From the outside franchising can feel like a bit of a mystery. You’ve heard the word but you don’t necessarily know what it’s all about, or what’s involved. Add to that some myths you may have heard and it’s not surprising that you may hesitate.

I would love to help clear the fog and explain a little about what a franchise is, and what it is not.

In basic terms a franchise is an established company (the franchisor or licensor) who licences it’s brand, business model, operating systems and trademarks to an independent business owner (the franchisee).

In return for being able operate under the established brand, the franchisee pays an initial start up fee and ongoing royalties to the franchisor/licensor. 

So a franchisee is a business owner, and the responsibility for the success, business decisions etc, rest with them.

It is a business, not a job.

Ok, so now we know what a franchise is, how does that relate to children’s activity classes? And lets look at the myths you may have heard.

Each of our franchisees is an individual person, pouring their heart and soul into their business, to provide a safe, welcoming community for their customers, delivering outstanding classes, and helping create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re even slightly considering running a children’s activity business like them, your decision needs to be based on truths, not myths…

Myth 1 – There is no creative freedom

The strength of a brand is that the classes are tried and tested over years, sometimes decades! The customer experience is consistent across the country, and part of my role as franchisor is to ensure that all of our classes are run to the same high standard for the benefit of everyone’s business.

Our WOW programmes come with brand guidelines, plus you get all lesson plans and music. It provides a structure to work to. But every class practitioner has their own personality, class delivery style, and creativity when creating props.

Myth 2 – The franchisor takes most of your profit

While there are costs involved in running a franchise business, they cover things like your website, booking system, training, and support. Many of these costs are still incurred by those running independent classes.

We ensure that these costs are clear, transparent and available from the start of your journey, no one likes nasty surprises!

Myth 3 – The business can’t fail

Running a franchise business can reduce the risk of failure – a trusted brand, tried and tested activities, a proven business model, all help to set you up for success.

However, THE BIGGEST success factor in any business is the people, and the attitude. There really is no substitute for hard work!

Myth 4 – Franchises are easy to run

If you think a franchise is something you can set working while you sit back and watch the income roll in, I’m afraid you’d be wrong.

Any business takes time, energy and effort to run. But, working for yourself, doing something as meaningful as children’s activity classes, is worth every ounce of effort that goes in.

So what is it really about then?

There can be a misconception that because someone runs a franchise business, that it’s somehow easier for them than an independent. That there’s less heart in it, or that the money paid by customers is feeding a ‘big machine’. But none of that is true.

A franchise is simply a way to run a business where you don’t need to start from zero, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

You can get on with running outstanding classes without the stress of working out what policies and procedures you need to implement, how you’re going to build a website and take bookings. Without needing to write all of your lesson plans, working out what training you need, what equipment you need and having to source it all.

Building something independent is the right choice for some children’s activity providers. You may have a brilliant idea for classes that you haven’t seen offered before. You may be full to the brim with ideas. Maybe you’ve got friends or family with knowledge and experience to help you get started.

But taking out a franchise shouldn’t be seen as a cop out, or an easy option. It’s simply a way in for someone who wants the backing, reassurance and support that a franchise offers.

I’m always happy to talk it over to help you decide if this could be something you want to pursue.

There is never any pressure, just an opportunity for you to get more information.