Try FiltaFry

Looking over your options in franchising can be a bit of a puzzle. Many people out there now are seeking out better ways of doing business but may not be able to afford a great deal of overhead- so, franchises that are out of home are often a great resource to them. As you do your research on home based franchises you have no doubt seen the name Filtafry come up more than once. There’s a good reason. Since the early nineties, Filtafry has been one of the biggest things in at home franchises because it is not only a service that offers a plentiful client and customer base, but it’s something that’s fairly easily managed and has a relatively low overhead. So, what can you expect when looking into buying a Filtafry franchise?

The What? In Filtafry is it is a really innovative way of managing the fryers that many restaurants and food service businesses use in their day to day operations. This not only prolongs the life of the oil, saving money in that area, but also, extends the life of the fryer itself by keeping it well maintained and in excellent running condition. Being able to continue to move through each and every business day is very important in any business, but in food service, often the down time needed for fryer maintenance is a major downfall. However, using the Filtafry service, what once was a dreaded and dangerous job for usually not adequately trained employees that took hours- becomes a twice weekly, sometimes hour long visit, at best. A Filtafry technician is well educated and trained so that the entire process from start to finish is not only as safe but as efficient as possible, leaving almost nothing for the staff to really have to do in that.

But there are many other benefits to using the service itself- for one thing, the environmental impact is strong. Better running equipment always equals out to less power to run them, as well as less waste for the owner of the establishment itself. Not having to dispose of the oil in those huge oil drums, is also less of an impact on the environment as cardboard and other material usage is down. However, that’s not really where Filta stops its environmentally friendly action. Many franchisees are actively involved in a number of local environmental groups, causes and fundraisers, all around the United States. The company itself began with an environmental image and continues to strive for a greener way of doing things. As you can see, the service itself actually reduces the wastes of fast food, sit down restaurants and basically any place that serves fried foods, but also, with the FiltaCool system, more loss and waste is avoided. Just one more way, FiltaFry and their franchisees are making a difference in food service, waste oil management and making the world a little bit greener for their efforts.

The allure of franchise ownership is undeniable, and rightfully so. For the investor looking to start up a new business, franchising offers some incredible benefits over independent business ownership. However, all franchisors are not equal. How does one ensure that he/she picks the right franchise for his/her individual business needs and goals?

What Are the Benefits?

Buying a franchise offers some distinctive advantages when compared to independent business. These benefits give the franchise a much better chance of getting off on the right foot. The support offered to franchise owners can help the business succeed in a stiffly competitive market or a troubled economy.

Franchisors want their franchises to succeed. What is good for the individual franchises is good for the trademark company. As such, any franchisor with an eye on the future offers some key tools to help their franchisees along.

Franchisors will often offer support from the very onset their relationship with the franchisee, helping in selecting location and offering training to help enable the franchisee to effectively run his/her business. Many franchisors also offer basic training tools to assist the franchise owner in building a skilled and knowledgeable staff.

Almost all franchisors also offer marketing support. This often comes in the forms of broad-sweeping advertising campaigns aimed at targeted demographic groups across the entirety of the franchisor’s territory. Franchisors may also offer local marketing support and assist the franchise owner in the development of local promotional campaigns.

How to Pick a Winner

Not all franchisors offer the same level of support in all areas. When first researching a company to determine its suitability to your needs as a franchise owner it is important to evaluate just what degree of support the franchisor offers. It is then possible to weigh that against your own desires for autonomy and control of your business so that you can make an informed decision based on your own best interests.

You best source of information in making your decision is the Franchise Disclosure Document that the franchisor is legally obligated to provide to you. This document will spell out exactly how much support you can expect to receive. It will also tell you up front what will be required of you as a franchisee. The FDD will also shed light into any ongoing issues within the franchise that you might need to be aware of in making your decision.

Don’t rely solely on the information presented in the FDD when making your decision. It is wise to get the perspective of other franchise owners. Having first-hand accounts from established franchise owners may present you with benefits and problems that are not specifically touched upon in the legal document.

Forewarned is Forearmed

Above all, when undertaking the franchise selection process it is crucial to put in the effort to dig deep and research. A bit of legwork now can save you a lot of headache later. Once you’ve signed a contract, you are committed. The more knowledge you have going in, the better your chances of making a smart decision and signing on with a financial winner.

Many factors contribute to the overall success of your restaurant. From employee productiveness to the general presentation of your establishment, everything must work as a cohesive whole for your business to flourish. Standing in the middle, holding everything together, is your management staff. Therefore it is absolutely critical that your managers present a united and consistent front.

Consistent Management

It is crucial that your management staff are all in agreement and understanding as to the standards expected, both in regards to quality of product, procedures and service. Though you may have a firm concept of how you want things run, it is impossible for you to be at the site at all hours. Therefore, your managers are an extension of your own presence at your restaurant and should function as such.

A number of problems can arise if there is a dissonance between the standards and managerial styles of your management staff. Under a lax manager, even the best of employees can succumb to the temptation to perform below expectations. It doesn’t take long for an employee to grasp which managers will make them toe the line and which will allow them to slack up on the job. The employees are paying attention to these cues and so should you.

Additionally, when even one manager is relaxed in their managerial style, and prone to overlooking inconsistencies or substandard work, it makes the rest of the management staff look overly strict in the eyes of the general staff. This can lead to tension in the workplace and create unnecessary friction between management and staff. A united front facilitates a more smoothly flowing operation of your restaurant.

Establishing a United Front

It is up to you, the owner, to make sure that your management staff is informed, up to speed and all on the same page as to what you expect from them and how you want your business run. If you don’t have a clear concept of how things should be run, then how can you expect them to? Therefore, it is in your best interest to have an exact and concise set of guidelines, in writing, that you can present to your management staff. Hold weekly or biweekly meetings with your managers to make sure that everyone is still on the same page. This will help you and your managers address issues as they arise, before they become significant problems.

Be Involved

You cannot expect your vision for running your business to be adhered to without your own active participation. Spend time on site whenever you can. Perform routine walkthroughs with your managers. Go through your checklists on by one so that you can see firsthand that the manager is on track with your overall vision.
A manager may think that he or she understands the program, but the only way to make sure there have been no misunderstandings is to actually walk through and see them in action. Being a proactive owner will not only set a positive example for you managers, but will allow you to gain a firsthand knowledge of the subtle intricacies of your restaurant so that you can make appropriate adjustments to your game plan.

Investing is a hazardous business.  It comes with a lot of risks, but offers the possibility of great rewards.  Good investments are not all about luck.  They are based on knowledge, research and good business sense.  Nowhere are these attributes more important than in the realm of franchise ownership.  Owning a business is more than just a financial investment, it is an investment of time and energy.

Franchise ownership requires a great deal more commitment than other, more passive forms of investing such as real estate and the stock market.  Franchise ownership requires you to not only put your money on the line, but also your time, your energy and very possibly even your livelihood.  However, business ownership also offers the chance for a significantly greater return on this investment than any passive investment ever could.   This Return on Investment (or ROI), is your bottom line in deciding whether or not a franchise is right for you.  You should have a clear idea of what you expect to get back from your investment of time and money, and should do the research to find out if the franchise you are looking at is capable of meeting those expectations.

Setting Expectations

It is important to set some realistic goals and expectations for what you want to get from your business prior to even starting up the search for an appropriate franchisor.  Realistic, however, does not mean that you should settle for less than want.  Looking to see a 15-30% return on your investment over the first few years of operation is not going beyond the realm of possibility.

It is important to keep in mind that what you can expect from your business relies on more than just the company your sign your contract with.  It is true that there are certain reasonable expectations you can establish for any given franchise.  However, whether or not your business meets its full potential depends largely on your own skill in running the business.

The 3 Rs

From the very minute you decide to explore the possibility of franchise ownership it is important to learn and adhere to “the 3 Rs”.  These are, quite simply:  Research, Research and Research Some More.  If you end up with a lemon, chances are you have yourself to blame for not informing yourself to the best of your ability in the initial exploratory stages.

Where to Find Information

There is a wealth of information out there, but it is up to you to search it out.  There are numerous websites dedicated to collecting data on franchisors and most financial publications collect and distribute data as well.  Once you have a good idea what you are looking for, ask your potential franchisors for their Franchise Disclosure Documents.  These documents will help give you an overall view of each franchises strengths, weaknesses and earning potentials.

Statistics and figures can only tell you so much, though.  If you really want a good view of what you can expect from a franchise, talk to those who already own them.  There is no substitute for practical experience in the field.

Owning a franchise is an active investment, and a wise investor gets active from the very start.  Making an informed decision based on thorough research can make the difference between success and failure.  The keys to success are there, but it is up to you to decide to pick them up.

For More on Franchising and the Filta check out these

sites:

href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/Green-Franchise/Filta

-Fry/prweb2638414.htm">Filtafry

href="http://www.businessbroker.net/franchise/filtafry.ih

tml">filta fry

href="http://www.slideshare.net/FiltaFranchise/filtafry-f

ranchise-information-green-franchise">filta franchise

href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/17182944/FiltaFry-Micro-O

Franchise

href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukRD0q6-laQ">Filta

Video

Filta Group

href="http://www.firstprizefranchise.com/filtafry/">Learn

about Filta

href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Filta-Franchise---Learnin

g-From-Your-Experiences&id=3138009">Filta Information

filta complaints

href="http://www.franchisegator.com/Filta-Environmental-K

itchen-Solutions-franchise/">GoFilta

So you are thinking of starting up your own business.  As a smart and savvy investor you’ve decided that the benefits of franchise ownership most likely best suite your specific needs and mesh with your own business goals.  So what do you do know?  How do you get started in selecting the franchise that is right for you?

There is a lot of research that goes into selecting, planning for, and operating a franchise.  From the moment you decide that you might like to invest in a franchise all the way through the very act of ultimately running your franchise, it pays to be as informed as possible.  Therefore it is crucial to start out on the right foot by digging in deep from the very start in the initial stage of selecting your franchising organization.  So where do you look for information?

Franchising Publications

There are a number of printed publications dedicated to franchising, and most financial publications offer insight into franchising (some even compiling franchising statistics and data in specific issues).  However, such publications are not always readily available.  If you are on the hunt for good information, but would like to save yourself a trip to the newsstand or public library, there is a wealth of information online.

A simple internet search for “how to find a franchise” or “choosing a franchise” will turn up a vast storehouse of information.  This is an excellent place to start if you aren’t quite sure what sort of franchise you might be interested in running.  It is beneficial to peruse as many sites as possible, paying specific attention to such information as average ROI, start-up costs, total investment costs and franchise fees.  This information can help you determine what franchises are best suited for your individual financial situation and needs.

Franchise Expos

Another excellent source of information, when searching out prospective franchises, are local franchise expos.  Expos will not expose you to the full range of possible franchises for your area in the same way that online research can.  However, there are some definite benefits to attending these expos.

Franchise expos give you the advantage of being able to have face-to-face discussions with franchisors who are actively seeking franchisees in your area.  This gives you an opportunity to ask your questions now so that you can decide if the franchising organization is worth pursuing further.  Such expos also give you the opportunity to go ahead and get your hands on the Franchise Disclosure Document for any given franchisor.  This is a crucially important document – one you’ll be wanting eventually, anyway – and the sooner you get it, the better off you will be.

What to Look For

Again, what you want to concern yourself with initially is collecting data on expected ROI, initial costs, long-term costs and franchising fees.  This will help you decide what franchises work best with your financial situation and what you are hoping to invest versus what you hope to get back.  You also want to look into franchises that will utilize knowledge and work experience that you already have.  Being diligent in your research from the start and forming a clear concept of what you want will go a long way toward ensuring the success of your business.

For More on Franchising and the Filta check out anyone of these sites:

Filtafry

filta fry

filta franchise

Filta Fry

Franchise

Filta

Video

Filta Group

Learn about filta

Filta Information

filta complaints

GoFilta

One of the most understated advantages of franchise ownership is the very simple fact that when you buy a franchise you are starting a new business that is already supported by years, often decades of practical experience.  Much of that experience come into play right from the start and is incorporated into the overall business structure dictated by the franchisor.  However, there is a greater undercurrent of practical knowledge available for those wise enough to search it out and build a strong network of peers within the franchising organization

Inherent Knowledge

Your franchisor wants your business to succeed.  Quite simply, if your business flourishes then so does theirs.  The better your sales, the more they make in royalties and associated fees from your franchise.  Beyond that, every successful franchise boosts their overall statistics and makes them more appealing to new investors.  Therefore, you can be fairly confident that the business strategy they present you (and to which you are contractually obligated to follow) is truly in your best interest.

The overview provided by your franchisor, as well as the specifics of procedure and policy are not spontaneous fabrications, obviously.  These strategies and guidelines have been carefully generated over the course of the trademark’s existence.  It comes from careful and diligent research conducted by the franchisor and it comes from real experience in the field from franchise owners just like you.  These alleviates the need for a trial-and-error approach on your end.  The trials have already been tried and the errors have already been made.  Again, it is in the franchisor’s best interest to provide you with the best tools available to help your business succeed, and it is in your best interest to follow the game plan provided for your business.

Personal Experience

Beyond the scope of the overall scheme provided by your franchisor, based on years of experience over a large number of franchises, comes the very real experience of your peers within the franchising organization.  Chances are, unless you have signed on with a very new label, that business owners in your area and parts beyond have been running the same business as you for years, sometimes even decades.  There is absolutely no substitute for practical, real-life experience and know-how.  However, you need not rely on your own experience when there is a large network of businessmen who have already grown successful franchises under the same business plan and guidelines as yourself.

However, it is highly unlikely that any of your fellow franchise owners are going to call you up and offer you advise on how to run your business.  It is up to you, as a proactive business owner, to seek out and build these connections.  In fact, it is highly advisable that you start building these relationships and gaining the insight of other owners in your own area (and similar locations) well before you ever commit to the franchisor.

The Difference is You

When you buy a franchise you are starting your business with a vast wealth of knowledge and experience, even if you have never owned or operated a business before.  However, it is up to you to flesh out that knowledge with real life experience.  No franchisor, no matter how well established and knowledgeable, can make your business succeed.  It all comes down to you and your determination to use the tools available to your advantage.

Have additional franchising questions? Get more franchise information with a real business example at<a href=”http://filtafryfranchise.info”> Filta Fry </a>.  Additionally, you can get more information about an emerging franchise by going to <a href=”
http://ezinearticles.com/?Filta-Franchise—Learning-From-Your-Experiences&id=3138009″> filtafry</a>.

When either discussing the prospect of opening a franchise with a representative at a franchise expo, or when meeting with a potential franchisor for the first time, you should expect to be given a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).  Franchisors are legally obligated to provide these documents to potential franchisees.  If you are not provided with one, you should ask.  These documents contain some key data that will prove useful in determining if the intended franchise is truly suitable to your needs and business goals.

By law, the franchisor is required to present this documentation written in “plain English” (i.e. without legal jargon or highly technical terms).  There are very clear guidelines as to what information must be included in the FDD.  As such, there are some very specific areas of the document you should acquaint yourself with as you decide if the franchising organization is the right one for you.

Company Information

The initial sections of the FDD are concerned with giving an overview of the franchising company.  In these sections you will find information about the company’s history and its internal structure.  The FDD will also disclose any litigations against the company, as well as any bankruptcies.  This information is definitely worth becoming familiar with as you decide if the company you are looking at is really suitable for your needs.
These section of the FDD can be very telling as to the way that the company operates internally, as well as how it relates with and resolves disputes with its franchisees.  Not all franchisors are created equally, and hitching your wagon to an unstable star can prove disastrous.  It is important not only to note how issues have been resolved, but to notice if there are patterns that might adversely affect you and your business.

Financial Disclosures

The law also stipulates that certain financial aspects of the franchisor/franchisee relationship be disclosed in the FDD.  It is important to understand that the franchisor is not obligated to provide information speculating what you might expect as a Return On Interest as a franchisee.  In fact, many companies refuse to do so and wisely so.  Giving concrete figures on expected ROI opens the company up to possible legal accountability should the franchise fail to live up to expectations.
What the company is required to disclose is information pertaining to the cost associated with becoming a franchisee.  This is information relating to liquid capital requirements (start-up costs), total investment requirements, franchise fees and the like.  There will also be financial information included showing the average earnings of franchises operating in different localities.  These figures should be viewed as speculative earning potentials and not as any sort of definitive statement of what you might expect to earn.

Understanding the FDD

Fully comprehending the information disclosed in a company’s FDD is an absolute necessity for any prospective franchisee.  There is a reason that companies are legal required to make this information available and accessible in plain speech.  This document is your key to deciding if a company is a good fit for you and your business goals prior to contractually tethering yourself to a franchising organization.  Read it, discuss it with your attorney, understand it and arm yourself with the knowledge necessary to make an informed financial decision about your investment.

Have additional franchising questions? Get more franchise information with a real business example at Filta Fry . Additionally, you can get more information about an emerging franchise by going to filtafry.

Filtafry Offers One More Support

For a franchise already known for its vast guidance and support in the industry, you’d think that Filtafry would be resting on its laurels a bit. However, not so, as this is one franchise that franchisees can always trust to keep them informed, educated and in the loop on the latest in company goings on. There are several offerings from Filta that make this franchise one of the most involved in its franchisees initial acclimation to the system but also to their continued success.

The Filta system of training is all encompassing. The initial training prepares you to face all manner of things involved in how the franchise is run, but also technical, general administrative, service, health, safety, marketing and finance. Initially, franchisees have a one on one visit from a Business Development Manager that works with the new business owner, getting their territory ready to have a solid base of customers. This is in addition to the full week working with an already established business under the guidance of a trainer that is also a Filta success story themselves. They will show the franchisee the ropes as they take them through the course of their day, helping them learn about all the different operating styles of the customers and their fryers, oils and every manner of running a successful Filtafry franchise.
This is generally done directly after your training courses at the facility if possible, but also made to be as close to your own location as possible for convenience.

Super Support

When there isn’t someone right by your side to help, there is always the exclusive, toll free number that will be able to help you to speak with someone at headquarters who will help you with your needs. In addition to that, there is also Filtanet, a Filta Franchisee Support Intranet which came to be in June of 2004. This gives you a direct line into just what’s happening in the Filta Group and also, the ability to interact with other franchisees just like yourself. With Q and A sections, topic oriented discussion forums, an extensive business document library and useful business links, as well as online lists of chains already being served by Filtafry technicians and on line monthly reports, you will always have the information you need right at your fingertips.

The Filta Group knows that many of the franchisees they help to succeed are in business for the very first time and this is not something that goes unnoticed. They do everything in their power and go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that this is a mutually beneficial and profitable business, not just for them, but for the franchisees as well. After all, if you don’t succeed, they don’t succeed, and from the Initial Support Commitment right on through your successful franchise running smoothly- Filta is with you every step of the way.

Investing is a hazardous business.  It comes with a lot of risks, but offers the possibility of great rewards.  Good investments are not all about luck.  They are based on knowledge, research and good business sense.  Nowhere are these attributes more important than in the realm of franchise ownership.  Owning a business is more than just a financial investment, it is an investment of time and energy.

Franchise ownership requires a great deal more commitment than other, more passive forms of investing such as real estate and the stock market.  Franchise ownership requires you to not only put your money on the line, but also your time, your energy and very possibly even your livelihood.  However, business ownership also offers the chance for a significantly greater return on this investment than any passive investment ever could.   This Return on Investment (or ROI), is your bottom line in deciding whether or not a franchise is right for you.  You should have a clear idea of what you expect to get back from your investment of time and money, and should do the research to find out if the franchise you are looking at is capable of meeting those expectations.

Setting Expectations

It is important to set some realistic goals and expectations for what you want to get from your business prior to even starting up the search for an appropriate franchisor.  Realistic, however, does not mean that you should settle for less than want.  Looking to see a 15-30% return on your investment over the first few years of operation is not going beyond the realm of possibility.

It is important to keep in mind that what you can expect from your business relies on more than just the company your sign your contract with.  It is true that there are certain reasonable expectations you can establish for any given franchise.  However, whether or not your business meets its full potential depends largely on your own skill in running the business.

The 3 Rs

From the very minute you decide to explore the possibility of franchise ownership it is important to learn and adhere to “the 3 Rs”.  These are, quite simply:  Research, Research and Research Some More.  If you end up with a lemon, chances are you have yourself to blame for not informing yourself to the best of your ability in the initial exploratory stages.

Where to Find Information

There is a wealth of information out there, but it is up to you to search it out.  There are numerous websites dedicated to collecting data on franchisors and most financial publications collect and distribute data as well.  Once you have a good idea what you are looking for, ask your potential franchisors for their Franchise Disclosure Documents.  These documents will help give you an overall view of each franchises strengths, weaknesses and earning potentials.

Statistics and figures can only tell you so much, though.  If you really want a good view of what you can expect from a franchise, talk to those who already own them.  There is no substitute for practical experience in the field.

Owning a franchise is an active investment, and a wise investor gets active from the very start.  Making an informed decision based on thorough research can make the difference between success and failure.  The keys to success are there, but it is up to you to decide to pick them up.

Since 1996 Filta has been helping save money and reduce waste in commercial kitchens through its innovative and widely acclaimed FiltaFry oil and fryer management service.  In 2008 The Filta Group unveiled its newest line of energy efficient kitchen solutions.  The introduction of the FiltaCool line of products and services has opened up a whole new means for commercial kitchens to save money by decreasing waste and increasing energy efficiency.

“Filta is dedicated to saving our clients money, creating a safer work environment, and providing our partners with the tools to increase the quality of their product, all the while preserving the environment.” True to the Filta Mission Statement, FiltaCool provides all of the innovation and savings that have made FiltaFry an globally recognized name in fryer and oil management to the field of cold storage.

Moisture Management

One of the biggest problems in cold storage is the issue of humidity regulation.  Too little moisture leaves goods shriveled and dried.  Excessive humidity destroy compromises the cellular integrity of your foodstuffs, causing them to deteriorate more rapidly.  Furthermore, when moisture condenses and freezes on cooling coils it causes them to operate less efficiently.  This results in higher temperatures and extended defrosting cycles.

Moisture can also create hazardous and unhealthy conditions for staff and supply personnel.  Collected pools are also breeding grounds for dangerous and destructive bacteria.  FiltaCool filters regulate the humidity in your walk refrigeration units.  Your coolers will run more efficient and your perishable goods will last longer.

Optimizing Temperatures

Fluctuating temperatures can also present a problem in refrigeration.  Excessively low temperature can damage your products at the cellular level, leaving them mushy and unusable.  High temperatures in your cooler accelerate the growth of bacteria that destroys your produce and meat products.  The optimal temperature range for commercial cooling falls between 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit.  Achieving this can be difficult with inefficient coolers.  FiltaCool improves cooler performance so that your refrigeration unit can operate at ideal temperatures while using less energy.

Eliminating Odors

When food items are stored in close quarters with more pungent items, they can begin to absorb odors.  Certainly no one wants their produce to smell like fish, nor will your customers particularly care to eat it.  Unpleasant odors can accumulate over time and create an disagreeable environment for your staff, as well.  With FiltaCool, noxious odors can be eliminated, leaving your cool smelling fresh and preserving the quality of your foodstuffs.
Gases and Bacteria

Factors such as bacteria, oxidation, Ethylene gases and Pectin gases can accelerate food spoilage.  While these processes are occur naturally and cannot be prevented, they harmful effects of accumulation in confined coolers can be reduced.  FiltaCool filters control the level of gases in your cooler and help create a less active breeding ground for bacteria.

Energy and Maintenance

As with all Filta services, FiltaCool offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to cooler maintenance and regulation.  Because your cooler will run more efficiently, they will suffer less wear and tear and will use less energy.  Users report as much as a 10 percent reduction in the energy required to operate their cools when using FiltaCool filters.   These same businesses also report a 33%-44% increase in the life of their equipment.

FiltaCool offers businesses a whole new way to “go green” and save money.  With FiltaCool filters your business will use less energy, reduce waste due to spoilage, and extend the life of your coolers.