Franchise vs Independent

[Shay R. Smith]

I have been a home inspector for three years and have been doing pretty good (no 2-3 inspections a day). However, I have an opportunity to join a franchise where there are three other inspectors who are doing 2-3 inspections a day. I would like to hear from you about the pro's and con's of joining a franchise.

[Mike Hazelwood]

Are these other inspectors in your area?
Who is the Franchisor? Just curious

[Shay R. Smith]

Yes! Two of them have territories (Spokane & Spokane Valley) Pillar to Post

[Russell Spriggs]

Hey, Shay!

Have you spoken to those 2? Would they give you honest feedback?
Maybe contact some P2P folks out of state, see what they say.
If Spokane & the Valley are both covered, where would that leave you to operate?

See you at our 6/20 meeting?

Russ

[wforsyth]

That was going to be my question. If they are in your area, what would that leave you? It seems like it would spread you all too thin.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by ssmith5

I have been a home inspector for three years and have been doing pretty good (no 2-3 inspections a day). However, I have an opportunity to join a franchise where there are three other inspectors who are doing 2-3 inspections a day. I would like to hear from you about the pro's and con's of joining a franchise.

Be interesting to see how many P2P have been in business for over three years. this could give you some ideas.

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Originally Posted by ssmith5

I have been a home inspector for three years and have been doing pretty good (no 2-3 inspections a day). However, I have an opportunity to join a franchise where there are three other inspectors who are doing 2-3 inspections a day. I would like to hear from you about the pro's and con's of joining a franchise.

Is this a subcontracted relationship with an existing franchise...

Or

Are you looking to Purchase a Franchised territory from the Franchisor?

[rwand1]

P2P seems to have its fair share of complaints from disgruntled clients. I know that because of my involvement with disgruntled clients who made the mistake of using P2P and have retained me to substantiate their disatisfaction.

[Shay R. Smith]

Hi Russ,
I just got back from your neck of the woods. (FREE FISHING IN ID) I was up on the N fork of the Couer d Alen. Caught alot of fish Anyways, thanks to all of you on your feed back. To anwser some of you questions: I will meet the other guys in the group on tuesday, I believe they are pretty honst guys. It would be a subcontracte relationship were I would pay a % to each of them for doing jobs in their areas. The franchise has been ran by the same inspector for about ten+ years here in spokane. Yes, I would be interested in purchasing some territory from them. What I would like to know is paying all the dues, fees, and % worth it and if franchises have a
non-compete clause or rule.

[pfranks]

Who approached who with this "opportunity" I would be a little suspicious if they came to you with this offer. Might be a way of eliminating the competition and make a little % off it also. But that's just me....

[Erby Crofutt]

The last two or three P2P people around here were out of business within a year or so of starting.

[rwand1]

Why would you send a percentage of your gross back to P2P or any franchise?
Why would you have to buy their promotional material?
Why would you have to solicit the Realtors big time in order to keep your biz thriving and become known as Realtor friendly? If you don't produce the franchisee will not renew your franchise contract.
Why would you limit your biz by having to play by the franchisors rules which could limit your advertising, how you conduct inspections, et ceteras?

Here is a Canadian Court Case from Saskatchewan with regard to franchise renewal and P2P.

http://www.canlii.org/eliisa/highlig...01skqb369.html

[wsiegel]

How can you do three single family home inspections in a day and give your clients good service? At the short end a good inspection takes 2 1/2 hours. Most of mine take a least 3 hours. At 2 1/2 hours that is 7 1/2 hours just doing the inspection, not including any report writing time ( and that does ot include any drive time). An hour per report at home and you have almost 11 hours per day to complete your work (plus the additional drive time).

I used to try and do 3 per day, but found it to be way too much. By the time I was on my third inspection I was tired and afraid I would miss something. I have raised my prices to compensate for the difference and still have all the business I can handle.

[relliott]

Out of curiosity ,does anybody know if it is just new inspectors that sign up with these places? I cannot imagine why someone would give up control of their own future and profit margin.Does a franchise name have that much weight that they can guarantee work,or are you still on your own.
I can see where you might sign on the dotted line if selling is not your thing and they bring the clients to you.I am sure this conversation has occured on the board at some other time but do not recall the answer.

[rwand1]

Robert

I think you have a point. To my knowledge franchise opportunities are taken by those who do not wish to go it alone.

The franchisee does not promise anything, but if you buy a franchise you had better produce or you will not have your franchise renewed. If head office is not getting its precentage of your bookings you better have a good excuse. How do you get the work? You ply your trade on a ready market the realtors office. In my experience in order to keep the referals coming an inspector better not become a deal blower.