What are the benefits of buying a van-based franchise?

Louise Harris writes:

I’m biased, but a van-based franchise is a great kick start to owning and running your own business.

The first, and major, benefit is that it’s generally understood that most van-based businesses run initially from the franchisee’s home, so the challenge of finding suitable office or retail space along with the overhead costs of premises is eliminated. As a start-up company, avoiding this overhead is a huge advantage and reduces some of the risk.

Van-based franchises definitely appear to invest more in their brand - the vehicle itself acts as a travelling billboard - and in our case accounts for around 10 per cent of the franchisee new business source.

Typically, mobile franchises are owner operated - initially at least - meaning the business is delivered by the owner. The best opportunities, however, are those that allow the franchisee the chance to expand the service by adding more vehicles and operators.

Finally, while a van itself may appear to be a significant outlay, the franchises operating in the mobile market are usually lower cost opportunities. However, this does not mean low earnings.

Louise Harris is franchise director of Wilkins Chimney Sweep. She sits on the British Franchise Association board and chairs the membership committee.