Consultancy

Because of their knowledge and expertise, most individuals or companies look for an expert to guide them in different sectors, whether in real estate, insurance, finance or investments.  In the case of franchises, it makes sense to use an expert Consultant for this type of business.  There are many franchise options on the market.  And it is impossible to investigate all of the options on your own.  A Consultant, by your side, reduces the risk of investing in the wrong franchise.

There are many franchise portals on the internet in different countries, including franchise association websites that will often supply a list In addition, there are several franchise shows and expositions held around the world.  Why, then, take advice from a MatchPoint Consultant and not do your own research?

The following are the most important advantages to working with a Consultant:

1. Save Time: Despite access to thousands of franchises on the. Internet and at shows, this involves endless hours researching each of them.  It’s almost impossible to do, without losing your focus and wasting your time.
2. Minimise Risk: The MatchPoint franchise portfolio is composed of franchises that meet a series of requirements.  These include a proven business model, record of success, minimum profitability, satisfied franchise owners, etc.
3. Single Access Point: There are successful franchises in Europe, Canada and the USA that have entered other markets  MatchPoint works with some of them exclusively for new markets to match appropriate candidates.  These franchises often are not found on a portal or at a show or expo.
4. Use a Proven Methodology: MatchPoint’s 6-Step Consultancy Process helps define the right franchises to fit your business profile and helps you to do the appropriate investigation of that business to make an informed decision.

These are some of the questions that MatchPoint asks to understand the type of franchise you are looking for:

• What characteristics are important for your business? Working hours, client profile, quantity and type of employees, franchise location, financial, personal and business goals, etc.
• What characteristics are important for your business? Working hours, client profile, quantity and type of employees, franchise location, financial, personal and business goals, etc.
• What role and function do you intend to perform in the business? Sales, operations, marketing, management, semi-absentee ownership?
• Do you prefer an established system or something new and more entrepreneurial?
• When do you want to open your franchise?
• Do you intend to have a partner?

Some people think that acquiring a franchise is like buying a product or service.  You invest a particular amount to acquire and operate the franchise and you’re financial commitment is complete. But how much capital do your really need to get the business to a positive cash flow?

First, we have to explain the different costs involved in acquiring, starting up and operating a franchise to reach the breakeven point.  There is a lot of misinformation on this subject and often the information published on the internet is confusing.  Many websites publish only the initial franchise fee, as if that were the only investment in the business.  But, in reality, the investment could be as much as three to six times greater. A typical example is a retail franchise that has an initial fee of £20,000. The reality is that in addition to this you have to make a significant initial investment in the retail premises and in operational and other fixed costs until the business becomes self-sustaining.

The typical costs of a franchise business include;
Initial franchise fee

• Marketing and Advertising Costs
• Systems and Technology Costs
• Royalties
• Working Capital
• Salaries (employees)
• Payments and deposits for retail premises (if applicable)
• Monthly rent (if applicable)
• Retrofitting and preparing the premises or office (if applicable)
• Inventory (if applicable)MatchPoint Consultants discuss each of these costs in detail as part of the service.