Investing in a franchise takes a commitment of time, work, and money. For many people considering franchising, understanding the startup costs makes it easier to decide whether or not to go for it. Read this blog to learn 3 things that you need to know about the startup costs of a commercial landscaping business.
#1 Keep Your Eyes on the Big Picture
Before you start any business, whether or not it is a franchise, you need to remember that you cannot expect to earn a living on your first day. One of the most rewarding parts of owning your own commercial landscaping business is building it up day by day to earn a great income. Keeping your eyes on the big picture is crucial during this stage, because it can be easy to get discouraged or distracted by the time it takes to earn a living.
The fact that you invested in a franchise should ease your mind. During those first few months, you can contact other franchisees as well as members of the home office for assistance or moral support. Remember, your fellow franchise owners have been in your same position, so call on them when you need advice or a listening ear.
Keeping your eye on the big picture works with the franchise company as a whole, too. The franchisor has a track record of opening successful franchises all over the country, which means you can learn from their experience. Chances are high that the franchisor has helped dozens or even hundreds of franchisees weather this storm, so keep your eyes on the prize and keep working hard.
#2 Remember Your Living Expenses
Because it will take some time before your franchise is earning money, you will need to have a plan to keep up with your regular living expenses during the first few months. A smart franchisee will carefully analyze their budget before investing so they have a firm grip on their day to day expenses. Making a plan like this will help you stay on top of things and keep your life going normally.
There are a number of ways that you can support yourself during the beginning stages of your commercial landscaping business. Some franchisees tap into their savings or retirement accounts, while others rely on a working spouse’s income. These are just some ideas; choose whatever works well for your life and your family. As you prepare to handle your personal expenses, remember point #1 and keep your eyes on the big picture.
#3 Understand the Franchise Fee
Sometimes prospective franchisees worry about the franchise fee because it makes up a significant portion of your investment. We are here to alleviate your worries! When you look at the franchise fee, take into consideration everything that comes along with it. The franchise fee is what grants you license to use the brand name, logo, and services, but there is so much more to it than that.
When you invest in a U.S. Lawns commercial landscaping business, for example, the franchise fee is your gateway into our proven system. Our world-class support team has an average of 25 years of experience, so we have the people to give you the training you need both before you start and on an ongoing basis. As the #1 commercial landscaping franchise in the U.S., we have established partnerships with vendors and service providers in our industry, getting our franchisees best in market pricing.
One of our most significant resources is our Roadmap to Success, which helps our franchisees every step of the way. The Roadmap gives you the tools you need to keep your eyes on the big picture during the first stages and throughout the life of your business. This is just one of our 700+ tools that franchisees have access to.
Ready to join U.S. Lawns as a franchisee? Download our ebook to learn more about what U.S. Lawns does to help our franchisees build strong, scalable businesses.