Does a Service Franchise Make Sense for You?

The franchising space is full of different categories to choose from. One of the most popular sectors is service franchising, which includes home improvement, pest control, senior care and lawn maintenance. 

In general, service franchise opportunities are a good fit for people with a few specific goals or business requirements such as low fixed costs, low capital requirements and work-life balance flexibility. However, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. Here’s a closer look at what makes up a good service franchisee and what does not. 

The Qualities and Experience of a Good Service Franchisee

While industry expertise is sometimes helpful in certain franchises, it is not always a requirement, particularly in the service industry. Since franchisees usually are not the ones doing the physical work and are managing the people who are, there are other qualities that rank higher in importance. 

“The ideal franchise candidate for a service franchise is willing to meet new people every day, is comfortable with sales and is someone who is self-driven,” said Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service, a home inspection franchise with over 200 operating territories nationwide. “Candidates must be great listeners, very coachable and willing to work hard to build the business.” 

Having a self-starter attitude and a comfortability with sales are key because, while a service franchise offers a structured framework, it's the franchisee's dedication and effort that ultimately drives success. 

At Granite Garage Floors, the emerging franchise that provides garage floor coatings for residential and commercial customers, successful owners bring a balance of leadership skills and a willingness to take projects on themselves. The company says that, though unrelated to garage floors, professional experience in industries like banking, medical device sales, consumer products and restaurant management roles provide important context that prepare an owner to work both on and in the business. 

Who Should Not Invest in a Service Franchise?

While service franchises present great opportunities for many aspiring franchisees, they aren't necessarily suitable for everyone. Before determining if a service franchise is right for you, Long recommends asking yourself three questions: Do I love working with people? Do I love helping people? Do I enjoy being an integral part of the business?

If the answer to any of these is “no,” then it's probably not the right opportunity for you. Additionally, service franchises are usually a hands-on opportunity. This means that candidates must first be willing to start in the business to learn all aspects of it while it grows, Long noted. 

“Candidates should not consider a service franchise if they are looking for a semi-absentee opportunity or a more passive opportunity,” said Long. “Also, a candidate that is not comfortable with talking to people on a regular basis should not invest in a service franchise.” 

For entrepreneurs with the right qualities and aspirations, service franchising is an amazing opportunity to grow a local business that can have a positive impact on a community. Service franchisees must embrace their role as the leader, enjoy assisting others and be prepared to immerse themselves in the operational aspects of the business. By asking the right questions and having an honest conversation about what you want, you can make an informed decision about whether a service franchise is the right path for your professional journey.