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In a world where increasingly expensive cars, trucks and SUV’s have generated the demand for a higher level of expert vehicle care, a Ziebart franchise is positioned to help the consumer preserve their investment for years to come. In order to be fully informed, you should ask questions regarding the procedures, support and schedules involved in opening any franchise business. Here are the questions that people ask us most frequently regarding a Ziebart franchise.
Q. Franchising - what is it?
A. Franchising is an exciting proven business model that aligns entrepreneurs with a reputable brand name for products and services.
Q. Why should I buy a franchise compared to starting my own business?
A. Franchising is a business concept that enables entrepreneurs to be in a business for themselves, but not by themselves. Aligned with the experience and expertise of a brand name franchise, the entrepreneur directs his efforts towards implementing a proven business format, not towards reinventing the wheel. The overall success of a franchise comes from the franchise brand recognition and the franchisor’s experience in the industry.
Q.What is the process to apply for a Ziebart franchise?
A. Complete the on-line franchise inquiry and application. A Ziebart representative will contact you regarding your application. After the initial contact you will receive an information packet in the mail for your review. Once you have made the decision to join the Ziebart franchise dealer body, you will be sent a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular and invited to attend a Discovery Day at our corporate headquarters in Troy, Michigan. Within 48 hours of this visit, preliminary approval will be granted or denied.
Q. How does Ziebart help with the location of a new store?
A. Ziebart offers franchises in markets where demand for our services and products are most likely to generate a healthy business environment. To assist in this determination, we gather and analyze information relating to area demographics, population, registered vehicles, traffic count, growth trends, zoning and local ordinances.
Q. Will Ziebart help me finance my new Ziebart business?
A. While Ziebart does not provide financing for franchisees, we can refer you to qualified lending institutions that understand our business format and have experience in financing franchise operations. Ziebart can help guide you through the financial application process.
Q. How long will my Ziebart license agreement be in effect?
A. Your franchise agreement with Ziebart will cover a period of ten years, with renewal provisions. Some international terms may differ.
Q. How long does it take to open a new store?
A. While the development time frame varies by location, on average it takes approximately four months. Factors that influence this schedule include locating a suitable site, allowing time for leasehold improvements, acquiring financing, training, and setting up the location.
Q. How much training do I receive?
A. We will provide you with four weeks of technical training and four weeks of sales and management training. Training is usually scheduled concurrently with development of the site and just prior to preparations for opening the business.
Q. What size will my store be?
A. The size of a new Ziebart location typically varies between 4,000 and 5,000 square feet. Our development staff devotes individual attention and analysis to each new development to determine its appropriate size.
Q. Will Ziebart help me build my business with advertising assistance?
A. We provide all our franchisees with extensive marketing and advertising support to promote the products and services they sell. You will receive a range of advertising tools including online, television, radio and print materials. We also have developed grand-opening materials designed to introduce you and your new Ziebart business to your community. A Ziebart marketing manager skilled in the design and implementation of multimedia advertising plans, is available to help you develop your media plan.
Q. What other kind of support will I receive from Ziebart after I open?
A. Our Operations Department can counsel you on how to effectively implement the marketing plan. The Technical Department conducts hands-on training classes in the field and here at our headquarters. The technical staff is available via phone or internet to answer any of your staff’s technical questions relating to installation of products or services.
Q. Can I own more than one Ziebart location?
A. Yes. We welcome expansion within our franchisee network. Owning and operating more than one location offers many economies of scale within a marketplace.
Q.What does it take to own a franchise?
A. Opening and managing a business takes motivation, desire, dedication and management talent. It also takes research and planning.
To increase your chance for success, take the time up front to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals. Then use this information to build a comprehensive and well thought out business plan that will help you reach these goals.
As with any new business decision, you need to evaluate yourself and your commitment, along with your financial situation.
Investigate your target market area for competitors to the Ziebart business. Competitors usually don't handle all the products and services we carry, but as with any business, you need to know your competition. Who does a good job? Who has a good reputation? Who sells the products and services, and who takes orders for them? Who does business based strictly on a low price? These are questions you must investigate before making your new business decision.
We are always available to answer any questions you may have about operating a Ziebart store. Contact us and a representative from our Franchise Development team will contact you.