New Business- Trying to Franchise!

[mobiltee]

Hey,
My business partner and I have been working on our company for almost a year now. Lately we are trying to expand nationwide, and we want to do this by gaining franchisees. We have been trying free sites pretty much just like craigslist. Trying to find out other inexpensive avenues to help get our name out there to attract potential franchisees. Also....our company is quite a cheap alternative to become a franchisee....We are mobil-tee-vending. We have new vending machines and the initial franchise investment is below $10K. Thanks for looking and helping, and please email me with any questions or insight at "info at mobilteevending dot com" thanks.

[Pwdrin]

I like that idea, I am just curious how many people actually buy from the vending machine?

[FranOption]

are you trying to turn your business into a franchise and you need help or you are just trying to get this business concept out there

[jmandgroup]

The issue is most free sites like Craiglist, YE, Partnerup, and other have a threshold one has on taking risk. It is most likely in the hundred of dollars. This is because these sites give a different image than lets say the SBO Magazine gives out. Free sites give you an image of instability; financial and personally. It is the same with businesses who don't spend the $10 to get an business email address. But their are ways to combat this esp. on Craiglist. I would suggest redesigning your franchise ads to look very well done. I woul even suggest spend a couple bucks to get one designed very well. Places like YE wont give you direct business if you just post it but signatures help. A good example is a post here. You don't have a signature but I searched your username and found the website. Also you idea is very cool. If I was interested in a franchise operation this would be at the top.

On a side note - You website is extremely difficult to get through. The only link that works is locations.

[JPM]

The best way to gain franchisee's is to attend trade fair's, relavant to your niche.

There is usually a small fee, for setting up a table, but the value of potential franchisee's, it's well worth it.

I don't know where you're based, so I can't give specific detail's on trade fair's in your area.

Attending seminar's is also a good avenue of networking and potentialy marketing your product.

Best of luck,

John

[twosenseconsulting]

twitter, myspace, mass emails, etc...

[kir0inn0]

actually what is mobil-tee-vending (sorry for disturbing)

[icevendingmachines12]

You need to hire an SEO expert and get a great website contact me for more info

[Cathy Duncan]

I think rather than hiring services of an SEO expert, you’ld better learn these techniques on your own. It’ll gratify you.

[JackFromTexas]

If you are offering franchise opportunities without filing the necessary disclosure documents with the federal and state governments you might be in violation of federal and state law. The federal regulations are at 16 Code of Federal Regulations Part 436.

Many states also have similar state disclosure laws.

You need to consult with an attorney to make sure you comply with these regulations and don't get yourself in trouble. The legal costs to draft and file the paperwork, usually the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular, is probably over $10,000.

Can you get around this, by calling yourself a business startup consultant, instead of franchisor? It depends what services you are providing. If you are licensing any trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, etc., you are probably a franchisor under the legal definition.