New franchisees must follow model to succeed

Posted on September 08, 2010 by Franchise Gator Admin

One of the most important things for any new franchisee to do is follow an established business model in order to become as successful as possible.

Many franchises have a certain "code" that all of their store operators must follow. The methods have been tested over time in other markets and have proven to be a winning formula, and it is in the franchisee's best interest to follow the system. While it can be important to leave one's own mark, certain provisions were implemented for a reason. For example, at one hamburger franchise employees insist on using two slices of tomato.

"About five years ago, hurricanes killed the tomato crop in Florida, and prices went from $17 to $50 a case," said Jerry Murrell, who started a successful hamburger franchise, in an interview with Inc. magazine. "I suggested using one slice instead of two. My kids were furious: 'It should be two! Always!' They were right - it's too easy to start slipping down that slope."

Many times franchises will implement a certain way to create a menu or other service in order to ensure high quality while still being cost efficient. Franchises like Allstate give similar rates to customers all over the country, depending on their history.