If you have a desire to work yourself but not by yourself, you should look at the franchising option in detail. Being a franchisee offers the following benefits:

• All franchisees are set a clearly defined and tailored business plan that offers clarity of goals
• Franchisees have a positive mental attitude, knowing that they are simply playing a numbers game and by following a proven system will build an ongoing residual income and asset
• Franchisees can operate the business to fit in with their own lifestyles and in doing so discover that life is about living
• Franchisees receive a comprehensive training programme so are well educated in advance of starting the business
• Franchisees measure themselves solely on the development of their businesses and the income that they enjoy from the business

The following is a list of example questions to ask your prospective franchisor:

• Is your franchise based on any franchise standard like the British Franchise Association?
  A member of the British Franchise Association has to adhere to the British Franchise Association Code of Ethical Conduct and be committed to these standards
  Franchisees have a positive mental attitude, knowing that they are simply playing a numbers game and by following a proven system will build an ongoing residual income and asset

• Are you a member of any other professional bodies, such as The Chamber of British Enterprises, The Federation of Small businesses or any industry-specific associations?

• Why should I choose your franchise?
  Note: They must be able to give you an overview of what makes their franchise better than others in the same market sector and across the board. Don't expect figures to be quoted at this stage
  
  
• How much will it cost me to become a franchisee?
  Note: There maybe an initial investment figure quoted so make sure you ask for the final, total investment figure

• Is there really a big demand for this service?

• How profitable is this business?
  Note: it is in the franchisor's best interests to have this information readily available even at the initial enquiry stage
  
  
• What type of person can become a franchisee?
  Note: Expect answers like: "Individuals or couples that are self-starters and motivated enough into growing their own business and future financial security are ideal. They should be ready to be committed into working the business plan"

Other example questions you should be asking, which the franchisor should be easily able to answer:

• Are your ‘areas' exclusive?
• What running costs will be involved?
• How much training is needed?
• How often will I receive training?

How our area of business has developed recently:
Maid2Clean has been providing high quality domestic housekeeping, cleaning and ironing services to thousands of private residential householders for 15 years. From its launch in 1993 we are now a company that can boast a network of 80 franchisees and expansion into Canada in 2007.

Today our cleaning services are in more demand than ever; the pace of life is faster as more couples are having to go out to work (or work longer hours) to support the lifestyles they want. Many couples do not have the time or inclination to clean and iron when they come home from work, preferring to spend time with their families instead. This is where Maid2Clean comes in.

For more information see www.maid2clean-franchise.co.uk [1]