Common Franchise Myths and Why They Shouldn't Scare You

Entrepreneurs always face the ultimate decision of opening a store on their own or investing in a franchise opportunity. Both have their pros and cons, but many of those cons to franchising may actually be based on misconceptions. Here at U.S. Lawns, we strive to make sure that investors know exactly what to expect with a franchise and help debunk the most common myths of franchising. As a leading landscaping franchise, our goal is always to help people find the best investment for them. If you are looking into franchise opportunities for veterans, entrepreneurs, landscapers, executives, and more, here are some important myths about the process and the franchising concept as a whole.

You Work for Someone Else’s Gain

A common misconception about franchises is that you are working for the franchisor’s gain and not your own. The truth is that your success is truly your success. With a franchise, you invest time and money into a business that you operate and own under a recognizable brand name and a business model that has proven to work. Of course, you do have to operate within some guidelines and policies that contribute to the consistency and quality of a national brand. This is not to stifle the franchise owner, but rather to unite the brand. This has contributed greatly to the success of U.S. Lawns. We pride ourselves on the power of the network – an internal platform where franchisees share best practices, which has made our brand stronger. In addition, as the owner-operator of your franchise, you have the opportunity to be active in your community. This promotes your individual location and helps you network with potential customers.

Franchises Are Not Small Businesses

Franchises are small businesses. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA) there are many factors that go into determining a small business including the number of employees, and being independently-owned or operated. A U.S. Lawns franchise meets all of these requirements. Most franchises are independently-owned but operate under a licensing agreement. Not only does this mean that you are still eligible for financing and other SBA-related programs, but it is so much easier than if you were doing this yourself. You get to own and operate a small business, but you also get training, support, brand recognition, and more benefits that you just would not get anywhere else.

With a landscaping franchise like U.S. Lawns, you are even part of a connected brand. Our owners have a local commitment to their communities even though they are part of a national brand.

Franchises Cost More Than Starting a Small Business from Scratch

This is not always true. With a franchise, you know exactly how much it is going to cost right from the beginning before you invest. Franchisors are required to break down each expected cost, including the franchise fee and other expenses get the business up and running, in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document. While a franchise fee is a cost that is unique to franchised business models, this fee covers the systems, tools, processes, training, and support that is provided by the franchisor. In addition, there may be discounts through certain franchise opportunities for veterans, current business owners who are looking to convert, and more.

Franchises Center Around Fast Food and Retail

Another common myth about franchises is that the only opportunities out there are centered around fast food and retail. Although these are both large industries, there are countless other opportunities outside of those. For example, U.S. Lawns is a service-based franchise in the landscaping industry, which is enormous and only expected to grow. In addition, businesses and other commercial properties are always going to need a well-kept landscape to draw in business, so there is no indication of the industry slowing down! This means there are a number of service franchise opportunities for veterans and people interested in a franchise outside of the typical fast food and retail sectors, especially a landscaping franchise.

These are just a few of the most common myths about franchising and how they are misunderstood by those who are searching for an entrepreneurial opportunity. Hopefully, these will help shed light on what it truly means to invest in a franchise and why it may be the best option, especially if you are looking for an opportunity to work for yourself and be a boss.

U.S. Lawns may be the perfect opportunity for you if you are interested in providing a service to commercial businesses outside of the traditional nine-to-five setting. We are a landscaping franchise dedicated to helping people find the best investment opportunity for them, and we can help you too.

Find out more about franchise opportunities for veterans through U.S. Lawns, and how you could get started with a landscaping franchise today.