Starting a bakery business takes more than just a perfect recipe for cupcakes. Developing a business model, figuring out what products will be most successful for your customers, and building your brand takes a lot of work and risk. That’s why so many entrepreneurs are opting instead to join a bakery franchise opportunity rather than start their business from scratch.
Joining a franchise offers several advantages over launching a start-up business. Franchising gives you the opportunity to share the benefits of an established brand and company, and provides a blueprint for success that makes it easier than ever to make your dream of business ownership a reality.
If you’ve ever dreamt of having your own shop, but felt intimidated by the risk and time commitment of starting a business, becoming a bakery franchisee might be perfect for you!
Here are five reasons why joining a bakery franchise is a sweet idea.
A franchise concept is tried and true
Starting a business means taking on a great deal of risk. While a startup requires coming up with a business plan from scratch, a bakery franchisee can rely on the proven model offered by the franchise, while being given the freedom to enjoy the independence of business ownership.
With a bakery franchise, you are buying a business with an established business plan, marketing strategy, product line and a track record of success. Getting into the baking business means that you don’t have to wonder about food and labor costs or profit margins – you know exactly what you’re getting into and how to make your business succeed. Bakery franchises offer you all the rewards of selling delicious confections to your customers without the daunting risk of starting a brand-new business.
A bakery franchise is less time-consuming to start
The time commitment involved in running a start-up business can be overwhelming. Writing a business plan, securing financing, finding a retail location, developing a marketing plan and all the other factors involved take a great deal of planning and commitment. And in the end, there’s no guarantee that your business will succeed!
Bakery franchises, on the other hand, provide a level of support that has been developed through a proven business model for success. Franchisees are given the tools they need to succeed and the network to give them advice if they need it. This allows the bakery franchisee to get straight to the best part of the business – providing delicious treats to their customers!
No need to worry about branding
To differentiate yourself and your bakery from the dozens of others in your city or town, you have to come up with a unique concept that offers something that your customers can’t get anywhere else. Figuring out that one-of-a-kind branding for your shop can feel intimidating, especially since you don’t know if your concept will resonate with potential customers. Fortunately, a bakery franchise already has name recognition and an established aesthetic and concept that has been successful in other markets.
Del’s Popcorn, for example, is loved for the nostalgic appeal of an old-fashioned candy shop, the quality ingredients and care that go into each snack and confection sold, and the creative recipes that offer an experience that can’t be replicated – except in another franchise location!
Franchisees have resources that startups don’t
The best part about bakery franchises is that franchisees are in good company. A network of other franchise owners means that any time you are uncertain about the next steps or the best business decision to make, there are other people you can talk to about their experiences. For new business owners or those who are looking to make a career change, having that network makes it much less daunting because while you can enjoy the independence of being a business owner, you are by no means going at it alone!
Franchises have a higher rate of success
According to small business research, 25% of startup businesses will fail before the end of their first year, and half of the remaining businesses will fail within the following five years. Franchises, on the other hand, have anywhere from an 85-90% success rate, since the concept has already been demonstrably profitable and successful. For budding entrepreneurs that can’t afford to take on a high degree of risk, a franchise offers the chance to become a part of a successful business concept instead of trying to build something out of nothing.
Bakery franchises are the perfect opportunity for anybody who is looking to follow their passions or take more control over their career. Owning a bakery and bringing joy to your customers as they get to sample the goodies you provide for them is deeply rewarding – especially when it can be accomplished without so many of the challenges that come with starting your own business from scratch!
