A recent survey of top economists has concluded that, if professional estimates are right, recession is likely to last through 2009. Of course, no one can definitively say what the future holds, but of 102 of today’s great economic minds, all but 10 held far more pessimistic outlooks than they had only 3 months prior. Of them, 79% expected an economic growth of no more than 1% over the next year, and 38% felt that the economy would most likely continue to shrink. Only 36% of those surveyed believe that all the government’s efforts to turn things around were having any kind of a positive impact, while the vast majority see no fruit from all the government has tried to do to free up the credit situation. All things considered, these 102 professionals do not have high expectations for 2009.
If their predictions prove true, those in the business world do not have a great deal to look forward to, and those hoping to break into the business world have a potentially steep road ahead of them. There is, however, a very stark difference between steep and impossible, and even though the economy, present and future, may not be pretty, there are still ways that franchises can help new business owners make their way even in long-term recession. The following are some of the business opportunities that franchising offers in what some people consider recession-proof industries.
Alliance Cost Containment
Thriving for the very reason that so many businesses are suffering, Alliance Cost Containment franchisees are some of the best in the business at analyzing a client company spending to establish new ways of cutting costs and saving money in tough times. Franchisees work from home and are trained how to address 35 specific areas of business finance that most companies struggle with. There is limited travel involved, and franchisees have consistent access to ongoing training and support from central staff and other franchisees who have a wealth of knowledge to share.
Grease Monkey
A great recession-proof business opportunity is the auto industry. Though manufacturing and sales of cars decrease during economic downturn, people are more likely than ever to seek auto service because they don’t want to buy a new car. A Grease Monkey franchise is the perfect way to capitalize on this trend. The only nationally recognized lube chain that is not owned by an oil company, this franchise gives franchisees a first class business experience with full training, support, and site-selection services without mandating the use of certain products over others. There is quite a bit of potential success and financial freedom to be had for a Grease Monkey franchisee.
Meineke
This is one of the most well known auto franchises around, with a nationally recognized name that has been seen by millions on TV and print advertising. With a more-than-successful 36-year track-record, Meineke has kept itself up-to-date with current industry trends without losing connection with its traditional, service-oriented roots. Join over 900 other franchisees on their road to success with this shockingly successful business franchise.
Precision Tune Auto Care
Franchisees with this business are brought into a family of franchises whose focus is on serving clients in addition to servicing cars. Though each franchise tends to numerous automotive needs, including air conditioning, brakes, fuel injection, air induction, fluid maintenance, and tune-ups, the key to their success in the industry is being able to call their clients by name, because they keep a standing relationship with each one.
Case Handyman and Remodeling
Home service franchises offer another great business opportunity in the midst of recession, because, though many Americans can’t purchase new property, they are still interested in repairing and updating the properties that they have, in case the market turns and they can sell. Case Handyman and Remodeling offers them just such an opportunity, with a home service business model that mixes neighborly treatment with Harvard-level knowledge of the industry. Franchisees are able to start their businesses at whatever size fits them best and are given plenty of room to grow as necessary.
Homeworx
Taking a different approach to the home improvement industry, this business for sale doesn’t directly serve clients who want construction services; instead it aids the other businesses doing the construction and remodeling by providing warranty services on their behalf. This frees the other companies to focus on doing the labor that they’re assigned to. Franchisees don’t necessarily need previous home industry experience, just the willingness to learn from an expert team that does have the experience and can teach them all they need to know.
Return-a-pet
Though it may come as a surprise, the pet industry seems, so far, to be recession-proof. Despite economic decline, people are unwilling to stop spending money on their family pets, and one home based business putting that knowledge to use is Return-a-pet. The system is simple: Return-a-pet has developed a pet registry that people can add their pets to, in case the pet is lost, and receive tags with a custom registration number and a phone number to call if the animal is found. Every home business franchisee pays a one-time licensing fee to become a Return-a-pet distributor and is immediately taught how to market and sell the product.
Though everyone had hopes that this recession would pass quickly, that has not been the case, and according to economic pros, it won’t be the case in the near future, either. Recession, however, is not the same as economic collapse. There are still numerous business opportunities that either survive downturn well or miraculously thrive in it. As you give heavy thought to whether or not this is the time to start up a franchise of your own, keep your eye on these industries and see how they continue to prosper in the midst of this economic crucible.
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