A lot of people might think of huge names and huge stores when they think of franchises. But, really, most are small businesses. And like every other small business owner, small business franchisees are budget-conscious. You have to be. But certain investments for your business are essential, and in the case of awnings, they can repay you handsomely over many years.
No matter how cost-conscious you are, small business franchise owners have many options when it comes to awnings.
Good planning is not an option.
All to often, small business owners feel they “don’t have time” to plan carefully. There are so many things on your to-do list, the thought of adding something else seems overwhelming. You want to get things done. Crossed off that list.
But taking the time to understand your awning options can keep you from making a costly mistake, one you’ll regret for a long time. It keeps you from overlooking better, more cost-effective awning choices that could actually help grow your business. If you don’t think clearly about what you want your small business franchise awning to do, you may end up with the wrong tool for the job. And that’s no way to treat your budget.
Is your franchise a restaurant? A gym? A tax service? Where is it located? Small business franchise awnings can:
- Help you stand out from neighboring stores, so it’s easy for people to locate your place of business and your entrance.
- Identify you by name and logo, introducing you to potential customers not already familiar with your franchise. Awnings can serve as your primary signage, promoting your business day and night, all year long. No other marketing is more cost-effective.
- Provide shelter for customers and strangers, too – shade from the hot sun, protection from rain and show and even wind. Potential customers like a good neighbor.
- Spiff up your exterior. Whether you’re just looking for style points or you need to do something about a less-than-alluring building, small business franchise awnings can do the trick nicely.
You don’t have to cut corners with quality.
Insisting on the highest quality materials for your small business franchise awning will ensure you get the best return on your investment. That’s because quality lasts. Cheap materials will cost you more in the long run, wasting your time and money on repairs and looking shabby before you budgeted a replacement.
You don’t have to cut corners with appearance.
You’re never stuck with “just the basics,” no matter how restricted your budget. With hundreds of fabric colors and other options available, your small business franchise awning can pack plenty of power in the good looks department. That’s important, because your awning makes a first impression on potential customers – it has to be attractive and inviting, intriguing even. Even elaborate awnings can often be surprisingly affordable.
Off-the-shelf makes the least sense for small business franchise awnings.
The grab-and-go quickness of snaring an awning from a retail store may seem tempting indeed. But especially for a small business franchise, this is a tremendous mistake.
First of all, your corporate franchise headquarters undoubtedly has some official rules you must abide by concerning awnings for your store. A ready-made awning is unlikely to meet those qualifications. Second, aside from the structural specifications, you need awnings that exactly reflect your official colors, incorporate your logo, etc. That’s way beyond what you can get with a pre-manufactured awning.
And thirdly, those store-bought awnings aren’t intended for business use. You need something more durable to ensure a long-lasting investment.
Calling an awning professional is the best thing you can do for your budget. An expert that knows awnings and also knows how to work with small business franchise operations can give you the personalized guidance you need to design small business franchise awnings that meet all your needs and keep your budget in check, too.
