February 2024

How Does a Franchise Work? 6 Things to Know

Ever wondered how franchises work? A franchise is like a special deal where you get to run a business using someone else’s brand and system. When you buy a franchise, you can sell well-known products or services, but success isn’t guaranteed. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says it’s like any other investment – there are risks. But there are perks too, like instant name recognition and support to help you succeed.

What is Pet Evolution Franchising?

At Pet Evolution, our mission is simple: to help pets live their best lives. We achieve this by offering the highest quality food, treats, and grooming services. What sets Pet Evolution apart is our commitment to providing:

  • Healthy Pet Food: Our shelves are filled with protein-rich products sourced from fruits, vegetables, and humanely raised meats. We steer clear of fillers, artificial flavors, and colors like corn, soy, or wheat.
  • Education: Our staff enjoys taking the time to understand your pet’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the best products and services for a healthy life.
  • Holistic Approach: We go beyond food and treats, focusing on your pet’s overall wellness through supplements, dental care, grooming, walk-in appointments, self-serve dog wash with membership perks, and mobile nail trims.
  • Customer Experience: At Pet Evolution, you’ll experience the very best service from our friendly and knowledgeable staff. We prioritize cleanliness to ensure you and your pet feel comfortable. Our self-serve dog wash and mobile nail trim services add convenience to your pet care routine.

Pet Evolution operates on a franchise model, allowing individuals to join our mission while owning and operating their own pet store. As a franchisee, you’ll benefit from our established brand, proven system, and ongoing support.

We’re dedicated to the success of our franchisees. From strategic guidance on site selection to comprehensive training and ongoing support, we provide the tools and resources needed to thrive in the pet industry.

Key Components of Franchising

When considering franchising, it’s essential to understand the key components that contribute to the success of both franchisors and franchisees. Let’s explore some critical aspects of franchising:

   1. Initial Support and Training

Franchisors typically provide comprehensive training programs to equip franchisees with the knowledge and skills needed to operate the business successfully. This may include guidance on setting up the business, product knowledge, sales techniques, and customer service training.

   2. Ongoing Support and Training

In addition to initial training, franchisors often offer ongoing support to franchisees throughout the duration of the franchise agreement. This support may come in the form of regular communication, refresher training sessions, updates on industry trends, and assistance with operational challenges.

   3. Operational Resources

Franchisees benefit from access to operational resources provided by the franchisor. This may include standardized operating procedures, operations manuals, proprietary software systems, and support in sourcing suppliers and vendors.

   4. Marketing Support

Franchisors typically provide marketing support to help franchisees promote their businesses effectively. This may include national or regional advertising campaigns, marketing materials such as signage and promotional materials, and guidance on local marketing strategies.

It’s worth noting that most B2C companies allocate 5 – 10% of their budget to marketing and advertising. At Pet Evolution, franchisees are required to invest a minimum of 6% of gross sales monthly into local marketing efforts. 

As you can read in our FAQ, franchisees contribute up to 1.5% of gross sales to the national marketing fund. This pooled fund is utilized to develop marketing strategies to bolster the Pet Evolution brand further. This setup is advantageous as it ensures that your marketing dollars are strategically spent in promoting an already successful and established brand.

   5. Support with Site Selection

Selecting the right location for a franchise is crucial to its success. Franchisors often assist franchisees in identifying suitable locations based on factors such as demographics, foot traffic, competition, and market demand. Further, support is typically offered to the franchisee to help them acquire the appropriate business licenses to operate in their particular locality.

   6. Licensing

Franchising often involves licensing agreements, where the franchisor grants the franchisee the right to use its brand, trademarks, and proprietary systems. This allows franchisees to leverage the established reputation and goodwill of the brand while operating their own business under the franchisor’s umbrella. Licensing agreements outline the terms and conditions of the franchise relationship, including fees, territory restrictions, and operational guidelines.

Franchising offers additional benefits beyond the key components mentioned above. These may include access to a recognizable brand name, collective buying power for supplies and inventory, ongoing research and development, and a network of fellow franchisees for support and collaboration.

Realizing Success as a Pet Evolution Franchisee

To succeed as a Pet Evolution franchisee, following the franchisor’s system diligently is a must. When you signed up, you committed to following the playbook laid out by Pet Evolution. This means adhering to established processes, procedures, and brand standards. While it may seem tempting to deviate, sticking to the franchisor’s system is essential for maintaining consistency and ensuring a positive customer experience.

At Pet Evolution, we offer ongoing support and communication to help franchisees navigate the challenges of business ownership. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that requires dedication, hard work, and patience. Just like any business, you’ll experience highs and lows along the way. However, staying committed to the franchisor’s system and leveraging the support provided can help you weather the storms and capitalize on opportunities.

Contrary to popular belief, franchising is not a passive investment. It requires active involvement and a deep understanding of the business. As a franchisee, you must know your business inside and out, better than anyone else at your location. This level of knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and drive your business forward.

Finally, at its core, franchising is a people business. Building strong relationships with customers, employees, and franchisors is key to success. By focusing on providing exceptional service and fostering a positive work environment, you can create a thriving business that benefits both you and your community.

Is Franchising Right For You?

Buying a franchise can be a smart choice for individuals seeking to take control of their careers, especially those who have been outplaced or are undergoing a career transition. It offers a structured business model and ongoing support, making it a viable option for those looking for stability and guidance in entrepreneurship.

However, franchising may not be suitable for everyone. To succeed as a Pet Evolution franchisee, you need a passion for pets, business acumen, and a commitment to community involvement. Adaptability is crucial in the ever-changing business landscape, and financial readiness is essential as franchising requires a significant investment. Before diving in, carefully evaluate your interests, skills, and resources to determine if franchising aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Are You Ready to Get Started?

Franchising offers individuals a unique opportunity to start a rewarding journey in business ownership. Whether you’re seeking stability in your career or have a passion for pets, Pet Evolution provides the support and resources needed to thrive as a franchisee. 

If you’re ready to explore franchise opportunities with Pet Evolution, click on “Get Started” to learn more. Don’t forget to check out our map to see current locations and discover if your area could be the next addition!