Slow Economy Offers Great Franchise Opportunities!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 5:07PM Print Article If you listen to the media, the economic news is not very encouraging.
“Gas prices soaring – Stocks plunge to record low due to gas prices.”
“No signs of housing recovery – Single-family starts reach record low!”
“Job losses – worst in 5 years!”
The good news is that a slow economy is showing great results for many franchisors and franchisees. Aire-Master of America has had a tremendous year of opening new franchise locations across North America with a total of 12 new franchisees beginning operations. Aire-Master has been offering franchise opportunities since 1976 and now has 86 locations in North America in 40 U.S. states and 2 Provinces in Canada. Recent franchise openings have been in Meridian Mississippi, Spokane Washington, Baltimore Maryland and Sioux Falls South Dakota.
Aire-Master is a leading odor control and commercial hygiene franchise system with its corporate headquarters located in Nixa, Missouri. Aire-Master services approximately 20,000 customers each month in daycares, assisted living and healthcare facilities, churches, convenience stores, fitness centers, banks, restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and apartment complexes to name a few.
“Our newest franchisees, Don & Linda Wilbanks, are starting their franchise operation in central Mississippi in August”, says Jim Roudenis, franchise director for Aire-Master. “The Wilbanks, like so many others were tired of doing a great job working for someone else to either have their job eliminated, or if they were one of the lucky ones, get a 50¢ an hour raise. They felt there was just no way to get ahead without finding a business opportunity that they could invest in and reap the benefits for themselves.”
There are five reasons why franchising is being successful in a slow economy:
1. Interest Rates Are Low
A weak dollar usually means lower interest rates. If you want to be a business owner, don’t wait for rates to rise. A low interest rate will mean more money in your pocket.
2. Banks consider franchising a "safer" investment
Many banks realize that franchising has a good record of success. Even in a weak economy, banks are willing to provide loans for franchise purchases.
3. Property values are down
Need space for your franchise business? A slow economy can lead to better leasing or purchase prices on property.
4. Plenty of employees available
Chances are you will find more highly qualified workers to choose from in an ailing economy than a healthy one.
5. Investing in a franchise can help you land on your feet
If you are one of those laid off employees, what better way to recover from that personal hit than to start your own business. When you have had enough of that “corporate America”, consider franchising as a viable option that will work for you.
If you truly want to be your own boss, steer your own course, and take control of your career, this is a great time to buy a business, especially if you invest in a solid franchise with great training and support.