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When COVID-19 hit and homeowners, who were forced to stay inside during lockdowns, wanted to upgrade their home offices and spaces, <a href="https://franchise.budgetblinds.com/?utm_source=1851franchise&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&amp%3Butm_campaign=bbfd-1851&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-budget-blinds-franchisees-are-succeeding-with-virtual-consultations-2715749" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Budget Blinds</a> did not hesitate to adapt to a pandemic-safe consultation strategy. The 1,300-territory window-covering franchise quickly developed virtual consultations, allowing customers to experience all the benefits of an in-person consultation without opening up their home to guests.&nbsp;<a href="https://budgetblinds.com/halifax/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-budget-blinds-franchisees-are-succeeding-with-virtual-consultations-2715749" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Budget Blinds of Halifax, Nova Scotia</a> franchisee <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-keenan-ba404a69?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-budget-blinds-franchisees-are-succeeding-with-virtual-consultations-2715749" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tracey Keenan</a> is one example of the brand’s virtual consultation success. She closed $160,000 in virtual sales and grew her business 30% over last year. Budget Blinds franchise owners <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonieskogerson/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-budget-blinds-franchisees-are-succeeding-with-virtual-consultations-2715749" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sonie Skogerson</a> of <a href="https://budgetblinds.com/paramus/community-connection/why-us/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-budget-blinds-franchisees-are-succeeding-with-virtual-consultations-2715749" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Paramus and Westwood, NJ</a> and <a href="https://budgetblinds.com/victoria/community-connection/why-us/?utm_source=1851franchise&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&amp%3Butm_campaign=bbfd-1851&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-budget-blinds-franchisees-are-succeeding-with-virtual-consultations-2715749" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Russell Gurney</a> of <a href="https://budgetblinds.com/victoria/community-connection/why-us/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-budget-blinds-franchisees-are-succeeding-with-virtual-consultations-2715749" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Victoria, BC</a> experienced similar growth through virtual consultations. By pivoting with the brand and facing the challenges of the pandemic head-on, they were able to not only survive in 2020 but thrive.<h4>How Virtual Consultations Work</h4>According to Skogerson and Gurney, the goal for the brand’s virtual consultations is the same as its in-person consultations: to determine the client’s specific needs and then meet those needs.Skogerson tells her clients all they need for a virtual consultation is “FaceTime or Zoom, measuring tape and 10 minutes of their time.”&nbsp;For Skogerson, the streamlined process functions similarly to in-person consultations — via FaceTime or Zoom, clients walk the Budget Blinds consultant through their home and show them which windows they want to decorate. Then, the client and consultant discuss design options, budget and measurements, and the consultant follows up with photos of the client’s options as well as a price quote.“Having the visuals makes the decision easier for clients,” Skogerson said. “Even the clients are surprised at how easy it is.”Before offering virtual consultations, Gurney made it a point to advertise the option to customers in his Canadian location’s marketplace, clarifying his team’s method so customers would know exactly what to expect. For customers who are interested, Gurney’s team sends them a document and video with instructions on how to measure their windows. Then, the customer shows the consultants their windows via a virtual consultation, and if the customer is comfortable with their choices, Gurney’s team schedules an in-house consultation with safety protocols in place.To Gurney, virtual consultations offered an opportunity to expand his team’s skill sets as well as meet his customer’s needs. “The cup is half full, not half empty,” he said. “It was an opportunity to provide additional tools to our style consultants that will be beneficial now and in the future.”<h4>Why Budget Blinds Has Seen Success With Virtual Consultations</h4>When <a href="https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/home-selling/the-new-popularity-of-the-home-office?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-budget-blinds-franchisees-are-succeeding-with-virtual-consultations-2715749#:~:text=Rise%20Of%20The%20Work%2DFrom,widespread%20due%20to%20COVID%2D19.&amp;text=The%20attitude%20of%20many%20employers,from%20home%20are%20more%20productive." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">working from home became more widespread due to COVID-19</a>, more and more people started focusing on the design of their home offices. And Budget Blinds was prepared to meet that growing need.That’s why Gurney immediately implemented virtual consultations at his Victoria location. “We embraced virtual consultations because the pandemic was shutting the industry down, but there were still needs to be met,” he said. “We wanted to remain relevant in the marketplace, though our competitors closed doors because they didn’t have the resources to put together how virtual consultations could take place.”Skogerson also recognized the rise in-home service needs. “The home business is so busy right now; there’s a total frenzy going on,” she said. “People want things done, and it was very easy for us to pivot and learn how to do virtual consultations.”Skogerson attributes her team’s success to their determination to make virtual consultations as efficient as possible. She emphasized, “We try and work smarter, not harder. Virtual consultations are one way to do that. I do 10 to 12 virtual consultations a day, whereas when it’s in person, I can only do 3 to 4 a day. Now, 20% of our consultations are virtual.”Gurney believes his team has seen success with virtual consultations because of their belief in change and progress. “We embrace things, whether it’s a new product line that becomes available or other industry things,” he said. “We decided if this is what’s coming to us next, let’s be successful at it. Our mentality as a company is that we will move forward with any changes that are being recommended to us.”And thanks to that forward-thinking mentality, Gurney’s location saw $450,000 in sales in virtual consultations in a nine-week period.Budget Blinds franchisees are not just a part of a business — they are a part of a family. The brand is always looking for new opportunities to help its franchisees grow.“Virtual consultations are just one way we innovated as a brand to support our franchisees during one of the most challenging climates,” said <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherlitfin/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-budget-blinds-franchisees-are-succeeding-with-virtual-consultations-2715749" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Heather Cates</a>, chief marketing officer for <a href="https://www.homefranchiseconcepts.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-budget-blinds-franchisees-are-succeeding-with-virtual-consultations-2715749" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Home Franchise Concepts</a>, Budget Blinds’ parent company. “We are dedicated to the growth of our franchisees.”<h4>What Post-Pandemic Virtual Consultations Will Look Like for the Brand</h4>With so many people having grown accustomed to COVID-19 protocols, both Skogerson and Gurney believe virtual consultations will remain a part of the Budget Blinds strategy.“People have learned to adapt, and it’s expected now that companies offer a virtual consultation,” Skogerson said. “You can wait three weeks for someone to come out to your house, or I can put you in for a virtual appointment next week. I don’t see it going away anytime soon.”&nbsp;Gurney believes customers will dictate whether or not virtual consultations are here to stay. “Many consumers are quite comfortable today with changing their buying patterns. So if that pattern changes, home improvement will likely change too,” he said.&nbsp;For Budget Blinds franchisees who are still hesitating to incorporate virtual consultations, Gurney challenges them to think twice.“If you’re not doing it, how come? If you give yourself a good answer, give me a phone call. My team had to evolve, and it wasn’t easy. Now, we can share this interview, and the team will look at it and say ‘Hey, we did the right thing. Look at the recognition we get to enjoy.’”For more information on franchising with Budget Blinds, please visit <a href="https://franchise.budgetblinds.com/?utm_source=1851franchise&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&amp%3Butm_campaign=bbfd-1851&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-budget-blinds-franchisees-are-succeeding-with-virtual-consultations-2715749" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://franchise.budgetblinds.com/</a>.

How Budget Blinds Franchisees Are Succeeding With Virtual Consultations

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

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Building&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-do-you-build-a-franchise-business-plan-2717037">a business plan</a> is a crucial operational step for any entrepreneur. But how do I build a business plan for a franchise that complements the franchisor’s system while addressing the unique needs of a given location? In this guide with expert tips, you’ll learn how to craft a thoughtful, actionable franchise business plan.<h2>Start With The Franchisor’s System In Mind</h2>So, how do I build a business plan for a franchise? Well, avoiding repetition is a good start.“You specifically don’t want to duplicate what your franchisor is doing,” said long-time multi-unit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a> franchise owner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haynes-chidsey-6a36a06/">Haynes Chidsey</a>. “There’s a reason why you join a franchise system and why you pay the fees and costs associated with it.”A strong franchise business plan should take advantage of the resources, marketing and operational systems that the franchisor provides (while utilizing daily experiences at the local level to help fine-tune what matters locally).<h2>Focus On Local Priorities</h2>A franchise business plan should be&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-to-build-a-strong-franchise-brand-presence-in-your-local-community-2729771">locally focused</a>. It should reflect the unique characteristics and needs of each local market. It’s essential to identify opportunities to attract local customers, build relationships within the community at the local level and tailor services to the regional preferences required by each market.“Be complementary to what your system provides,” said Chidsey. “Stay locally focused. That’s what I would say is key. Avoid mistakes by focusing on the magic.”<h2>Practical Steps For Building Your Plan</h2><ol><li>Assess Both Market And Competition – Build a thorough understanding of local demand, competitors and potential customer base. This will lead to more informed projections. &nbsp;</li><li>Define Financial Goals – Include startup costs, ongoing fees and revenue expectations in the business plan. Staffing, rent, marketing and working capital should all be factored in. &nbsp;</li><li>Leverage Franchisor Resources – Incorporate the systems, training and support offered by the franchisor (instead of reinventing processes). &nbsp;</li><li>Set Operational Priorities – Decide which areas require hands-on local management (as opposed to areas guided by the franchisor). Focus energy where it’s most impactful. &nbsp;</li><li>Review And Adjust – A business plan shouldn’t be static. So, track performance, adjust strategies and refine priorities as the franchised business scales.</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chapter-3-developing-a-franchise-business-plan-2722586">Creating a franchise business plan</a> is about balance. With a clear plan that integrates franchisor resources and local insight, franchisees can confidently move forward, knowing their businesses are structured to thrive. Leveraging a proven franchisor system to make smart, locally relevant decisions is key. By slowing down to go fast, and catering to the local trends or demands unique to each market, zees can more effectively build a roadmap and franchise business plan capable of delivering long-term success.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How do I build a business plan for a franchise?

How do I build a business plan for a franchise? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to build a plan that leverages franchisor resources, focuses on local priorities and brings long-term success.

How Budget Blinds Franchisees Are Succeeding With Virtual Consultations

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