Since franchising is a new concept for growing food, we are providing the following information to describe franchises in general.  For more information on greenhouse franchising please click on the link for the comprehensive research report by our founder or click on Sustainable Growing Centers.

Many people think of franchises in terms of opening only one unit or a one territory service concept. Many don't know that options exist in looking at more than one unit/territory. The Master Franchisor is usually reserved for large territories or countries overseas.  They have more responsibility and usually share a higher percentage of the royalties.  They have the highest franchise fee and are required to build a greenhouse of their own.  The benfits are they recieve the income form their franchisee's and their greenhouse operation.  This format is reserved for those who have a strong desire to develop the concept and reap the largest rewards.

SINGLE UNIT FRANCHISE

Franchisee buys the right  to develop a single unit.  You open one unit onlly.  You have a defined territory and usually can't expand outside that territory, unless you buy more territory.

 PROS

•Lowest cost entry into franchising.

•If a single unit meets your goals: income, lifestyle, quality of life, etc., you've found a great business!

•Options exist to maximize flexibility - Owner can be hands on, absentee or semi-absentee.

AREA DEVELOPER/MASTER

Some franchisee's elect to grow by having regional representatives develop the market for them. Entrepreneurs who have the financial strength, and the desire to develop a larger territory,are a good fit.

PROS

Area developers share in the initial and ongoing royalty fees with the franchisor.

 •Small staff needed to run.

•They bring new franchisees into the program; provide some of the initial training and ongoing support, perhaps provide regional marketing/advertising; they drive the market on a bigger scale. This could be a number of counties, a whole state, or multiple states. 

•The Developer is removed from the day to day operations. They are not required to purchase and run a greenhouse unit.

•An ongoing revenue stream is created.

•Risk is spread among many franchisees.