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Feature Stories

Special Edition: What is Franchising?
August 14, 2007
Franchising...it's not a business, but rather, a way of doing business. It's a unique, and usually highly effective, method of distribution for all kinds of products, goods, and services. It's also an industry that generates $1.5 trillion dollars in annual sales.
Check Cashing Cleans Up Its Act: These Financial Convenience Stores Are Branching Out
August 2, 2007
Check cashing has come a long way toward respectability in the past couple of decades. Its reputation, however--at least in the eyes of the media and much of the general public--has lagged behind.
Clean-up Time! Residential Maid Services Franchises Have A Bright Future
July 19, 2007
Today, ever-on-the-go Americans are finding less and less time to take care of the dust and dirt that fills their homes. Others just simply don't like the mundane, time-consuming tasks of scrubbing and scouring their abode (and commode). That's why over the last three decades home cleaning and maid services have sprouted, flourished, and continue to show significant growth in the franchising industry.
Special Edition: Preparing To Buy A Franchise
July 9, 2007
If you're reading this, you already know that franchising is a different business model. That it involves paying the franchisor an initial franchise fee, as well as ongoing royalties and, often, paying into an advertising fund. And that you're willing to pay those costs for the privilege of using a recognized brand name and an operating system with a successful track record. Not to mention the initial and ongoing training and support the brand offers.
New Research Guide Provides Franchise Industry with Sales and Marketing Intelligence
June 25, 2007
For the first time, franchisors, development consultants, and advertising and marketing suppliers have access to the most comprehensive research guide to sales and lead generation performance in franchise recruitment.
Business coaching and consulting companies help steer people to the right business opportunities
June 21, 2007
It's no secret that the father's career path is no longer being repeated by the son (or daughter). Nor was it so long ago that folks graduated from college, signed on with a company, and spent the next 40 years toiling in the same office.
Sign Franchises Use Digital Imaging Technology To Propel Today's Industry
June 8, 2007
In 2007, chances are there's a sign franchise near you--offering customers a wider array of choices than ever before, thanks to continuing technological advances, especially in communications and digital imaging.
Special Edition: History of Franchising: This business model is an original--and a winner
May 25, 2007
Many trace the origins of franchising as we know it today back to Europe in the 1800s, when German beer makers granted pubs and taverns the rights to sell and use their name. In fact, the word "franchise" is a French derivative meaning privilege or freedom.
Shipping Franchises Deliver The Goods
May 11, 2007
"Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." That's a slogan most of us recognize when it comes to the mail. And while the U.S. Postal Service is functional, it offers limited services, restricted office hours, and is not exactly known for its efficiency of service. (It's not called "snail mail" for nothing!)
Picture This: Photography franchises focus on profit
April 27, 2007
Franchising can be a snap… or a click. Photography franchising is getting a lot of, er, exposure, and has developed rapidly in recent years.