As a matter of fact, many of the franchise owners that are currently quite successful with Filtafry also adhere to higher standards of green friendly business practices. For Filtafry, this isn’t just a new marketing idea- this is the way things have been done since the very start. Filtafry’s commitment to the environment is often seen in sponsorships and education on a local level, but as a business itself, Filtafry offers a much better service that benefits both business owner, and the environment.

Environmentalism is at the very core of everything that Filtafry does, to be sure. But what does this mean for a potential franchise owner? If you will have a look at current market trends, it is obvious that the Green trend isn’t something that is simply going away. As a matter of fact, this trend is still climbing and becoming less of a trend and a more daily part of life for most people. This means that many businesses are going to begin to take a hard look at the way that they do things and what areas they can trim the fat and cut the costs while eliminating a great deal of the waste their establishment puts out. This is where that great sales training comes in during the first days of your FiltaFry franchise ownership. One demonstration is often all it takes to convince restaurant and food service owners that a Filtafry service is something they could use to take the green aspects of their business a step further and promote a better bottom line.

If you have a passion for the environment, are a hard worker who would love to own their own business, Filtafry is definitely right up your alley. Take for instance Richard Hamilton, a former Alltel Corp work in Arkansas. He knew that he wanted to take control of his financial future, as well as a genuine concern for the economy and the environment. What did Richard do with all of that passion and drive? He started Eco Services of Arkansas Inc. But that is not where he stopped. Now, the vans that Richard drives in his business- he also fuels, with an aspect of his business. You know by now that one of the many benefits to food service places is waste oil disposal? Richard turns his collected waste oil into valuable biodoesel. Now, that’s commitment!

Financial considerations are the most obvious.  The initial costs for starting a franchise can often exceed the costs of establishing an independent business.  Beside the cost of building a business from the ground up, there are additional franchising fees that must be paid to the franchisor up front.  Often a franchisor will expect the franchisee to start their business at a specific standard of operations, utilizing equipment or procedures that are more costly than if an independent business owner were to “start small” and work his/her way up.

Beyond the initial start-up costs and franchise fees  a franchisee agrees to pay royalty payments for the use of the franchisor’s trademarks.  This means that for the duration of the contract, for the life of business, a percentage of the franchise’s monthly gross goes to the franchisor.  This reduces the overall profits of the franchisee and can be considered an additional operational expense that is not incurred by the independent business owner.

Some franchising contracts also stipulate that the franchisee pay a marketing fee to offset the cost incurred by the franchisor for marketing campaigns and market research.  The costs to the franchisee for such marketing is usually substantially less than the cost of comparable advertising, if done by an independent business.  However, the franchise operator has no say in how the marketing is conducted or how advertising funds are spent.

The narrow degree of creativity afforded the franchise owner is not
limited to the realm of advertising, either.  All aspects of the franchised unit must conform to the overall scheme of the franchising business.  Most franchisors have standards of appearance and presentation covering all aspects of the business from general site design, down to employee uniforms.  There is little or no leeway for alterations or additions to the overall business or how it is conducted.  In order to use the brand name an owner is contractually obligated to follow the brand’s established mode of operation.

Many franchise contracts also specify explicit sources for business supplies.  These suppliers have been selected to insure a consistency in the ability to meet the demands and the quality standards of the franchise.  While this alleviates the need of the owner to establish such sources independently, it also places a limit on flexibility.  Such suppliers may not always be the cheapest or most convenient source of materials.

Further considerations to take into account when deciding if franchising is a viable business option center around the overall commitment that a franchise contract entails.  Once agreed upon, an owner may find him/herself locked into a lengthy contractual obligation with a company that is not well suited to his/her individual business goals.  Furthermore, an owner who is incautious in selecting a stable franchisor may find him/herself tethered to a sinking ship with little means of extraction.

It is important for a potential owner to approach the issue of franchising with clearly defined goals and expectations.  While the benefits of operating a franchise are great, there are constraints that are not placed upon the independent business owner.  It is important that any potential owner establish whether or not the benefits of franchising outweigh the limitation on an individual basis and keeps in mind that there are no guarantees of success either way.

Filta Training

Filta understands that in order for a franchise to be a success, it has to start out on strong footing.  To ensure that franchisees are equipped from the onset to make the most out of their franchises, Filta offers an unparalleled training program for new franchise owners.  This intensive initial training is multi-faceted and provides Filta franchisees with not only classroom education, but also with hands on real-world experience.
Filta franchisees start their education in multi-faceted courses conducted by Filta headquarters in Orlando, FL.  These comprehensive courses cover all aspects of Filta franchise operation and administration.  Everything from the technical aspects of operating Filta equipment to practical knowledge about business administration is covered.  After the period of instruction, Filta franchisees continue their education by going on the job with experienced and successful Filta owners.  These mentors provide practical in-field experience on the realities of franchise ownership and operation.  Finally, new franchisees work along a Business Development Manager within their own territories, learning the tools necessary to promote and market their new business.   These BDMs ensure that new franchisees have a solid base of regular customers before the franchisee ever embark on their own

Continuing Support

The Filta Group doesn’t draw the line at initial training.  Filta continues to stand behind its franchisees throughout the life of the business.  Anytime an issue arises within a franchise, Filta stands ready to help see the franchisee through to the best of its ability.  If there is a solution to a franchisee’s problem, Filta will work to help find it.  Filta is available anytime via phone, or online through the FiltaNet.
The FiltaNet also offers another unique support resource to Filta franchisees.  This valuable internet tool puts franchisees in instant contact with a strong network of experienced peer owners.  There is also vast online library of literature pertaining to all aspects of Filta ownership.  If a new franchisee encounters a problem, then it is likely that others have had the same issue arise in the past and have worked out a practical solution.

Marketing Support

Filta also works to assist their franchisees in handling new customer inquiries.  The toll-free number printed on the side of all Filta vans and on all printed marketing material directs calls to the headquarters in Orlando.  There knowledgable professionals can answer questions and provide information to potential new customers before passing them along to the appropriate franchisee.  This service allows franchisees to focus on running their business, instead of worrying about juggling phone calls.