The Pros and Cons of Buying a Franchise

Camp Bow Wow Counselor Playing with Golden Retriever

Are you passionate about animals? Do you wake up each day wanting to start your own business? If so, Camp Bow Wow may be the right place for you! For nearly 20 years, we’ve been disrupting the kennel model and rethinking what a dog day care should be!

If you’re researching franchise options, make sure to take the below into consideration.

The Pros of Starting a Franchise

  • We know what works. With over 160 locations, Camp Bow Wow is a franchise model that has been tested and proven to work.
  • Minimal start-up work. Arguably the hardest part of any business is the startup phase. From writing a business plan to researching the market, it could take a new business months, even years to go from concept to reality. Though franchisees certainly have to put in the time to understand their specific location’s demographics and needs, most of the startup work has been done for them.
  • Instant brand recognition. If you were to start a brand new business, your first few months would be dedicated to letting people in the community know who and where you are. When you join a nationwide franchise like Camp Bow Wow, your name, brand, and service is known the second you open up your doors.
  • Advertising assistance. Though you may have to do some marketing on the local level (create social media pages, attend community events, etc.) most franchises handle all of their nationwide TV and internet marketing.

The Cons of Starting a Franchise

  • You have to abide by the franchise rules. We always say that you’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Though you may have to follow certain rules set up by your franchise, these rules are usually in place for your (and your business’) benefit.
  • Startup costs. Because you’re being given a fleshed-out business model, proven concept, and marketing assistance (among many other things), franchises often require a start-up fee. Though startup costs can be intimidating at first, it’s important to consider how much money you’ll spend on R&D if you start a business on your own.
  • Contract agreements. Once you’ve decided which franchise to join, you’ll sign a Franchise Disclosure Agreement. This is essentially a contract stating what you can and can’t do as a franchisee. If after a few months you feel you no longer want to be in business, it can be hard to get out of your contract. Because joining a franchise is such a big commitment, we encourage prospective owners to research all of their options and attend a discovery day (a.k.a. Join the Pack Day).

If you’re interested in learning more about what it takes to join our Pack and invest in a bright future and doggone good time, dial (870) 600-2713 or request your free executive summary here!