Allegra in the News: Franchise Industry Highlights

At the recent Allegra Marketing Print Mail franchise national convention, Vice President of Franchise Member Support Mike Dye affirmed the need to invest in technology and outlined the benefits for small business owners, employees, and customers. We asked Mike for three examples of technology that can improve operating efficiencies and speed the production process for…

When weighing the pros and cons of purchasing an independent business vs. a franchise ­– or comparing different franchising opportunities – you’ll want to consider the various fees and royalties involved in purchasing and operating a franchise. In franchising, the costs can vary widely between industries (e.g., quick-serve restaurants, pest control services, home repairs, etc.)…

So, you’re thinking of fulfilling a long-time dream and going into business for yourself. You’ve even addressed the big question, which is whether to open a start-up, buy an independent operation or pursue your goal of ownership through a franchise. For many, of course, the choice will be purchasing a franchise. With one, you’ll “hit…

“Eugene has always had a fascination with technology,” said Paula, Eugene’s wife and co-owner of Allegra Marketing Print Mail in Corona, California. “He keeps an eye on it and moves into it early on because he enjoys the challenge of figuring it out and working it into the operation. That’s how we’ve kept up with…

In life, there are many questions. As a child, you pestered your parents with, “Are we there yet?”In school, it was, “Where’s the party?” And, as an entrepreneurial adult and prospective franchise owner, you’ll first and foremost want to know: “How much money can I make?” Many years ago, the Federal Trade Commission mandated that…

“Be prepared to share the details of your business openly and honestly and to answer any questions. Have the numbers and other data ready. Good financials are critical. Don’t try to hide anything because it will come back to bite you,” advises Darlene Lawver to printers who are thinking about or are in the midst…

As described by FitsSmallBusiness, seller financing is an arrangement in which the seller of a small business agrees to accept installment payments directly from the buyer rather than having the purchaser obtain a loan from a bank. Also termed “owner financing,” “owner-carried financing,” “owner carryback” and “owner will carry (OWC),” this option comes into play…

Before acquiring an Allegra Marketing · Print · Mail Center in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania in 2016, Ed Kelchner led a remarkably varied career. “Most recently, I worked for 17 years in the financial field at a nationwide bank and a major credit card company,” said Ed. “Before that, I was in aircraft engine manufacturing and,…

For Allegra Network LLC members, reeling in a new business-to-business client is exhilarating, fulfilling and further validation that their marketing and visual communications services are in demand. But with an established Acquisition Program developed by our Home-Office, franchise owners in both the Marketing & Print and Sign & Graphics Divisions have long found that by…

Like any other business, franchise operations are not immune to the risks of bankruptcy. They, too, can suffer from over-expansion, undercapitalization or changing consumer tastes. Bally’s Total Fitness, Blockbuster, Chevy’s Fresh Mex, Quiznos, Perkins Restaurants and RadioShack are just a handful of the many franchisors that have flirted seriously with going under or failed outright…

Not surprising, selling your printing business can be emotionally wrenching and doggedly exhausting, like training your cat to wash your car.   Sadly, knowing where to start the process can be just as risky as betting your employees’ future, your customers’ loyalty, and your parting reputation on the shoulders of the “best fit” buyer.  …

To ensure that a franchisee will not have to compete too closely with a same-brand business following an identical operating model, many franchisors set aside specific sales areas for their franchises. But as simple as the concept may sound in theory, protected franchise territories areas are not always an easy proposition in practice. Take protected…