Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 26 to 33 of 33

Thread: Want to open new Optical shop, thinking of going with a Franchise

  1. #26
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter Java99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Texas
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    1,178
    Quote Originally Posted by cocoisland58 View Post
    It was a percentage of the monthly store deposits whatever that might be called. Both of these businesses were owned by opticians and franchising was a way to get started. They both ended up going private in the end. One still exists and is doing well.
    I can see a franchise being a good way to get started, especially if you want to company support and advertising, or are in a large area with lots of competition. I can't see wanting to stay a franchise, unless you're making so much money it doesn't matter, like the Chick-Fil-A Franchisees do. There's one just across the parking lot from me, and he's won an award every year he's been open for sales. Now that I think about it, I'm surrounded by franchises. Chick-Fil-A, a tax place, a salon all in the same parking lot basically.

  2. #27
    Master OptiBoarder
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Jacksonville, Florida
    Occupation
    Optical Laboratory Technician
    Posts
    1,012
    Our last PV we started cost us around 350K up front, royalties are somewhere between 15-20% of gross. We opened 04/2008, we just started making money this year (thanks recession!).

    You better be in it for at least 10 years if you are looking for a gravy train. My current office is a 13 yr. old PV franchise and things are really GOOD right now!
    Clinton Tower

    The intellect to live free is in short supply
    ALT248=°

  3. #28
    Ophthalmic Optician
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    USSA
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    12,591
    Quote Originally Posted by Java99 View Post
    I can see a franchise being a good way to get started, especially if you want to company support and advertising, or are in a large area with lots of competition. I can't see wanting to stay a franchise, unless you're making so much money it doesn't matter, like the Chick-Fil-A Franchisees do. There's one just across the parking lot from me, and he's won an award every year he's been open for sales. Now that I think about it, I'm surrounded by franchises. Chick-Fil-A, a tax place, a salon all in the same parking lot basically.

    Chick-Fil-A has a unique recipe, and a specific way of doing business, plus you know that you will get the same, consistent product and service...every time, regardless of where you are.

    On the other hand, I optical franchises have little to offer in the way of uniqueness, with the exception of maybe one-upping the competition on the best BOGO sale, or gimmicky tag line. You can't buy ChickFA chicken just anywhere, but you can buy a Versace or a Coach from just about anywhere.

    Now if you really want to make money and be unique, let's talk FezzJohns...
    Ophthalmic Optician, Society to Advance Opticianry

  4. #29
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter varmint's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2002
    Location
    Arizona
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    746
    I was thinking of opening up an animal psychologist office...I can picture it now. sorry Mrs Jones, I'll need to speak with your dog alone...that'll be $400.00. I think he will need a couple more appointments before you start seeing results!!!

  5. #30
    Ophthalmic Optician
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    USSA
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    12,591
    Quote Originally Posted by varmint View Post
    I was thinking of opening up an animal psychologist office...I can picture it now. sorry Mrs Jones, I'll need to speak with your dog alone...that'll be $400.00. I think he will need a couple more appointments before you start seeing results!!!
    Just out of high school, my best friend and I were going to open a pet cemetery. We had a 55 gallon drum with holes in it for the crematorium, and figured after we sold them a headstone, we could toss the carcasses into the dumpster behind the local IGA.

    I figured it was a slam dunk. (I still think it would've been). My parents nixed the idea.
    Ophthalmic Optician, Society to Advance Opticianry

  6. #31
    OptiBoard Apprentice
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    New Jersey
    Occupation
    Optometrist
    Posts
    25
    I would not recommend franchising. I made the mistake in 1996 of buying into a franchise. I have been unassociated with this franchise for 6 years and it is still affecting me financially. Stay away from franchising an optical store and stay away from franchising in general. The harder you work, the more money they take and your are left with not much to show for it.
    Last edited by njeyedr; 04-09-2012 at 11:21 AM. Reason: misspelling

  7. #32
    Master OptiBoarder RIMLESS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Florida
    Occupation
    Optometrist
    Posts
    424
    Quote Originally Posted by njeyedr View Post
    I would not recommend franchising. I made the mistake in 1996 of buying into a franchise. I have been unassociated with this franchise for 6 years and it is still affecting me financially. Stay away from franchising an optical store and stay away from franchising in general. The harder you work, the more money they take and your are left with not much to show for it.

    Ditto..............
    90% of everything is crap...except for crap, because crap is 100% crap

  8. #33
    Ophthalmic Optician
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    USSA
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    12,591
    Post #31 is right from the horses mouth, and should answer your question. It's hard to argue with someone who has been there and lived it.
    Ophthalmic Optician, Society to Advance Opticianry

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. anyone own an optical and or franchise? need advise
    By v8 in forum General Optics and Eyecare Discussion Forum
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 08-27-2012, 10:03 PM
  2. Anyone thinking of the online optical store's big impact on our traditional retail?
    By Firmoo in forum General Optics and Eyecare Discussion Forum
    Replies: 157
    Last Post: 02-04-2010, 05:10 PM
  3. Franchise vs. Independent Optical
    By eoptics in forum General Optics and Eyecare Discussion Forum
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 02-12-2008, 06:20 PM
  4. How many opticians will open their optical shop finally?
    By caonimaxuebi in forum General Optics and Eyecare Discussion Forum
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 10-05-2005, 10:56 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •