When you’re looking for an amazing franchise opportunity, trending market conditions should certainly play into your decision. But it’s also important to look at the big picture.
Take brick-and-mortar vs. online retail, for example. If you’re going from what you hear on the news, with e-commerce on the rise and Amazon reigning supreme, you might be hesitant to take on a retail franchise. But splashy news articles don’t tell the whole story, especially with a business model like an auto styling franchise that combines retail and service.
Online Isn’t Everything
It’s true that retailers can’t afford to ignore online sales these days, but remember that people still want — and need — to buy items in the real world. According to Statista, e-commerce accounted for 10.2% of total U.S. retail sales in the first quarter of 2019.
That means that almost 90% of U.S. retail is happening in brick-and-mortar locations. Even when you remove categories like gas stations and grocery stores, only 20% is online. Consumers still enjoy visiting stores, and they identify with brands they can see in their communities every day.
But Consumers Want Convenience
Real world and online don’t have to cancel each other out. Retail franchises have the opportunity to create the perfect blend of in-person service and online convenience through franchise e-commerce platforms.
Look for systems that allow customers to research products and services online, purchase online for delivery or in-store pickup, schedule services online and more. Different franchise systems handle e-commerce in different ways, but you should look for a franchise that provides robust support for e-commerce or even handles it at the headquarters level.
Why? Because setting up, maintaining, monitoring and trouble-shooting and e-commerce site is a full-time job. You’ll already have a full-time job — as a franchise location owner. When the franchise maintains the e-commerce site, it’s a win-win.
High-Tech from Day One
Tint World® has always been dedicated to leveraging the latest technology and online tools to help our Tint World® business owners succeed. From easier internetwork communication to better online sales and search engine optimization, we prioritize the latest tech in all our operations.
If a cutting-edge automotive franchise seems like a good fit, we would love to hear from you. Just download our franchise kit for more information.
