“Meet the new boss,
Same as the old boss…”
Do those lyrics from The Who song, “Don’t Get Fooled Again,” ring depressingly true?
You’re tired of bosses — even the good ones — and ready to start your own business in The Prairie State. But there are several problems: You haven’t a clue where to start. You don’t know how to open or operate a business on your own, and you don’t have a lot of investment capital. And what kind of business would you run anyway?
But if you can cut through the various obstacles, you’ll find Illinois to be a great state to start and run your own company. There’s a healthy business climate here on account of the diverse economy, central location, major metros — including Chicago — and a skilled workforce, among other winning factors.
Have you considered looking for a business franchise for sale in Illinois? Do you know anything about franchises beyond where the nearest Starbucks is located?
Maybe it’s time to learn more. The franchise model just might be your avenue for success as an entrepreneur in Illinois.
First, What Is a Business Franchise?
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is a franchise?
A franchise is an independently owned and operated business that’s based on a branding model set up by an older and more established company, known as the franchisor. A good franchisor has a brand that customers already know and respect, along with policies, procedures, and ways of conducting business that have been proven to succeed for the established corporation and its roster of franchisees.
Franchisees run their own companies but must abide by certain rules and regulations that keep them identifiable as a franchise of that larger organization. In other words, they’ll carry an identifiable name, signage, inventory, and possibly even employee uniforms and store appearances that fit in. Clients and customers who know one franchise should be able to recognize another, even if it’s located a thousand miles from their homes.
This brand recognition and acceptance, after all, are among the most significant reasons to take advantage of franchise opportunities in Illinois — and anywhere. Your customers know what they’re getting — and want to get it — because of favorable past experiences.
Am I Really the Boss?
Yes! As a franchisee, you own your company. You report to no one. You lead others and go as far as your goals and ambitions will take you.
But you’ll get the training and all the daily support, guidance, and good advice you’ll need to succeed, along with a proven track record of success. This can be an especially critical advantage for those who are first-time business owners — rookies with talent and ambition. Just follow the model and ask as many questions as you need answers to in order to move confidently forward.
But What Does a Business Franchise Cost?
A few thousand dollars upfront or millions. It depends on the franchise.
One that requires the construction or renovation of a building to become a Holiday Inn, a McDonalds, or a Gap clothing store will cost plenty. In addition to the signage and space rehab, there’s expensive inventory and equipment, leases, and the hiring of dozens or even hundreds of employees by opening day.
On the other hand, if you purchase service franchises in Illinois that you can run employee-free from your home and with minimum gear, equipment, and inventory — a commercial window washing business, for instance — your franchise fee and startup costs will be at the lower end of the franchise cost scale.
Consider, for another low investment cost example, becoming an insurance agent. You can run insurance franchises in Illinois solo, out of your home or apartment or the nearby coffee house. Your initial office equipment might be little more than a laptop, phone, and a box of business cards.
As your franchise insurance business grows, you’re likely to move into a larger and more established workspace and eventually start hiring employees. But that can wait. You’ll start small — and affordably.
So, How Do I Find Franchises for Sale in Illinois?
Just like you find everything else today — you go online. Query “franchises for sale in Illinois.” Or get more specific and ask for “insurance franchises in Illinois” or “window washing franchises in Springfield.”
Franchise operations that are actively looking for franchisees will reach out. Your franchise representative should be able to answer all of your questions. Be sure to ask about costs in that initial discussion. Don’t waste much time with a franchisor that’s far beyond your financial means.
If you get to the point of coming to an agreement, you’ll receive the offer in writing. Your Franchise Disclosure Document, or FDD, should state clearly the terms of the offer — what you’ll get and what it will cost you in its various payment forms. That will include royalty payments for the franchisor-owned products or services you’ll bring to market in addition to your franchise fee and likely startup costs.
Take your FDD to your lawyer and accountant for their professional review and guidance before signing anything.
When Seeking Successful Franchises for Sale in Illinois, Seek Out Freeway Insurance
Forget your old bosses. Find a winning business for sale in Illinois, and take it as far as your skills and motivation will take you.
Reach out to Freeway Insurance, and we’ll show you how to succeed with top-tier training, ongoing support, and day-to-day assistance when you need it. That’s exactly what we’ve done for hundreds of Freeway Insurance franchisees all across the country. We’ll even help you identify and gain the certifications you’ll need to become a licensed insurance agent in the state of Illinois.
As an independent Freeway agent, you’ll have a roster of name-brand insurance products to offer a customer base already drawn to our brand. After all, Freeway Insurance is one of the nation’s largest and most respected personal lines insurance companies — and you’ll be one of us.
Start the discussion. Call your Freeway Insurance franchise representative today at (877) 822-3024.
