How to Choose the Van Based Franchise That's Right for You

When it comes to starting your own franchise business, one of the most important decisions any franchisee needs to make is to decide which franchise to work with. There are lots of different franchises out there but not all of them are the right option for you. Here’s how you can choose the right van-based franchise for you.

If you’ve decided you want to start a van-based franchise, you’re not alone. There are lots of advantages to starting your own franchise, so if you’ve decided you want to start your own van-based franchise, here’s what you need to know to find the right franchise business for you.

How to choose the right van based franchise for you?

1. Car repair franchises

One of the most common types of any kind of van-based franchise is a car repair or window repair franchise. Often needed in emergency and sudden situations, you’ll be dispatched quickly to wherever your customers need you. If you’re good with your hands, enjoy working face to face with customers and are ready to put your skills to the test, this could be a good industry for you.

As a general rule, on top of operating with your van, you’ll need some extensive equipment to help you get the job done, making this one of the more equipment-heavy industries. So, when it comes to finding the right franchise in the manual and vehicle repair industries, it’s important that you’re clear on what kinds of commitments your potential franchisor is prepared to make. 

How to choose the right car repair franchise?

In this sector more than most, you need to be clear on the amount of support that your franchisor is prepared to give you when it comes to equipment, vehicle and other kinds of support. When you’re having some preliminary or scoping meetings, find out:

• How much equipment is provided to you under the franchise name?
• How much working capital do you need to keep your business running?
• Is a van provided to you? Do you need to source your own?
• Are there financial brokers or advisers who can help you get the best deals?

Different franchises will have different answers to these questions, so make sure that you shop around, find out what each franchise is offering and make a final decision as to which franchisor is the right option for you.

2. Coffee van franchises

Where lots of high street coffee shops have been struggling with rising rent costs and declining footfall, mobile and van-based coffee shops have been becoming an increasingly important part of the high street landscape. Offering franchisees the ability to move wherever the customers are, coffee vans give franchisees far more flexibility than before. 

Coffee vans give franchisees the ability to travel freely to high-profile and busy events. From festivals to community events, van-based coffee franchises have the freedom to choose where the best location is for their business. With minimal staffing costs and commitments, you have full autonomy to make the right decision on where you work.

How to choose the right coffee van franchise?

On top of the usual equipment costs, you will need to be aware of the specific skills you will need to run a good coffee van business. While there will always be a degree of training and support from your franchisor, you would be a in a great position to start your own business if you have the following skills: 

• A good way with customers 
• Attention to detail
• Good organisation 
• A solid understanding of how to run a business
• The ability to organise a team efficiently

These are examples of some solid transferable skills that you will perfect over time. As you grow your experience, you will inevitably hone these skills some more, so there is always a positive feedback. But having a good grounding of these skills will stand in good stead for the future. 

3. Home improvement franchises

Where lots of home improvement franchises have also been struggling with running and maintaining fixed location businesses, many have resorted to simply working from a van. This also avoids many of the traditional costs to running a business, while simultaneously carrying out the needs of the customer.

Most home improvement franchises are able to store the majority of their equipment in their van or a fixed-location inventory, making it readily accessible whenever they are being called out. This is an efficient, cost-saving and flexible way to run a home improvement franchise.

How to choose the right home improvement franchise

There are lots of different home improvement franchises, so it can seem like an uphill task to have to choose only one. So when you feel you’re ready to start your own business, you will need to start researching the potential franchisees you might want to work with. A good way to start narrowing down your options is to ask yourself the following questions:

• How much does it cost to run this franchise?
• Does it match my experience?
• What kinds of training and support are on offer?
• What kinds of marketing and advertising strategies are there? 
• What kinds of customers will you be targeting? 
• How many units will you be expected to run?

Ask these and many of your own questions and you should have a good idea about which franchise is the right option for you.

Choose the right franchise for you and start your franchising career today

As a franchisee, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of running a business while minimising the most common risks. Whether you’re looking to franchising to get the best training, make some big profits and reap all the rewards of running your own business, running your own marketing franchise could be the ideal opportunity for you. 

If marketing doesn’t seem like the best of your skills, you can see lots more opportunities in other sectors on the UK franchise directory.