Most people probably think of a restaurant when they think of a franchise, like McDonald’s or Taco Bell. While franchising is most closely associated with the food industry, having a large presence in restaurant and hotel sectors, the top 3 most common franchise industries include:
- Food & Beverage Industry (fast food, sit-down restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, smoothies bars, etc.)
- Service-Related Fields (home repair and remodeling, carpet cleaning, maintenance and cleaning services, etc.)
- Business Support Services (accounting, mail processing, advertising services, printing services, etc)
There are several reasons why these industries have such a large franchising presence.
6 Reasons Why Franchising is So Prevalent in These Industries
#1 – Consistency & Standardization
All three of these industries benefit from the consistency franchising provides, such as brand uniformity and standardized procedures.
Every franchise location is required to represent the brand in the same manner, which includes logos, signage, uniforms, decor, menu, service protocols, branded materials, and more. Guests will know what to expect when they visit a franchise location, which is a key aspect of customer satisfaction.
The franchise model also benefits customers through standardized operating procedures that ensure quality and efficiency. Each franchise location is provided with detailed training and operational manuals to maintain these standards.
#2 – Proven Business Model
While nothing is guaranteed when starting a business, it’s true that franchising reduces the risk of owning a business when compared to starting a business from scratch. This is because it comes with a proven business model and offers immediate brand recognition. For these reasons, franchising is an attractive business option for many entrepreneurs and therefore has a larger presence in the industries mentioned.
#3 – Economies of Scale
A couple of unique perks that come with joining an established franchise system include purchasing power and marketing support.
Franchisors typically have a long-term relationship with suppliers. That, along with multiple franchise locations needing supplies, means that franchises can leverage bulk purchasing agreements. This reduces costs for supplies and services, which is particularly beneficial in food and service industries where operating costs can be high.
In addition, the collection of franchise fees means that franchisors can help with national or regional marketing campaigns in order to build the brand and attract customers.
#4 – Local Ownership with Support
Franchisees are typically local owners who are invested in the success of their business. Naturally, this leads to higher motivation and better management. A win-win for everyone involved.
Furthermore, franchisors provide extensive training and support to their franchisee networks, which includes marketing and operational assistance. While all industries benefit from this franchising perk, it’s particularly valuable in service industries where customer interaction and satisfaction are critical to the business’s success.
#5 – Scalability
Franchises are also structured in a way that enables businesses in these three categories to scale quickly to meet market demand. “Many hands make light work” accurately describes the network of franchisees working with a franchisor to open individual locations. This is because the franchise model allows for rapid geographic expansion via franchisees without the need for the franchisor to invest large amounts of capital.
To add to this benefit, a network of franchisees makes it easier to cater to diverse customer bases. While franchisees are expected to maintain overall brand integrity, they can also adapt the business to local market conditions.
#6 – Innovation & Adaptation
Franchising provides a format for constructive feedback between the franchisees and franchisor, which leads to continuous improvement and innovation in the delivery of services. Even better, these improvements will benefit the entire network since franchisors can implement successful practices across all franchise locations.
Looking to Buy a Franchise?
It’s true that food & beverage, service-related fields, and business services are the most common franchising industries. However, franchising is expansive and is prevalent in a number of different industries. If you’re interested in franchising at all, no matter the industry, FranNet can help you find the right fit. Our expert franchise consultants will walk you through the process of buying a franchise from start to finish. Schedule your free consultation today to get started!