There are more than 600,000 franchises in North America today. With sales totaling more than $850 billion, this equals about one-third of the nation's retail market. Statistically, one new franchise opens approximately every 15 minutes and more than 10 million North Americans draw their pay-cheques from a franchise business.
Franchising is a method of doing business where the Franchisor grants another individual the right to sell goods and/or services which are identified by the Franchisor's trade-marks, using the Franchisor's experience and business systems. Franchising is a contractual relationship between the Franchisor and the Franchisee that governs the way the Franchisee conducts its business. The Franchisee must follow the Franchisor's standards, procedures, techniques, philosophies and specifications. The Franchisee must also follow the marketing plan developed by the Franchisor. The Franchisee pays a fee to the Franchisor for the right to use the Franchisor's trademarks and business systems.
Many people have a desire to own and operate their own business. Owning your own business and being singularly responsible for the success of your operation is appealing to those individuals who are self-motivated, hard-working and committed to providing superior service. However, the success rate of new business startups (non-franchise) is extremely low and many people who dream of owning their own business are naturally concerned about taking such a risk. Non-franchise business owners must go through the learning curve of operating a business in an industry that is not known to them and unfortunately the market is not tolerant of an inexperienced business owner trying to learn how to operate their new business. Franchising as a business model provides significant risk minimization as the Franchisor has made all of the mistakes, learned the business and created a successful operating system that can be quickly adapted and implemented by Franchisees.
Franchising provides significant benefits to Franchisees that will enhance their success. A Franchisor provides a proven system including training, opening assistance, inventory and purchasing systems, established suppliers, manuals, name and use of trade-marks. Purchasing power in most industries is essential to competitive pricing and Franchisors will provide collective purchasing power on products, supplies, health and insurance benefits and advertising. Financial institutions also prefer to lend to established franchise systems because of their higher success rate. Franchisors will provide expert site selection knowledge based on their own operating experience and demographic knowledge and landlords prefer to deal with a company with an established track record. Franchising as a whole provides the opportunity for Franchisees to focus on operating their business rather than the business controlling them.
As a Franchisee you generally work long hours, especially the first years. A franchise business is like nearly all businesses - it is hands-on and you must be there to make it happen. Generally, a franchise is going to involve longer hours and more stress than would a job where you just put in your time and then go home and forget about it until the next day. However, franchising gives you the chance to do something really significant, and that's to be in business for yourself, be your own boss and control your own destiny. This is the chance to realize a dream.
For many pet loving individuals, becoming a Pet Planet Franchisee is one of the best business opportunities available. Not only are you the owner of your own business, but you have a proven, unique and sophisticated retail system and support mechanism to help make you a success while at the same time living your passion.
Pet Planet is a progressive, unique and successful business model that operates in a fast paced, growing industry. The company has spent nearly ten years developing an operating system and a brand that is well-known and admired by customers and competitors alike. In granting Franchise rights, Pet Planet has positioned the company for growth by partnering with Franchisees who will build the brand and support the mission across North America and around the world.
