You have decided to buy a franchise. Which one will you choose? There are so many out there. Are you going to go for a coffee shop or fast food outlet? What about an internet business, printing company or stationary?
There are distinct advantages in buying a franchise over starting your own business from scratch. The greatest advantage is that most franchises are still trading after 3 years whereas most new start ups have ceased trading.
What is a franchise?
With a franchise you benefit from a proven business model and the experience of a larger organisation. You have to pay a franchise fee and a license fee to the franchisor to have the right to run their business model.
In the UK companies like McDonalds, Prontaprint & KFC made franchising very popular in the 70s. Now you can find an outlet in nearly every town & city in the UK. Franchising is now one of the fastest growing areas of business in the UK.
Let's examine the pros and cons of franchising
The advantages are:
1) You receive full training in the operation of your business 2) You are not reinventing the wheel 3) You receive support from the franchisor when you encounter a problem 4) You have a proven business model 5) It is in the franchisors interest for you to succeed 6) Accounting procedures and business systems are well established 7) You are part of a group of people all running the same business 8) You benefit from national marketing
The disadvantages are:
1) You have to pay the franchisor a percentage of your profits 2) You have to follow the guidelines laid down by the franchisor 3) The Franchisor controls the development of your business 4) The Franchisor dictates your supply chain 5) You have to market the business in a way that is approved by the Franchisor 6) You have to report back to the Franchisor at least annually
Before you jump in
Before you commit to a franchise make sure that you evaluate the following points:
1) Take professional advice from lawyer before signing any agreements 2) Take advice from an accountant to check the viability of the business 3) Carry out market research to see if the franchise is right for your area 4) Be prepared for hard work - running a business requires commitment
If you're ready to make the commitment, franchising can be a rewarding, and often highly lucrative business.
One advantage to having motorcycle windshields is that it blocks the wind and makes for a better and more comfortable ride. Having windshields there to block bugs flying at the face and rocks being thrown from the vehicles in front is definitely an advantage. No one wants to drive down the highway and suddenly taste a bug or see one spat on your cheek just below your eye. Windshields definitely offer the advantage of better obstacle blockage.
A disadvantage would be visibility. While it is great to have something to block things flying at your face, it isn't so great when all that builds up on motorcycle windshields and blocks visibility. You can't drive safely if you can't see where you are going.
Another advantage is the aerodynamics of motorcycle windshields. They allow the air to flow evenly up and over the motorcycle. Having better aerodynamics with windshields can improve gas mileage and with the gas prices sky rocketing, any amount saved in gas is always an advantage.
A disadvantage would be the glare given off by motorcycle windshields. Not all windshields give off a glare, but when they do, they can be blinding. It is hard to drive when you are being blinded by the glare, likewise, it is hard for other drivers to drive with a glare.
Another disadvantage is the weather. In some weather, it is better to see without motorcycle windshields then it is to see with them. They can make it hard to see in foggy or wet weather. Just like with glasses, windshields can fog up, attract moisture and have ice. Any of these conditions can make it difficult for visibility.
If you get the wrong size it could definitely affect visibility. Trying to look over the windshield or under the top of the windshield can be annoying and dangerous. If you don't look entirely through or entirely above your motorcycle windshields, you could have problems with blind spots due to the line in your line of vision.
One consideration that would give the best of both worlds would be removable motorcycle windshields. This would allow you to place it on the motorcycle when going on long trips, and remove it on bad weather days, or when visibility is poor to begin with. It can add to the aerodynamics when you ride in conditions that would affect the mileage and speed, such as uphill and curving roads. Also you may consider having the windshield tinted to reduce glare and increase visibility. Be careful how tinted you have the windshield though, because in dark conditions, it may make it hard to see if they are too dark. Glasses have anti fog coating and you can get the same coating for your motorcycle windshields.
Both Franchise Opportunity & Justin Stewart are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Franchise Opportunity has sinced written about articles on various topics from Small Business, Adventure Travel and Buy a Franchise. Naz Daud is the founder of CityLocal. This Franchise Opportunity is for people who would like to work from home and be their own boss.