|
Frequently Asked Questions |
- How quickly can I expect to be in business?
We hold training for new franchise owners every other month. Therefore, after you factor in the time it takes to determine if Discovery Map is the right business for you or not, you can be in business rather quickly.
- Do I need to have experience in the publishing business to become a Discovery Map franchise owner?
No, we take on the responsibility of developing your map for you. Discovery Map creates a custom, fully illustrated map of your town or city on your behalf after you are awarded a franchise.
- How will I know if my community is a good market for a Discovery Map?
If you decide to investigate our franchise opportunity, a representative of Discovery Map will show you how to gather the information you need to make this decision. Obviously, you don't want to make any mistakes regarding the market you choose and neither do we.
- There is already a business offering a map in my community. How can I compete?
This is not unusual. Most businesses have some form of competition. The map business is a very fragmented and made up primarily of small "mom and pop" owners. When a major player like Discovery Map enters the same market, we become the threat that intimidates the competition. In fact, in several cases we have driven the competition right out of the market.
- How are maps distributed in each Discovery Map market?
There are a variety of different strategies used to go about setting up a wide distribution network for your maps. These strategies will be discussed with you as you continue your investigation of our franchise opportunity and later taught when you attend our training.
- I have never heard of Discovery Map. How do I know the company will still be around a few years down the road?
Actually, Discovery Map has been in business since 1987, but has only been franchising for a short period of time. Since announcing our expansion plans through franchising, Vicki Starr our founder and president, has made it her goal for Discovery Map to become the dominant player in the map publishing business. Currently, we are listed in Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 500 franchises in the U.S. (of which there are over 5,000). In addition our maps can be found in the U.S. Library of Congress as historical representations of the markets our franchisees serve.
- What kind of training is available?
We provide comprehensive initial and ongoing training and support for you. For more information about this process, refer to the Training & Support.
- What kind of fees do I have to pay Discovery Map?
There is a one-time franchise fee you pay to obtain the licensing rights to operate a Discovery Map business in your exclusive territory. Unlike most other franchises, we do not collect an ongoing royalty fee, which can save you thousands of dollars during the ownership of your franchise.
- Is financing available?Discovery Map does not provide direct financing ourselves. On the other hand, we are happy to advise you on the options that may be available and refer you to potential lenders that can help you.
- What kind of marketing assistance do you provide?
We have an integrated marketing support program for our franchise system, including custom marketing materials, and press/public relations support.
- How many employees do I need to hire to operate a Discovery Map franchise?
Actually, you do not have to hire any employees. There is no need to hire employees unless your plans include owning multiple franchise territories and/or building a bigger business.
- What is the term of the franchise agreement?
Most franchises offer 10-year agreements and we are no different. At the end of 10 years, you can renew your franchise agreement for another 10 years.
- Can I sell my Discovery Map franchise business?
Absolutely! Many of our franchisees that were in the corporate world became frustrated because they could not earn any equity for their hard work. They bought a Discovery Map franchise so they could build equity and have something of value to sell when the time came.
- What happens if I am interested in Discovery Map, but cannot meet the financial qualifications?
It depends. Undercapitalization is the biggest reason for business failure. Obviously, you don't want to fail, and naturally, we don't want you to fail either. You may know of a family member or friend that can help you out. On the other hand, the timing may not be right and you might want save a little more money and contact us again later when you are better capitalized.
|
|
|
FAQ