U N lo C k IN g N EW o pport UNIt IES: the aDVantages of o wning a Mo BiLe fran C hise

Rising rents, reduced revenue, high inflation, and supply constraints are putting a crimp in the profits of many brick-andmortar small businesses. An increased number of small business owners need to catch up on their rent, according to a survey of 4,205 businesses conducted by Alignable. Nearly 40% of small business owners were unable to pay their rent in full or on time in April. Many business owners are paying at least 50% more rent than they did before the pandemic outbreak, and many have not fully recovered from the hardships they faced during COVID.

Perks of a Mobile Business

As more entrepreneurs seek to cut costs and break free from the constraints of brick-and-mortar establishments, the allure of owning a mobile franchise is increasing. Entrepreneur magazine has a list of at least 150 mobile and home-based franchise opportunities. Franchising allows you to launch a business with a proven brand, training, and ongoing support. To understand if a mobile franchise is the right choice for you, let’s explore some of the perks of operating a mobile business.

• Flexibility: Imagine being your own boss and having the freedom to set your own schedule. With a mobile franchise, you can work when and where it suits you. No more rigid 9-to-5 grind! Unlike fixed-location businesses, mobile franchises allow owners to choose when and where they operate. Flexibility enables franchisees to target specific markets, attend events, cater to customers’ changing demands, and explore new territories without being tied down to a single location.

• Low costs, less stress: Say goodbye to the hefty expenses associated with leasing or maintaining a physical storefront. A mobile franchise slashes those overhead costs and reduces financial strain. You can avoid leasing, construction, utilities, and maintenance expenses. Reducing the initial investment helps minimize risk. Our company, Creative Colors International (CCI), has 150 mobile vans serving customers across the United States and Canada. We were named a Top LowCost Franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2023. More money in your pocket, less worry on your mind!

• Target new customers: Take your business directly to customers’ doorsteps! By going mobile, you can reach a broader audience and tap into markets you might have missed. Mobile franchises enable you to establish a personal and convenient connection with your target audience. This accessibility enhances customer satisfaction and creates opportunities for repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals, ultimately driving revenue growth. Convenience is key, and customers love it.

• Brand on wheels: Turn your vehicle into a moving advertisement. With eye-catching branding, your mobile franchise becomes a roaming billboard, catching attention and spreading brand awareness without breaking the bank on traditional marketing. A mobile advertising approach can generate substantial visibility, attract attention, and cost-effectively create brand awareness. Additionally, mobile franchisees can employ targeted digital marketing strategies, such as social media campaigns, to reach a broader audience and maximize their marketing dollars.

• Adapt and conquer: The business world constantly evolves, and you must keep up. A mobile franchise offers the flexibility to adapt to changing trends and diversify your services to stay ahead of the competition. Be nimble, be successful.

• Scalable opportunity: Once you’ve fine-tuned your mobile business model and proven its success, you can replicate it by adding more units. Whether it’s additional vehicles, trailers, or teams, scaling up allows you to serve more customers simultaneously and increase your revenue potential. You can expand within your local region and add additional territories where available. Embracing technology can significantly contribute to the scalability of a mobile business. Implementing systems for streamlined operations, efficient logistics management, and optimized scheduling can help you handle increased demand as you expand. Utilizing mobile apps, online booking platforms, and customer relationship management tools can enhance your efficiency and scalability. Most franchisors have the tools you need to facilitate expansion.

As the President of CCI, I have more than 31 years of experience helping entrepreneurs launch mobile repair and restoration businesses. Having the ability to tackle entrepreneurship as an owneroperator allows people to start a business with less risk and focus on expanding as they build a loyal customer base. Our franchisees have all the tools they need in their mobile vans to serve customers, and they can conduct back-office administrative tasks from a home office.

drawbacks of owning a Business on Wheels

While a mobile business is a cost-effective model, there are a few downsides to taking your franchise on the road. You’ll have to contend with fluctuating gas prices and maintenance. You’ll also need to be proactive regarding your marketing since your location can’t be pulled up on a Google map. Most franchises have robust online marketing efforts to help eliminate this issue, and it’s commonplace for a potential customer to research a business online.

If you want to embrace the perks of owning a mobile franchise, get ready for an adventure. Enjoy the freedom, reach new customers, and watch your business thrive. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are waiting for you.

Mark J. Bollman is the President of Creative Colors International,Inc. the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise.