I'm going to do it!

[Feralpeg]

I've made my decision. I am going to purchase a Candy Bouquet franchise. I've been wavering on it because I think I could do the creative side of a business by myself, but I have to own up to the fact that I know nothing about starting or running a small business. By purchasing a franchise, they will provide the training I need on both the creative and business side. The amount you pay for a franchise is based on the population in the zip code where your business will reside. Since I want to operate out of my home and the population in my zip code is relatively small (although growing rapidly), the franchise fee isn't too bad. I guess that is a relative term. It is still a large sum of money. But, it could be a lot worse. The other good thing is that my zip code is available. When you purchase one of these franchises, you purchase an exclusive territory. The fact that my area is available is good because I want to work from home. This year is the first year that I will actually be home when DD comes home from school. I want to enjoy that while she is still at home. I want to be available to take her to auditions when they arise. Her career is very important to her.

Now, the bad news. Because they are exclusive territories, I cannot solicit business outside of my territory (zip code). Disney property is not within my zip code. I code purchase the territory under the Disney zip code, but it would be MUCH more expensive and I could not work from home. That's not going to happen.

That being said, this will be my last post concerning my lovely candy bouquets. I don't think it is a problem making this post because I haven't signed anything with the franchise company yet. Going forward, to talk about my business could put me in breach of contract.

I will not be allowed to advertise my business outside my territory, but I confirmed with the company that I can sell to anyone who contacts me regardless of where they live or where the bouquet is to be delivered. So, guys, keep me in mind!

I want to thank all of you who've helped me make this decision. I really wanted to make sure that it would be something I enjoy before I launch into it. Although making some extra money will be nice, it really isn't about the money. I'm doing this because I want something to occupy my time without being tied down to an 8 to 5 job. I've enjoyed doing the bouquets I've already done and still have some to do for a few of you Disers that I think you will enjoy. Your feedback has been a real inspiration to me!

I will be going to Memphis sometime in the future for a weeks training. I'm not sure when yet, but I really hope to be up and running by the end of September. I plan on having a website. I know that is allowed. I hope you will all take a look when it is ready!

Don't worry, I'll be posting about lots of other things!

 

[WeirdEyes]

Good luck! I wish I had the guts to do this. You are sooo lucky! Congrats on making a good decision.

 

[doxdogy]

That is great news. Good luck to you. I am sure that you will do great at this business venture.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Congrats
And I am glad that you will be able to sell to anyone no matter where they are, because I have been thinking of contacting you for one.
Heidi

 

[perdidobay]

So if I contact you you could deliver to me when at WDW??
That would be great....
To guard against breaking franchise rules just pm me when you get it set up!

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Congratulations and Good Luck!

 

[Cruisin]

I, too, was planning on ordering from you when I go to WDW again.

Good luck on your new business!!!

 

[Blondie]

Best of luck to you for a successful future in your new business! By the photos I've seen, you'll have no problem!

 

[orvilleair]

Wow so territorial. Sounds like a good venture and hope the business becomes successful.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

Be careful about purchasing into the franchise. My brother is the owner/operator of a computer retail store that is part of a franchise. The franchise owner is an incredible motivator and could sell wool to sheep but he really isn't a man of his word. He promised onsite training and support and continuing support but he really hasn't come through as much as he led us to believe. My brother would have been better off taking his substantial financial investment and starting up his own company. Don't get me wrong, his store is very successful, but it's only because of his efforts and not the efforts of the franchise owner.

Just an FYI so you go into this venture with your eyes open.

Congratulations on putting your future in your hands and good luck to you.

 

[mommytotwo]

Good luck with your future. I'm glad that you have found something that you are excited about as well as great in doing. I wish you are able to advertise and such about it. Let me know the where abouts so that I can maybe purchase some in the future.

 

[chichihoney]

good luck with ur job

 

[Cruisin]

I have been thinking about the franchise you are wanting to buy into.

Make sure that you really do your research. Is it possible that you could take the money you were going to use to purchase the franchise and just use it to start up the business on your own??

I know it is a lot of work starting your own business (been there and done that and still doing it ) I don't know what rules and regulations there are about running home businesses where you live, you would have to look into those. But as to the record keeping needed to run a small business such as yours with you as the sole owner, should be relatively easy to do.

Just make sure that buying the franchise is really in your best interests.

Good luck.

 

[bcvprincesses]

Good luck. I think you will do great. I hope it all works out in the end

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Good for you!!

I think it is a wonderful idea that will really work for you. I know I'm willing to buy a candy bouquet.

As someone who has been following your posts, I just wanted you to know I am truly happy for you, and think you will do very well in this new business!!!

Congrats to you!!!!!

 

[sm4987]

Good luck in your venture. I hope that you can make the best of it and with a growing population, you'll have plenty of business

 

[dizneenut]

Best of luck to you.

 

[*Flower*]

There's a Candy Bouquet store in my area, and I stop there because they have a great selection of sugar free goodies!!

If this is the same thing.... you'll almost have too much work.

 

[mrsmom]

Good Luck! I think your will do a wonderful job with your Business.
Kim

 

[dizny4us]

Congratulations!! That is GREAT! Good luck with your new venture!