget that!) and check to see if you are still leaking!
4) Running toilets can not only boost up your water bill, but they can also add to the goop that piles up around the toilet bowl faster. If your toilet is constantly running, it’s typically indicating that your flapper is worn or not seated correctly. Take off your tank cover and replace the flapper with a new one, if necessary. Before you do that, though, sand off some of that build-up around the flapper’s resting spot!
5) Caulking! This silicone-based substance is not permanent. Actually, it will eventually begin to look and smell awful, possibly even chip off. If you notice your tub’s caulk begin to wear away a bit, you should just go ahead and replace the caulk throughout the rest of the bathroom. Take off all of the excess old caulk that you can and clean up the surface before you apply new caulk, so it will last longer!
For more information, (or to request a professional!), visit the Mr. Rooter website: MrRooter.com
If you are interested in becoming a Mr. Rooter Franchisee, please visit: MrRooterFranchise.com
Tags: Do-it-Yourself, franchisee, home service, Mr. Rooter, The Dwyer Group
Posted in Mr. Rooter, The Dwyer Group, Uncategorized | Comments Off
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
This video from KMGH 7 in Denver, is a great example of what good media exposure can do for your business.
A local Denver homeowner called Channel 7 about the odor coming from her front-loader washing machine. She had no idea that this smell was a common problem with front loading washing machines. In fact, it’s been dubbed “stinky washer syndrome.”
The local Mr. Appliance franchise in Denver was featured on the evening news. Follow this link to go to the story.
With front-loader washing machines growing in popularity, do your customers know where to turn for help? Mr. Appliance has a dedicated PR team to help your business jump to the top of your local media’s list of experts.
Tags: appliance repair, franchise, franchise ranking, front-load washing machine, home service, Marketing, Mr. Appliance, stinky washer syndrome, Texas, The Dwyer Group, Waco, washing machine
Posted in Mr. Appliance | Comments Off
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Is your company in the news as often as it should be? Does your local media run stories about seasonal checkups and how your company can help?
With a franchise, you get active public relations support to share your good news with your local media. You’ll be the number one source for any news about home service. This article about effective media relations comes from Julina Macy, the PR Specialist for Aire Serv. Join our team and you’ll have a public relations and marketing team working to make your business stand out.
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Whether you’ve witnessed the demise of a local newspaper firsthand or just heard about the collapse of newspapers and TV stations, you may be thinking that the general public isn’t interested in the news anymore.
While a common idea, it just isn’t true. In fact, a recent study on American journalism from the Pew Research Center found that audiences consider newspapers more valuable now than in past years, but readers are turning to more online sources for information instead of print media.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of resources or manpower from media down sizing, information provided to them must be timely and relevant. Today’s news environment is in overdrive and a consumer’s news interest must be fed 24/7 to keep them coming back for more, whether that news is sent in real time to Internet news Web sites or mobile phones.
In order to adapt to the new forms of communication, it’s more important now than in ever (while it was always important) to provide timely and interesting news stories to your local reporters. To grab their attention quickly — and not lose their interest in the first three seconds of a press release — it’s important to provide solutions to their readers’ problems and to make community interest stories available as they happen.
Gone are the days where a story would sit in a reporter’s inbox or take 24 hours to get printed and read by its audience. Now a story becomes old if it takes 24 hours to get into the reporters hands. As the forms of communication continue to expand and evolve, remember that it is not an option to hold on to a story opportunity for a couple days or more.
With an Aire Serv franchise you get the marketing and public relations support you need to make your company the name in home service.
Tags: Aire Serv, franchise, home service, HVAC franchise support, Marketing, PR, public relations, Texas Monthly, The Dwyer Group, Waco
Posted in Aire Serv, Marketing | Comments Off
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