Seasonal franchises are those that make most (if not all) of their profit during a certain time of the year. A good example is pop-up stores for Christmas decorations or costumes for special festivals like Halloween. Some seasonal franchises are weather-based, such as a mobile pool service or a snow-clearing company, while others are high-season businesses, such as in-home tutoring services or tax prep companies.
If you are looking to become a franchise owner, it is important to consider your interests and style before making your choice. You also need to research each idea that appeals to you while determining the most suitable match for you. And consider seasonal franchises, too. Although the dynamics of operating a seasonal business may be a bit different, they offer unique benefits for owners, such as high revenues at a particular time of the year.
Below are five advantages of season franchises you need to consider:
- More time for personal pursuits
As a seasonal franchise owner, you will have a large chunk of time to do personal things when your business is not running. You can use your free time to travel, go on a tour with your brand, get a degree, or write a book. Business owners usually spend most of their time running their start-ups, but you can limit the throttle hold that some businesses have on owners by choosing a high-season franchise, which gives you more free time for personal use.
- Easier budgeting and reduced expenses
Running a seasonal franchise does not mean you will fold your hands and do nothing during the business’ quiet time. Franchisees use the off-season to plan how they will make profits in the coming season. There is a regularity to seasonal businesses, which improves financial planning and budgeting. A key part of the financial planning is bulk buying and taking advantage of the franchisor’s higher buying power. Once you have operated the business for a year, you will be able to estimate what you will need for a season and buy materials in bulk at discount rates. Bulk purchases help you cut down expenses and prevent you from rushing to buy materials at the last minute when they are usually costly.
- Well-Planned Marketing
Franchisors know the most effective ways to market their products or services for high-season success, but your knowledge of the local area also helps achieve that. A seasonal franchise may suit you better than a year-round business if you like planning in advance to ensure that everything is set for your business’ busy times. Plus, marketing materials cost less to produce when you are not in a rush – savings that add to your bottom line.
- More efficient hiring and training
The times of low business activity are ideal for hiring and training people that will help you operate your seasonal franchise. It will be easier for franchisees to concentrate on this crucial task when the business is slow or not operating. Franchise owners and their workers can concentrate on improving their skills and products (or services) since they won’t be distracted by the day-to-day running of the franchise.
- Opportunity to run a complementary seasonal franchise
Even if you are operating two seasonal franchises, you can have the flexibility and free time for personal things in-between seasons. For instance, you can run a snow removal franchise and a pool cleaning franchise together for higher revenue during the summer. With these two businesses, you can still arrange a few months in the slow times for personal pursuits like travel, writing a novel, etc. Making money with another seasonal franchise will ensure that you get income all year round while still enjoying all the benefits of a seasonal franchise.
As a prospective franchise owner, it is important to go for a business that suits you and your lifestyle best. While deciding which industry section appeals to you and suits your needs, make sure to consider the advantages that come with operating seasonal franchises.
