Advertorial: Franchising Versus DIY

Franchise

You are not starting from scratch—there is an established business model to follow.

You can ‘ride on the coat-tails’ of the franchisor’s established brand reputation, successes and improving status via things such as media coverage.

You have the support and materials supplied by head office and, possibly, state offices. At Mortgage Choice, these range from business processes, sales, training and continued professional development, marketing/public relations, accounting, IT, customer service centre, compliance, mentoring and recruitment, to simply being able to ask for advice on a daily basis.

You are part of a collaborative network and can therefore ask advice from a more experienced franchisee, or even pool resources for local marketing.

You can take advantage of head and state office’s national and metropolitan advertising, branding and public relations activities and results.

Many solid supplier relationships are already set up.

You can get discounts on various products and services because you are part of a network of franchises.

Franchises traditionally have a higher success rate in comparison to self-sufficient small businesses.

The benefits of running your own small business are usually personal, financial and lifestyle orientated, so it’s important to weigh up your options carefully to establish the best model for you. Either way, you have the flexibility of running your own operation via your own timetable and needs.

* Kristy Sheppard is corporate affairs manager at Mortgage Choice (www.mortgagechoice.com.au )