[davy]

I have been in a franchise for 6yrs and just got out of it one month ago. Although my businness was reasonably good and my knowledge on cleaning carpets was Ok my business was not reaching its financial potential so I walked.
The problem with a franchise is you are tied in to a contract which means you do things their way & you pay quite handsomely for that.
There is nothing a franchise can teach you that going on a good course and keeping an eye on this sight (its a mine of information and its free)

Can;t believe the proffit I have made this month.

Im not bitter Im better

          Davy

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I have 9 CD's in my area I think Mike has more but when i was talking to one of the more honest ones he said his turnover was less than mine and he had 3 technicians and he occasionally went out himself.

Shaun

[Len Gribble]

Newbie

I may have been brought up in that area and support them possible due to Dad local team, but I don’t like football nether do I like or stand for, threats or any type of intimidation!

Only one word of advice care with licensing or franchising, be warned is to be for warned.

CD seem to be into ff more them cc

Len

[Phil Marlor]

Newbie,

Ask as many questions as you want!
If you are going to splash out £20k+ you want the correct information.

Phone Alltec, as you say its near you, go on their Discovery day.

Its not for us to say what equipment you purchase, You need to know yourself if CC is what you really want, no good spending £1000's then realising its not for you.

One thing is for sure though, dont take the Franchise route.

By the way Iam a big Luton fan, and we are going up!!!

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Statistically franchises are more likekly to succeed after 1 year in trade, may be it is because head office is mentoring/ pushing you but the systems are tried and tested.

The biggest test is after 3 or 4 years when you are up and running and are now savvy with cash flow, sales, and general business making decissions that you need them and would you have been better spending that 20K+ (20K being for the franchise not the van) on marketing yourself and not have the ongoing franchise fees until you give it up or die.

Fasttrack would be my advice to anyone starting up because it works like a franchise but with no money up front you can pay for it over 12 months and then thats it your free.

Shaun

[The Great One]

Hi

 Been a franchisee also and it turned out to be a nightmare, this particular company were about as helpful as a third armpit! and I went down faster than 'The Red Baron in Flames'

Chris

If you want to have a rant but don't want court action then put ' In my opinion'

before your particular rant.

Regards

Martin

[Len Gribble]

Goesltd

I understand your frustration I have done so in the past being a franchisee, my words to them, think of an nightmare then you better treble it!

I’m sure your solicitor has advised you to keep stum as it will not help you with you case, if they haven’t change them a.s.a.p

By the way if you win the case or not you will have a gagging clause!

I think my views regarding franchisors are well know, don’t get mad get even, just make sure you dot the I’s and cross the t’s


Morals don’t come into to business!  But I would like to think so!

By the way I’m not say you should not rant but care is needed!

Len

[Derek]

Hi

I also understand your bitterness BUT putting your comments in writing publically will only make the situation far worse.

I still say alter your posts, it may be too late.

There are other ways of dealing with what you consider unfair practices which will NOT get you into deeper hot water

Regards
Derek

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys,

I have deleted 2 of goesltd's posts as I think they are the wrong way to go about this sort of thing.I have given this a lot of thought this morning and it was a tough decision.

Chris has obviously had a rough time and my thoughts go out to him and his family at this time of year.

Cheers,

Doug

[Len Gribble]

Doug

You made the correct decision.

Len

[Dynafoam]

Doug,

I agree that it is the wrong way to go about things, but, as a moderator, the decision is never easy. The balancing the right of free speech with the need to protect the forum from involvement in possible litigation can be tricky.

Emotive phrases like 'big brother' are apt to be bandied about by some, but like Len, I support your action.

[Doug Holloway]

Hi,

Thanks Guys,

I did send Chris a personal message wishing him all the best in the tough circumstances he is in , and also explaining , hopefully,  my reasoning.

Cheers,

Doug