Franchise Fears; Still Fearful About The Economy?

New Real Estate Franchise Opportunity

New franchise: Nothnagle Realtors Real Estate Agency Franchise

Armand D’Alfonso, Nothnagle Realtors’ president and chief executive, recently announced that Nothnagle Realtors plans to offer franchise opportunities to real estate agencies across the country “similar to Century 21 and Coldwell Banker.” According to an article in the Democrat and Chronicle:

Nothnagle will initially offer franchising rights in cities such as Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany and areas downstate, said John Arquette, vice president of franchise sales and new business development… The most likely franchisees would be small agencies that could benefit from Nothnagle’s technological and marketing knowhow. Under a franchise arrangement, the agencies would remain independently owned.

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Nothnagle also has a history of franchising. In 1950, John T. Nothnagle opened the first Gallery of Homes at the Granite Building in downtown Rochester, where prospective buyers could view photos of houses for sale. Before that, houses were sold to buyers visiting the property. John Nothnagle franchised the concept and, at its peak, there were more than 1,200 galleries around the country. The gallery franchise was sold in 1983, Arquette said. The Gallery of Homes concept was the forerunner of today’s Internet marketing, said John Masters, broker at Nothnagle’s Greece office.

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Some competitors said Nothnagle’s plan makes sense because it reduces the cost of doing business for franchisees while enabling Nothnagle to become a national player. The company already ranks 36th in the country with more than $1.2 billion in annual real estate transactions. “It’s very difficult for a mom-and-pop to keep their costs down,” said Larry Mastrella, manager of RealtyUSA’s Pittsford office, explaining why a small agency in some other part of the country might want to affiliate with Nothnagle.

New Affordable Spa Skincare Franchise

Affordable spa skincare will come to Houston next month when Faces365 opens for business.

The franchise is based on an almost identical membership-based business model as another health-related franchise, Massage Envy.

Owners say the new franchise is aimed at a clientele that appreciates value, convenience and results. Faces365 will emphasize discounted services, extended hours and will operate 7-days-a-week. The new franchise specializes in facial treatments, waxing and, in some locations, teeth whitening.

Faces365 regional developers are Freddy O’Pry and son Lance, and Kenny and Neice Lang, who are former BP company executives. The O’Prys are also regional developers for Massage Envy in Houston and Dallas.

The Langs will provide franchisee training and operational support for the new partnership. The couple will open two Faces365 spas, including the Memorial/ Bunker Hill location. The O’Prys are also regional developers for Faces365 franchise locations in the Dallas/ Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio areas.

The new franchise will carry several lines of skincare products, including two marketed under the Faces365 label featuring natural, botanical-based formulas. The franchise will also offer the exclusive Yonka® skincare line.

Faces365 will offer customers a $49.99 introductory, 70-minute facial session that includes a personalized, comprehensive complexion analysis. Treatments include microderm, glycolic skin peels, facial and body waxing, brow-tinting and make-up application. The franchise serves men and women. A special teen program promotes early healthy skin care and provides services for acne problems.

Faces365 is membership-based, giving members substantial savings on products and services. Services will also be available to non-members. “Franchise locations are typically 2,000 square feet,” said Freddy O’Pry, “and generally cost between $300,000 and $350,000, with financing available for qualified applicants from several third-party banks. This will allow most franchisees to be in business with only $75,000 cash,” he said.

New Manicure / Beauty Shop Franchise Opportunity

Here’s an interesting new beauty salon franchise: :10 Minute Manicure.

According to its press release, the corporate mission of :10 Minute Manicure is to lead the market in express manicure and pedicure services. The company strives to excel in customer service and exceed industry standards on cleanliness, and promises to promote healthy nail care through its product offerings and services.

:10 Minute Manicure currently owns and operates 13 franchise locations in the United States and Canada including JFK International Airport, Toronto-Pearson International Airport and Dulles International Airport, among others. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, :10 Minute Manicure plans to continue its home state growth through franchise sales. The company is currently targeting airport and street locations in the cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Orlando and Fort Myers.

In the past decade, the manicure business sector has experienced exponential growth. :10 Minute Manicure entered the crowded market with the goal to elevate the standards and customer perception of the business. A few of the ways that :10 Minute Manicure separates itself from the competition are by using medical grade autoclaves to sterilize tools, nail polishes that are free of harmful chemicals, a time-based service menu to fit any schedule and a professional, inviting store appearance.

“:10 Minute Manicure keeps their customers’ health and safety in mind,” said Miami-based dermatologist Alysa Herman, MD, who serves on the company’s advisory board. “Their trained nail technicians and cleanliness practices are well ahead of the industry’s curve.”

Nationwide Floor & Window Franchisees Left to Fend For Themselves

(FranchisePick.Com)  5 years after purchasing a Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings franchise, John and Cheryl Feldman of Vallejo, CA were still happy with their franchise decision.  The system worked, the lifestyle provided what they had expected, and they were getting ready for the fellowship with other Nationwide franchisees at the national convention just days away.

Then they received an express letter telling them there would be no convention.  Their franchisor was out of business.

According to an article in the Times Herald Online, John Feldman had no idea the 17 year old franchise company was in trouble.  With little other choice, they changed their name to Concierge Coverings and are now running their mobile floor and window coverings showroom independently.

While the reason for the franchisor’s failure has not been made clear, the Feldman’s claim that the Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings business model and operating system were sound and they intend to carry on.

“We’re working on moving forward, but with much more experience than when I first got started,” he said. “And I’m still in touch with other former franchisees, so I still have resources I can draw on for support. And I won’t miss paying the franchise fee every month. It’s like the best of both worlds.”

Now that they’ve had some time to think about it, the Feldmans are warming to the idea of working independently, they said.

According to Cheryl Feldman, it’s scary to be starting over, but they’re optimistic that – with good vendor support – they’ll continue to build their business on their own.

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