Independent Playground Business vs. Franchise: Pros and Cons
Starting a playground business can be an exciting venture, but it is important to consider the pros and cons of different ownership models. Specifically, independent companies offer more control over operations, while franchises may provide more support.
Let’s take a closer look at what the independent playground business and the franchise offer, along with their pros and cons.
Independent Owned Businesses
Owning an independent playground business allows you to have complete control over the operations of your business. You can decide how your business will run and what services you will offer without needing approval from any other organization or person.
This independence allows you to be creative, try new things, and take risks to grow your business without fear of repercussions from a franchisor or parent organization. Plus, you will get to keep all the profits your business generates instead of paying royalties or franchise fees.
However, some drawbacks are also associated with owning an independent playground business. For example, you may need more start-up capital than if you were opening a franchise since there won’t be assistance from a franchisor regarding funding or equipment costs. Additionally, since everything rests on your shoulders alone, it can be hard to manage all aspects of running a successful commercial indoor playground.
Franchised Playgrounds
Opening up a franchised playground has its own benefits and drawbacks. On the plus side, joining a franchise gives you access to established name recognition, making it easier for customers to find out about your location and draw them in faster than if you were starting an independently owned business from scratch.
In addition, franchises can also offer assistance when setting up a shop by providing necessary equipment, supplies, and training for employees. Franchises also often offer marketing materials tailored toward their specific brand, which can help spread awareness quickly throughout local communities and beyond.
Finally, franchises typically require lower start-up costs than independently owned businesses because much of the legwork, such as site selection, has already been done by the franchisor before they reach out looking for potential franchisees. This price difference makes opening a shop much easier than starting from scratch!
However, some drawbacks are also associated with owning a franchised playground, including higher ongoing costs due to royalties or franchise fees. You may also experience limited flexibility in making changes within the operation itself. Those decisions ultimately rest with the parent company that owns the brand rights for a particular franchise location rather than with yourself, unlike in an independently owned location where all decisions rest solely with you!
Which Is Better for You?
Both independently owned businesses and franchises have their pros and cons. Still, making the right choice between these two models comes down to analyzing what works best for each situation. If total control over operations is important, an independent model might be best. If access to brand recognition is what you want, perhaps opening up a franchise could be beneficial, depending on what fits better into one’s budget constraints!
Go Play Systems can help you decide which option is best for you by offering our playground setup and management expertise. We can also help provide the necessary materials and equipment and offer advice on how to get your business up and running quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more!