Buying a franchise doesn’t have to mean making a full-time commitment. Whether you are looking for something small to supplement your income or have ambitions to build a bigger business – but want to hold onto the security of your full-time job at the start – running a part-time franchise can often be the perfect solution.
However, choosing the right franchise brand to fit your skills and interests can often the hardest part. Rich Elms, founder and MD of BabyBallers, shares his top five tips on how to choose a franchise that will work for you along with a full-time job, and the benefits that come with operating a part-time franchise.
Choose a less expensive franchise
Most part-time franchises have a simple concept behind them. For example, part-time tutoring and domestic cleaning franchises do not require you to invest five-figure sums for equipment, premises and vehicles just to get started. With a low-cost franchise opportunity the risk is greatly reduced and the rewards can be greater.
Work out how much time you want to invest
Consider how hands-on with the day-to-day operations you want to be. Like any business, a franchise often requires owners to put in hard work to achieve success. Only working weekdays from 9 to 5, for example, could eliminate many retail and service franchise opportunities.
Your initial workload will soon plateau
The likelihood is that the first couple of months will require you to be very hands-on and you will be very busy alongside a full-time job. However, do not let this put you off. If you choose a franchise that other people can run for you, the stress will soon ease. For example, at BabyBallers, franchisees can hire coaches to conduct the sessions and take on the administration roles. After a short initial busy period, you will begin to reap the rewards.
Ensure the business has robust support systems
When buying into a franchise, ensure that the franchisor will support you through every process, particularly with the launch of the business. By approaching current franchisees in the network to ask about the support and training offered by the franchisor, you’ll know whether you’re making the right choice.
Strong rapport with the franchisor
It is essential that you can build a strong rapport with the franchisor as you will be working closely together. This way, if you have any problems or get stressed, they will be able to understand and lend a helping hand. Your connection should be based on trust and a mutual desire to succeed. When you have your first meeting with a franchisor, take the time to notice the way they talk about your potential future as an investor.
Here are two examples of Babyballers franchise owners who are successfully operating their franchise whilst having a full-time job.
Matt Piggott works as a chemistry and PE teacher at a secondary school in Kent, but despite his work commitments, he also owns seven BabyBallers clubs with his wife, Ruth. “People are surprised, but the classes fit in perfectly around my lifestyle, we provide three different classes – BabyBallers, MiniBallers and Ballers dependent on the age of the children. The head office team are always there whenever I need them. Ruth and I hope to one day reach the point where we just have to do the admin and can leave our normal jobs behind – we’re not quite there yet though!”
Nihar Vithlani, who works in banking, said, “Working as a franchisee alongside my full-time job has certainly been challenging, but I get a great sense of self-worth. My business partner and I are now looking for people to come in as coaches to take work off us. After this, we plan to expand and open more clubs. My advice to anyone is to do something you’re passionate about. You won’t put in the extra hours if you don’t enjoy it. Also, be prepared to sacrifice some of your social life in the early stages, but just know the results are very rewarding in the long run.”
