Why Investing in Sustainable Franchises is a Great Idea
Businesses have to be sustainable. One reason is that they’re highly likely to fail if they’re not sustainable from a business standpoint. The long- and short-term has to be planned for and the financials have to be in order, and if there isn’t a good idea then the business isn’t sustainable. Another reason why businesses have to be sustainable is because they can be at the forefront of sustainability. More consumers want the businesses they’re buying from and interacting with to increase their sustainability by being aware of their environmental and social footprint.
Choosing to invest in a business that is not only sustainable but also focused on sustainability seems to be an excellent business decision. It can be a daunting thing to have to consider sustainability when starting your own business, which is why it might be easier, more efficient and cost-effective to set up a franchise where the business structure is already in place to consider sustainability in all the senses of the word. We’ve put together a couple of the franchises on the market that are focused on sustainability. From our own experiences, we’ve found strength in having the franchise and franchisee working together towards sustainability. It helps us to optimise our boats, docks and personnel, ensuring high-profit margins and low environmental impact.
The franchises here are definitely not an exhaustive list, but rather to show that there are a variety of franchises focusing on sustainability or who’s product or service is based on becoming more sustainable. There’s are franchises in all markets that are geared towards sustainability because at the bottom line it’s more profitable and it makes you more attractive to your customers.
Image Copyright: GoBoat ApS
Experimax
With locations available in the United States and globally, this sustainable franchise has since its beginning in 2012 sold over 100 franchises. They specialise in sales of pre-owned Apple products, repair of laptops, phones and tablets, trade-ins and sales of accessories. The service is in itself sustainable and encourages sustainable consumption of technology. They make it easy and simply for customers to use their service and provides plenty of support for new franchisees to ensure they’re successful.
Coffee-Bike
With low fixed-costs and a high-margin product, this franchise has over 90 franchises globally. It was started in Germany in 2011 after seeing the potential of having coffee on wheels rather than paying excessive fees for shops in the centre of cities. Coffee-Bike have a CO2-neutral concept and use certified organic products where possible, ensuring a low carbon footprint both from their product and their service. The business structure gives consumers an easy sustainable option, where they have to put in minimal effort all whilst not having to give up their own routines and luxuries. Coffee-Bike have found a new and exciting platform in an already developed and much-loved market.
The Veggie Wave
A slightly newer kid on the block, Veggie Wave started in Lisbon creating delicious juices. They use blenders that are powered by someone cycling on a stationary bike, in order to reduce their electricity consumption. They’re also actively reducing the food waste they’re producing and only use biodegradable PLA for their cups, straws and lids. Even their speakers are powered by solar power. They have proven that a business based on a sustainability concept is in fact sustainable. They are expanding to more locations through franchising.
Blinkee.city
Making the most of the fast-growing transport market, blinkee.city provide electric scooters, mopeds and bikes for locals and tourists to use in cities. It started in Poland but can now be found throughout Europe. The scooters and mopeds are powered by electricity and are activated via an app making it easy and sustainable for users to get to their locations. They’re saving their customers time, money and emissions. These kinds of inner-city transport options are becoming more popular globally, so jumping on the bandwagon sooner rather than later might be the best option.
SuperGreen Solutions
If running a business helping other businesses become more sustainable is your dream, then SuperGreen Solutions is a perfect fit. They use their own sustainability solution that complies with ISO 14001 which enables their clients to lower operational costs, increase operating performance, give them a competitive advantage and market leadership. So far, they have helped over 350,000 companies in 150 countries. The franchises can be found in 80 locations in 18 countries, and as extensive training and support are supported any potential franchisee has to be passionate rather than an expert in the sustainable energy industry.
Copyright: GoBoat ApS
Our own focus at GoBoat has been on giving our customers a unique experience, where they can focus on having a good time, sharing it with others and simply enjoying a couple of hours on the water. Part of that experience has for us also been the fact that our boats are electric and therefore silent, which means that our customers can chat to each other and enjoy each other’s company without having to shout over the noise of an engine. Using sustainable power has in fact shaped our experience, given us competitive advantage compared to other boats on the water and has also made the experience better for our customers.
We believe there’s a lot to gain from focusing on sustainability in the business. It not only makes your business more attractive to potential customers, but it also means lower running costs and therefore higher profit margins. Businesses can pave the way for sustainability, whether it’s through building boats made from 80% recycled PET bottles, cycling around town with much needed coffee or helping other businesses become more sustainable, there are many options out there for someone looking to invest in a sustainable franchise.