I've Decided On Buying A Service Franchise

After researching many types of businesses, I decided to pursue the service oriented carpet cleaning business - Chem Dry. There are a couple of franchises selling in the area, and I am going to make an offer on 3 of them.

My goal is to buy all three, consolidate them, cut expenses by having one home office and increase marketing efforts by using one (rather than three) name.

I decided on the carpet cleaning business for a couple of reasons. First, it's a very simple and understandable business. I believe I will be able to learn the business quickly and use my past management/marketing abilities to improve profits.

Second, it's a high cash flow business. I can not afford to be in the red as I build my business. I need to make money on the first day.

Third, and lastly, it's a very low overhead business. It's hard to grow a business in the Bay Area when you are worried about paying 7-10 thousand dollars in rent each year. The carpet cleaning business can be run from your home. You hire good people, train them and than get them jobs.

One last thought, I considered starting my own carpet cleaning business...but decided against it. I would rather pay a little more in financing each month for an existing business than build one from scratch. Building from scratch is tough and when you are in need of cash flow...can be a very unforgiving and costly experience.