So, you’re trying to find the most viable franchise opportunity out there. There are a number of things that you’ll be considering, then. First and foremost, the financials of getting involved have to be something that works with your current financial state. Also, you want to make sure that everything is as it appears to be.
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However, there’s something more important that you should be considering. You want to consider the long-term prospects of the business in which you’re becoming involved. Ultimately, your fortunes will rise and fall along with the profile of the franchisor that you’re entering into an arrangement with.
While there are plenty of examples of successful companies out there, there’s one in particular that provides an excellent model against which you should compare any franchise opportunity that you’re considering. That business is In-N-Out Burger, the immensely successful and universally lauded fast-food burger business that’s popular along the West Coast and Southwest. This business is, in fact, so successful, that many wish it had a franchise program; it does not.
So, what are the qualities of In-N-Out Burger that the franchise opportunity for you should possess? That’s what we’ll be exploring.
Quality to the Max
While you may have a soft spot for McDonald’s, Burger King, or Wendy’s, we’re sure that you’d admit that the food they provide isn’t “quality.” It meets a need, certainly, but it’s not the picture of refinement — in fact, it’s pretty much the exact opposite.
In-N-Out Burger places an unrelenting focus on quality. In fact, this is the reason why the business hasn’t expanded across the country and the world. It’s about their supply chains and making sure that the freshest ingredients make it to their customers.
Customers are becoming much more aware of the quality of the food, products and services that are being delivered to them. If you’re considering a franchise opportunity that you think gets by on being substandard, then that’s not a good thing. It may work now, but where do you think things will be several years from now?
Employees Are Key
There’s another way that In-N-Out Burger has built a sterling reputation, and that is by having a model that treats its employees well. Simply put, those who work at one of its establishments make a fair wage that allows them to lead their lives. Can you say the same about many other businesses these days?
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Again, while many businesses may be skating by on paying their workers substandard wages, is that a trend you expect to continue? If recent news events are any indication, rage about the wage will only grow in the years to come. That’s a fight you don’t want to be on the wrong side of.
Integrity
In the end, this is what it really comes down to. In-N-Out Burger is a business that does what it does exceedingly well, and it places a focus on that rather than upon expanding beyond its means. When you’re examining franchise opportunities, you want the franchisor that you work with to possess this same quality. If not, you may find other franchisees stepping on your toes sooner rather than later, and — even worse — you may find that the headwinds facing the franchisor become too strong, leading to its and your failure.
