Why Computer Franchises May Not Be for You

Computer franchises may seem appealing if you are an IT professional considering starting your own IT business.

If you desire the security and status of a well-known brand name, signing up with a franchise operation may be a good move, and could provide you with the kind of support you need to get your business off the ground.

Computer franchises are not for everyone, however. (Editor’s Note: See the related post on Computer Franchise is Right for Some Personalities.)

Set ways of doing things may stifle your business creativity. So, before deciding to take the franchise route, consider your answers to the following questions:

1. Do you like being guided, managed, and helped? If you prefer to do things your way, the process-driven way that most franchises work may feel frustrating and restrictive.

2. Do you have a decent level of startup capital? Many franchises require a considerable up-front investment, making it more expensive to begin a franchised business than going it alone.

3. Do you have an exact idea of the day-to-day work you wish to do? If you’re not sure, it is easy to adapt a business as you go along when you have full control. Joining up with a franchise may commit you to performing work you don’t enjoy.

If you answer “no” to all of the above questions, think very carefully as to whether computer franchises are right for you. There are plenty of other alternatives, so make sure you make the right decision.

Are you considering computer franchises at the moment? Share your thoughts in the Comments box below.

And to follow-through on the ideas introduced in this short post, be sure to download your free copy of the quick reference guide to the 13 Computer Franchises that Start Up and Support Computer Repair, IT Consulting, and Managed Service Provider Businesses. 

Creative Commons Image Source: flickr timparkinson