Franchising: Key strategy for expansion

CEBU, Philippines - Because of franchising’s proven profitable results, many food and non-food companies in the country have been expanding their business through franchising with the goal of bringing goods and services to more consumers.

This is evident as more exhibitors from different industries join the 3-day 15th Cebu Franchise Expo which opened yesterday in SM City Cebu Trade Hall.

Around 80 food and non-food brands nationwide are showcasing their best products and services in the expo which will run until March 9. Participants include bakeshops, food stalls, convenience stores, medical services and others.

The Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA) is yearly organizing this event with the RK Franchise Consultancy, Inc. with the intention to showcase new homegrown industries entering the world of franchising.

Rudolf A. Kotik, the founder of RKFC, said that choosing franchising is a wise decision and a best business strategy for those people who have money at hand and want this to invest for bigger profit.

“What’s good about franchising is that you are not alone in running your business. The company is there to give assistance and training,” Kotik stressed. “Unlike when you put up your own business — you do it by yourself.”

Prospective franchisees are mostly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who want to invest their money in a safe and secured way and those who have extra money to try the big opportunities in the franchise industry, he added.

RKFC, the country’s leading franchise developer, is eyeing to develop 60 more franchise systems nationwide this year. Presently, the company has made more than 400 Filipino companies into a profitable franchising operation.

Kotik noted that many potential franchisees still choose the food industry as it surely draws patrons because of its undying demand from the public.

Though he said that non-food businesses still get the same opportunities saying that participants from the printing shops, drug stores, delivery services and others are now taking steps into franchising.

“It’s just good to know that very much accepted yung franchising sa Philippines. It has become part of people’s everyday lives,” he said. (FREEMAN)