Mobile franchises are a great way to build your own business with fewer overhead costs and more flexibility than a traditional, brick-and-mortar franchise model. But it can also be inconsistent, especially early on when you’re still getting your business bearings. So, is a mobile franchise right for you? Read on to find out.
What Qualifies as a Mobile Franchise?
While any type of food truck franchise is considered a mobile franchise, a franchise doesn’t have to be on wheels to be mobile. A mobile franchise is a business that can be brought directly to customers. Businesses that repair home appliances, bring arts programs to schools and provide cleaning services are all mobile franchises. These mobile businesses can be operated either from a small office or a home office; you’ll have the choice.
Food Truck Franchises To Consider:
- DonutNV– Absentee owner friendly, DonutNV has low startup costs with financing available. You’ll receive a protected mobile territory, hands on training and ongoing support. Cash Required: $100,000
- Cerealphoria – Cerealphoria is a unique cereal and shake bar franchise concept that offers 25 different cereals, over 20 toppings and over ten different types of milk. Our food trucks show up at events including Birthday Parties, School Events, Sporting Events and Fundraising, HOA Events and more. Cash Required: $80,000
- Mr. Sticky’s – Consider a Mr. Sticky’s for your neighborhood, town, or borrough. Our Lancaster operation has been getting a lot of notoriety from Trip Advisor, notably, being in the top 5 position of their list of 495 restaurants in Lancaster County. The Mr. Sticky’s EASY ENTRY PROGRAM allows you to amortize the franchise fee over multiple years. The payback of the initial start-up cost may come from daily operations. Cash Required: $30,000
Positives of Owning a Mobile Franchise
Many mobile franchisees choose a mobile model for the freedom it offers. As an owner, you will have the option to be out in your community, seeing the impact your business has on customers, instead of being holed up in an office or tied down to one particular store. With a mobile franchise, you’ll get to experience different customers and a different location every day.
Mobile franchises also tend to have lower overhead costs than a traditional brick-and-mortar model. You won’t have to worry about paying rent or stocking an office. Keeping it mobile often means keeping it small — which keeps costs low.
Negatives of Owning a Mobile Franchise
Maybe you’re looking for a little more stability in your professional life. A non-mobile franchise will provide that for you. As the owner, you will be able to create a consistent schedule that works for you, going into the same office or store and seeing familiar faces. A mobile franchise owner often has to spend some extra time doing sales and recruiting new customers due to the one-and-done nature of the services they provide. Very few people need to get their dryer fixed every week. If you are looking to build a strong base of consistent customers, a mobile franchise might not be for you.
Questions to Ask When Considering a Mobile Franchise Opportunity
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not you would like to pursue a mobile franchise opportunity, here are a few questions you could ask your potential mobile franchisor to help you make your decisions.
- Why does this specific mobile model work?
- How do you help franchisees reach new customers?
- What percentage of your customers are repeat customers?
- Do most franchisees operate from offices or from their homes?
- Do you have purchasing relationships with car dealers/manufacturers for branded vehicles (if necessary)?
- How do you determine territories?
- What factors do you consider when determining if a specific area is a good fit for the mobile franchise?
Explore the mobile franchise opportunities America’s Best Franchises has to offer. Reach out to the franchisors and discover whether or not a mobile franchise is the right business opportunity for you and your future.
