How to Find the Right Cleaning Service Franchise

Congratulations! You've made up your mind to buy a franchise. But there are so many to choose from - how will you ever pick just one?

The key to finding the right Cleaning Service franchise is self-knowledge. Yes, it's important to select a franchise that is recognizable and a leader in its field, but it's just as important to choose a business that fits your skills, goals and lifestyle.

Instead of going with the first franchise that looks good, take the time to really analyze yourself and figure out what you want to accomplish with this business. How do you do this? By taking it slow and reviewing your talents and skills, then finding the type of franchise that fits you best.

Know Yourself

Before you can select a Cleaning Service franchise, you need to ask yourself many questions, the most important one being "will this franchise help me fulfill my business goals and dreams?" The only way you can answer this is through self-examination. Get out a pen and paper and make a list of all your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest here - you don't want to pick the wrong franchise and later discover you're trapped in a legal obligation that's difficult to get out of.

It's also a good idea to make a list of all the things you enjoy doing and comparing that list to the type of franchise you're considering. Is it a good fit? For example, if you like to go sailing during the summer, will a franchise where you have to be there every weekend actually suit your lifestyle? By taking the time to create a firm picture of what you're looking for, you'll avoid getting involved with a franchise that looks good on the surface but really doesn't fit your life.

Your Plan of Attack

Once you know what you want out of a franchise, it's time to create a strategic plan of attack. This plan will include an entry strategy, a long-term strategy, and an exit strategy.

Your entry strategy gets you into a business with little difficulty and sets you up for success. This includes finding and buying the right franchise, getting it up and running without depleting all your financial resources, and learning the ins and outs of the business.

Your long-term strategy is your roadmap to success. Here you figure out your extended goals for the business and how you would like to fit the business into your life, both now and in the future. How do you see yourself living five or ten years down the road? Any Cleaning Service business you buy should enable you to reach these goals and give you the life you want.

Your exit strategy is your "out". This is where you decide how you will get out the business. Will you sell the franchise or pass it down to someone in your family? Although it might seem a little hasty, knowing how you want it all to end someday is a necessary part of selecting the right franchise for you.

Only after you have completed your self-evaluation and your strategic plan will you finally be ready to consider what you should expect from a franchisor.

What You Can Expect

While it's your job to work hard and make your business a success, your franchisor has a certain obligation to help along the way. Here are some things to consider when investigating different Cleaning Service franchises.

• A proven system of success. If the franchisor's system isn't strong and proven to work, don't pay for it. Don't let your franchise fees fund their learning process!
• A commitment to quality products and services. Stay away from companies that are more interested in selling franchises than they are in supporting their system and providing quality goods.
• Provides information before you buy. A franchisor should answer all of your questions before you sign the agreement. Some details might not be available until you sign on the dotted line, but they shouldn't intentionally withhold information.
• A vision you believe in. You should like your franchisor and their vision should be compatible with your own. You need to feel comfortable with the direction they will take in the future-businesses change all the time, so pick a franchisor with a vision you can endorse.
• A recognizable name. It's best to select a franchisor with a well-known trademark to maximize your potential for success. There may be greater growth potential with a newer franchisor, but a greater risk of failure goes with it.
• A fair agreement. Most franchise agreements favor the franchisor, of course, but your rights must be protected at the same time-find a franchise that recognizes your equity rights in the business that you will work hard to create.
• Excellent training. Find a franchisor with a commitment to long-term training. Training should be low-cost or free, as part of your agreement. Your franchisor should also make frequent visits to your location to get a "feel" for your area, which will enable them to tailor their assistance to your unique needs.
• Strong resources. Make sure your franchisor has the resources to help you if you ever get into financial trouble. Will they come up with ways to help you increase sales? Can they help you sell your franchise when the time comes? A strong head office is also important-does your franchisor have the means to do their job properly? If a franchisor doesn't have the resources to gain market penetration or build a brand name, stay away.
• No litigation woes. Although litigation isn't automatically a bad sign, be sure that any litigation doesn't affect your franchisor's ability to help you do your job. Look for patterns in litigation-if the same type of suit is filed over and over, it indicates a true weakness in the system.
• Choosiness. Each franchisee is a reflection of the overall system-steer clear of a franchisor that will sell to anyone with the right amount of money. Your reputation is on the line if weak links in the system affect your business.
• Franchisee satisfaction. Are most of the franchisees in the system happy with their choice? Are they successful and would they recommend the business to others? Investigate some very successful franchisees, some who are doing poorly and some who are out of business to get a true, overall picture of the opportunity.

Selecting a Cleaning Service franchise is not a spur of the moment decision - it takes time and consideration to find the right fit for your needs. Although you're excited about the prospect of owning a business, slow down and really get to know yourself before moving forward with any franchise opportunity - the time you spend now is a small investment in your future success.