14th Cebu Franchise Expo to showcase 300 prospects

CEBU, Philippines - With the robust growth of the franchising industry in the Philippines at present, prospective investors and companies from Visayas and Mindanao could make the most of the 300 franchising opportunities that will be showcased in this year’s 14th Cebu Franchise Expo from March 8 to 10 at SM City Cebu Trade Hall.

The 3-day expo will have 80 booths, featuring 70 national exhibitors of which majority are from the food franchising industry.

RK Franchise Consultancy founder Rudolf Kotik said that compared to previous years, the 14th Cebu Franchise Expo shall be participated by new companies this year such as Suds Laundry, YTC, 7-Eleven, Minute Burger, Arte Man printing, Doc Alternatibo, Cocomangas, and Star Car Wash.

The Verband Management which is the first company in the Philippines which engages in professional mystery shopping to uplift customer service, marketing research and professional business brokerage will be launched during the event.

He added that there are also repeat exhibitors who joined the expo again to have additional franchisees.

The Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA) together with RK Franchise Consultancy organized the exposition to provide an avenue for franchise buyers to find their “franchise of choice”.

Other exhibit partners include PLDT SME Nation, Julies Bakeshop, Bubi Trampoline, O’Hair Salon, Myface n Mynails Salon, LBC Logistic Solutions, FranchisingPH Magazine and Franchise.ph Webportal.

For the last 15 years, Kotik noted that the franchising industry has increased tremendously of at least 20-percent growth in the Visayas and Mindanao that helped the country in terms of the current steady business climate.

He further cited that 60% of the growth could be attributed to the food franchises while 30% to the beauty and wellness industry.

He also said that malls have the advantage of getting franchised facilities as leaseholders.

However, he added that the retail industry particularly the clothing industry is the least growing business for franchise with the emergence of ukay-ukay stores and cheaping ports.

Kotik said that franchising benefits investors since they venture into a business that is something tested and proven profitable while it also helps companies to expand nationwide at a lower cost.

“For investors, best way is to franchise. You make a money out of it. Now it’s also easier for companies to expand their businesses if venture into franchising since they use other people’s money,” he explained.

The least capital for franchise carts amounts to P250 000, he said.

With that minimal amount, he then advised investors to be wary with scam franchises.

“Be careful with scams. They may seem cheaper since what they want is only to get your money. Pay first before you get the contract – that is how their system works,” he said.

RK Franchise Consultancy assists business owners who want to have their business developed into a franchise system.

This year, Kotik said that the licensed franchising company and a FIFA member aims to develop 65 companies.

During the 2012 expo, RK Franchise Consultancy exceeded their targeted 53 developed companies with an additional of 12 businesses.

Seminars will also be conducted by Kotik as a senior franchise consultant during the three-day expo.

Topics will include Franchising 101, its benefits, demands and advantages, how to select a franchise, mistakes by franchise buyers, franchising a business, legal franchise requirements, franchise operations manual, the future of franchising and franchise opportunities.

Assisting companies in obtaining trademarks to secure its exclusivity, FIFA will also conduct a seminar on trademarking which is also a pre-requisite for franchisors.

The expo will run during mall hours with free entrance while every visitor gets a free copy of FranchisingPH Magazine.

FIFA started in 2005 and now has 400 member companies.  (FREEMAN)