[geefree]

Hi,

Dont know much about either, as my round is not big enough yet,

but i have read some horror stories regarding employing, and apart from an odd part timer... it has totally put me off employing when the time comes where i can leap forward (if it does)....

i have tried to read up on franchising , from some experienced guys on here...and it does sound appealling,

but so far, i know little about renting...

Can anyone say they have tried both?

what are your experiences please ?

This is a typical quote which keeps appearing when i read up on franchising.;


One disadvantage is that after franchisees have learned how to operate a business they resent continued royalty payments. In some cases, they look for a way to terminate the franchise contract. In other cases, they may try to violate the terms of the franchise arrangements because they believe the franchisor is receiving more benefits than it deserves

[stfc]

if ever you need to employ some one you shouldnt be so worried,have a contract drawn up saying the customers belong to you etc,the only people who struggle in my opinion when they employ is the ones who just spend all the profits etc.Yeh ok when they phone in sick you just do it yourself on a sat or sunday,renting a round out might be less hasstle you just get a % of what they make you.

[geefree]

Thanks, does anyone care to show a sample of a window cleaning , contract of employment on here?

but i dont think i would worry too much about that ...as i would sick pay , holiday pay... especially if a sickie is not a sickie.... ie someone taking the pee.

and i think they would have to hold a driving license so i can be free to build from time to time.

[stfc]

i dont know why your so worried about it as you say your round is'nt big enough yet.

[geefree]

i like to prepare early and get as much info as poss

[stfc]

email me at markswindowclean@hotmail.co.uk and i could give you alot of info

[Sean Dyer]

I have been reading, mainly out of interest for now, the books that ian lancaster suggested in his talk at windex - that might be a good start gazza, the only thing i have found looking into franchising is that the advantages become dis advantages in the wrong person

ie, no employees

this is good? no tax, ni sick pay etc

however this also means they are a free agent to some extent apart from the franchise agreement however its human nature that once someone has set up a good business they will feel its all there hard work and they dont need you

Also finding franchisees is incredibly hard aaparently in this country, and i can imagine even more so in a area like window cleaning


PLus it seems to me whereas major franchises like kfc, mcdonalds coca cola have huge brands in fact that is probably there biggest asset, you would need some kind of large scale recognition surely in a sizeable area to be worth anything to a franchisee as effectively franchising is granting a license to trade under your proven system of business and well known name

BUt apart from those it seems a good enough way to go, aprt from one las thing the set up costs but done properly you should make that money back in time, and ian lancaster seeemss to have done very well at it, and given more time im sure he would of been a lot bigger

Certainly seems less hassle than employees once up and runnning

[sparklebright]

In my view renting out or using someone self employed work well.
If things are set up fairly then the employee/franchisee will be less likely to feel resentful and start messing you around, and you can be a nice bloke!

A small margin for a long time is better than a fat margin for two months, and fairer. If everyone makes money the deal will last. Take advantage of someone because they need your help and they will pay you back.
I have rented out and sub contracted work for a few years, and have always, well almost always, done the following:
1. Put it in writing.
2. Paid the person on time, asap.
3. Not expected to make a massive margin.
4. Priced work high enough to allow someone to rent and still make a good wage.
5. Taken a relatively small percentage.