The Franchise Industry: All You Need to Know

Thinking about entering the popular world of franchising? You have great timing. Why? After any long-running bull market, many analysts say the economy will enter a recessionary period and then recovery will begin. Economic indicators say the pandemic-induced economic downturn is over, paving the way for rebounds. This period of time when the economy is working to bounce back is ideal for investments because of lower interest rates for borrowers.

If you’re an entrepreneur thinking of partnering with a brand, the franchise model can offer the best of both worlds. It’s an investment opportunity that provides the benefits of business ownership within the safety net of a proven business model.

While many businesses suffered during the height of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, the franchise industry, although challenged in some sectors, managed to survive and in many cases thrive. A recent Forbes article explains that because franchise brands have the corporate backing, strong operational models and a network of owners who share their brand’s values to help them function as a unit. Seeing how the franchise industry weathered the storm overall should provide some degree of comfort as you prepare to invest.

Why Franchising Has Staying Power

Franchising has proven resilient over the years and is still standing. As evidenced by nearly a century of proof, franchising remains a reliable and effective form of business ownership today.

What’s the secret to the longevity of franchising, and what makes it a proven, effective model for so many businesses? A company gains success and decides to replicate its business model and have partners invest in the brand using that same model. Investors pay royalties and fees for the right to do business under the franchisor’s name and system. It’s a solid blueprint for successful duplication, with reduced risk of failure and huge growth potential for both parties.

Franchising Industry Is Growing

Today, there are more than 750,000 franchises in the United States alone, employing more than 8 million people. While the fast-food industry is perhaps the best-known franchise example, there is great success in the retail service industry as well. Growth is fueled by customer loyalty and recognition. Shoppers see a known brand and are more likely to shop there than their independent or brand-new counterparts. There is value for entrepreneurs to invest in a growth model that provides training and support, giving them the quickest return on their investment compared with starting a business from scratch.

Today’s Hottest Franchises

Moving forward, the hottest franchises are those with staying power — those whose business model has performed well both in and out of recessionary periods. Trusted brand names matter because it shows potential franchisees that the winning equation is adapting to consumer demand while maintaining a solid commitment to your business’s values. Plus, it’s important to look at the trends. What’s trending now in business are industries that cater to consumer spending habits in the service industry.

Case in point, the automotive aftercare industry. Globally, it’s a $400 billion industry that’s predicted to grow by nearly 4% annually through 2028. Due to the rising cost of automobiles, consumers are holding on to their cars longer. That in turn means they need a reliable resource for car care. Investors see that partnering with a reputable brand committed to serving their customers is the future of franchising. The stand-out brand is AAMCO.

AAMCO Franchise Opportunity

AAMCO is a well-known automotive franchise specializing in car repair, especially transmissions. People trust them for their expertise in complex car repairs. AAMCO’s successful business model, along with training and support, gives franchisees a profitable and lasting chance for success.

The widespread national presence of AAMCO franchises underscores the brand’s scale and universal appeal. AAMCO is the top leader in transmission repair franchises. They prioritize customer trust, strategic marketing, and strong support for franchisees. 

To learn more about starting a successful transmission repair franchise, request a free franchise information report.