Yahoo Small Business Advisor Partner: FranchiseHelp

A 'Brite' New Franchise Opportunity Could Be on Horizon in Hair-Removal Sector

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:00:41 -0500

According to IBISWorld, a leading independent source of industry and market research, revenues in the hair loss treatment and remove industry were expected to grow 0.4 percent annually from 2007 to 2012 to $551.1 million.

Franchise Opportunities - Where do I start?

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:00:46 -0400

Choosing a franchise can be a positive experience or a shot in the dark investment. Like most decisions, a systematic process for exploring and evaluating your options makes it much more likely that you'll be happy with the outcome. This guide will make your research faster, easier and more productive.Business Franchise Opportunities - Self AssessmentBefore looking at the vast amount of franchise information on the web, take a look inward. ...

What Makes Kumon One of the Most Lauded After-School Enrichment Companies in the Country

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:44:07 -0400

Kumon is the world's largest after-school math and reading academic enrichment program. With more than 50 years of experience, the Kumon franchise system offers a time-tested model for success. Franchisees benefit from joining a network of 26,000 individually owned and operated centers in 47 countries - more than 2,100 in North America alone.Kumon's personalized approach helps children learn math and reading concepts based on their ability rather than their age or grade. ...

How Much Money Can My Franchise Make?

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:29 -0400

One of the most common questions prospective franchisees have when looking at a franchise opportunity is: How much money can I make in this business? It's a reasonable question, but getting to the bottom line requires a bit of digging...

How Mike Bahr Went from Pillar to Post Employee to Franchisee in 3 Years

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:00:45 -0400

With more than 400 locations in 45 states and eight Canadian provinces, Pillar To Post is the largest home inspection franchise company in North America and was the first to bring technology to the home inspection business with electronic inspection reports.As the housing market begins to recover, homeowners clearly recognize the importance of hiring a certified home inspector. A recent survey released by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) found that 88 percent of all U.S. homeowners believe home inspections are a necessity, not a luxury. ...

5 Billionaire Franchisors and How They Did It

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:30:57 -0400

Following up our article on the Top 10 Most Famous Franchise Founders of All Time, the FranchiseHelp.com team turns its attention to a more contemporary subject: today's billionaire franchisors. Scouring the ranks of living billionaires, we worked to identify which masters of megabucks amassed their tremendous wealth through franchising (that is, as a franchisor). While not an exhaustive list, the rundown below profiles five titans of industry with franchise roots and net worth levels between $1.3 and $6.5 billion. ...

A Checklist for Franchising your Business

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:00:43 -0400

Make no mistake, franchising your business is a major undertaking, from documenting systems, to setting investment parameters, to addressing legal concerns, and more. FranchiseHelp breaks the process of creating a franchise down into an essential to-do list for the prospective franchisor.

Why More Men are Investing in Women's Gyms

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 04:30:10 -0400

How did a Russian immigrant pioneer the women's fitness movement? We sat down with Kevin Roberts, son of Lucille Roberts, to find out.

Best Frozen Yogurt Franchise Opportunities in the USA

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:00:49 -0400

Fun, creative, and delightfully healthy, self serve frozen yogurt franchises are always an exciting option to consider. Frozen yogurt franchise opportunities represent one of the fastest-growing and most popular categories in the entire dessert industry - bar none. To get you started, we've listed some of the best frozen yogurt franchises below, so you can start comparing your options today.For more info about frozen yogurt franchises for sale in your area, click here. ...

Why Doesn't White Castle Franchise?

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:05:07 -0400

The famous hamburger chain White Castle, known for its square-shaped greasy sliders and for being the first fast-food burger chain, was immortalized in the 2004 stoner buddy romp Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. White Castle's restaurants, modeled after the Chicago Water Tower and traditionally made of porcelain, reflect a clean and consistent aesthetic that speaks to the quality of the food that consumers can expect from each and every visit to this elusive den of tasty sliders. ...

How Athena Learning Centers is Filling the Void in Supplemental Education

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:26:53 -0400

Deven Klein is the co-founder, COO, and General Counsel of Athena Learning Centers, a community of year-round Learning Centers where children go to improve their math and reading skills.Deven worked for Kumon North America, Inc. for almost 16 years. He started the Legal Department from scratch and served as VP and Corporate Counsel for 10 years. He then led the Franchise Recruitment and Development Department at Kumon for 5 years. ...

Automotive Detailing is a $36b Market - How Ziebart International is Capturing Its Share

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:00:27 -0400

Ziebart International Corporation is the worldwide leader in vehicle appearance and protection services. Ziebart offers superior products and services to enhance and protect the appearance of vehicles and offers a diverse business model in growing industries. Specializing in professional automotive detailing, window tinting, paint, fabric and rust protection, sprayed-on bed liners, glass repair, scratch repair and accessories, Ziebart is recognized as the No. 1 franchise in the automotive appearance services category byEntrepreneur magazine. ...

Automotive Detailing is a $36b Market - How Ziebart International is Capturing It's Share

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:00:27 -0400

Interview with Dan Hicks, Director of Franchise Development for Cruise Planners/American Express

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:30:42 -0400

With a family of over 800 franchise owners, the Cruise Planners/American Express franchise is one of the largest privately-owned, nationally recognized, and continually awarded travel franchises in the country. With no inventory to buy, no employees, no retail space, no construction, no mandatory monthly fees, and no travel experience required, Cruise Planners/American Express' home-based business model offers would-be entrepreneurs a low-investment, low-risk opportunity that can yield high returns. ...

Interview with Dusty Ansley, VP of Franchise Development for Solar Universe

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 07:28:48 -0400

With 32 offices in 11 states, Solar Universe is the nation's leader in solar, one of the fastest growing industries with 109% compound growth in 2011. Solar Universe has a comprehensive business plan and support that allow individuals and independent solar companies to have speed to market and instant credibility with customers from day one. In 2011, Solar Universe was ranked number 1 in its category by Entrepreneur magazine. ...

Interview with Neil Pritchard, Owner and President of The Resume Hut

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 04:15:48 -0400

The Resume Hut Franchise started creating success stories for its clients over twenty-six years ago in 1986. The company began by helping people prepare compelling resumes that would get them noticed and interviewed. Beyond that, The Resume Hut helps its clients win the job, and coaches them to succeed in their careers.The Resume Hut has earned its reputation through outstanding results and the quality of its work -- whether that work is an entry-level resume or a sophisticated CEO marketing plan. ...

Interview with Tim Courtney, CruiseOne's Director of Franchise Development

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:58:52 -0400

Founded in 1992, the CruiseOne franchise is now one of the leading travel retailers in the country. As part of World Travel Holdings (WTH), CruiseOne maintains its position as a premier vacation supplier, providing millions of people access to the world's most fascinating destinations through its 775 franchise owners. This year, Entrepreneur Magazine named CruiseOne one of its Top 50 franchises, out of over 4,000 operating franchise systems worldwide. ...

Interview with Bill Redfern, CEO of A Buyer's Choice Home Inspections

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 06:33:00 -0400

A Buyer's Choice Home Inspections franchise is a residential and commercial home inspection franchise, operating in Canada and the United States, South America, and Europe. They have Regional Master and Unit Franchises available worldwide. Their core business is to assist, comfort, and protect home buyers and realtors during the purchase or sale of real estate by providing a third party, comprehensive, detailed report on the condition of a property prior to closing. The inspectors of A Buyer's Choice are all fully certified, insured, and present themselves professionally. ...

How to select a principal trademark

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:41:41 -0400

One of the first requirements for establishing a franchise system is to develop and adequately protect your company's "principal trademark."

The Growth Coach: work-from-home franchise

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 15:00:36 -0400

FranchiseHelp sat down with The Growth Coach Founder and President Daniel Murphy to talk about running a services franchise that doesn't require a brick and mortar presence. Learn how The Growth Coach and other home-based services franchises offer a lower-cost, simpler, higher-margin alternative to the traditional office building located franchise business.

Personality test: Are you fit to work from home?

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:00:03 -0400

Who hasn't imagined getting up late, putting on your slippers, turning on Sportscenter and casually strolling into the next room to start "work"?

Ocean City Resort Uses Trademark Infringement Lawsuit to Bolster Position for Franchising

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:00:45 -0400

Seacrets, an Ocean City, Maryland resort with a national reputation, recently succeeded in a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against a luxury hotel chain. The result, which included punitive damages and a permanent injunction against the competing hotel, is helping pave the way for Seacrets to move forward with its plans to expand nationally through franchising.

Is a Bigger Franchise Brand Always Better?

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:00:23 -0400

Take a look at the pros and cons of big franchises and decide for yourself.

Understanding and Making Proper Use of Trademark Symbols

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:00:43 -0400

TM, SM, and (R): Which trademark symbols to use and when to use them.

Is There A Duty Of Competence in Franchising?

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:00:37 -0400

Most franchise agreements do not spell out a franchisor's duty of competence to a franchisee. What's in the works in court and what it means for you.

10 Tips for Trademark Selection

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:40 -0400

Tips on how to create a trademark and make sure it's legally protected.

Can I Bid on a Competitor's Trademarks on AdWords?

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:43 -0400

If you have ever developed metatags or researched pay-per-click keywords to help your company's website rank for search results, you may have felt the urge to use the names of of your well-known competitors. If someone starts out looking for a competitor and ends up coming to you instead, not only is it good for your business, but it's one less loyal fan for the competitor. As it turns out, however, this might not be the best idea-at least not right now.In the early days of commercial use of the Internet (remember those days? They weren't that long ago. ...

Protecting Your Image and Intellectual Property Online

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:00:30 -0400

I've seen enough cases of a former franchisee not de-branding after termination as required by their Franchise Agreement to know that this is a serious problem for franchisors. I've also seen more than enough cases of startups and, shall we say, "enterprising" individuals adopting domain names and "repurposing" content in ways that directly infringe on larger brands' intellectual property rights. Some do this intentionally; others do it unintentionally. ...

Best employee perks

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:00:36 -0500

Five perks that employers offer that can help improve morale and make employees feel appreciated. Invest in your employees, and employers can be paid back with productivity, less employee turnover, and fresh ideas.

What Constitutes Trademark Infringement?

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:00:15 -0500

The importance of trademark protection for franchises and business, and steps to monitor and resolve trademark infringement.

M.C. Kids, McDonald's Video Game Advertising Strategy

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:00:29 -0500

McDonald's has placed its products in everything from movies to rap songs, but one of its oddest advertising strategies was its early '90s video game for Nintendo.

Five best inexpensive franchises

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:00:39 -0500

Franchise opportunities aren't just for the well-funded; many affordable franchises cost under $25,000. Franchises start-up costs are approximate and may change, but here are five of the cheapest franchise opportunities around: 1. Cruise Planners/American Express. This cruise and tour travel agency is a low-investment business that needs less than $10,000 in capital. Like many of the low-cost franchise opportunities, this is a home-based franchise and can be full- or part-time. ...

Streamline Your Social Media Marketing Strategy with Hootsuite and Tweetdeck

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:00:22 -0500

How small businesses can use social media dashboards like Hootsuite and Tweetdeck to manage social media networks in one place and help their social media marketing strategy become more effective.

Franchisor-Franchisee Independence and Joint Liability, Redux

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:00:01 -0500

As illustrated by the Tilted Kilt restaurant franchise lawsuit, the importance of franchisor-franchisee separation and exposure to joint liability.

Renters Warehouse CEO Brenton Hayden's Business Advice and Franchising Tips - Part 2

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:00:38 -0500

Renters Warehouse CEO Brenton Hayden explains why he decided to franchise his business and new challenges as a franchisor, and gives advice for advertising, marketing, and celebrity endorsements.

Renters Warehouse CEO Brenton Hayden's Business Advice and Franchising Tips - Part 1

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:00:29 -0500

Renters Warehouse CEO Brenton Hayden explains how he got into the property management business, what he has learned as a business owner, and tips for potential entrepreneurs.

Get Your Franchise Audits and FDDs Done Early for Renewal Season

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:00:12 -0500

Under the FTC Revised Franchise Rule, franchisors are required to update their FDDs annually. What the federal and state renewal deadlines mean for active and aspiring franchisors, as well as prospective franchisees.

Five most expensive franchise types

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:00:21 -0500

There are thousands of franchises in all type of industries, some of which can be started for as little as $25,000 and some of which require millions of dollars. Here are five of the most expensive industries for franchise businesses.

A Cold Stone Creamery case study

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:00:29 -0500

Many franchisees pay a percentage of revenues into a marketing fund, which the franchisor spends on marketing and advertising. However, the use of the money may not be disclosed properly, as Cold Stone Creamery's franchise association is claiming in its lawsuit.

Five Dollar Footlongs: the history of Subway's game-changing promotion

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:53 -0500

The origin of Subway's Five Dollar Footlong is a single franchisee's great idea, but the popularity of the $5 sandwich deal is due to a history of luck, timing, and brilliant advertisements.