When you hear the word “franchise”, you probably think of restaurants like McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s. But there are many more types of franchise businesses. One out of every three dollars spent by Americans for goods and services is spent in a franchised business. Homes are bought and sold through franchised real estate companies. These same homes can be insured, cleaned, painted and carpeted through a franchised business. Cars can be purchased, insured, tuned and washed through franchises. We can have our hair cut, clothes cleaned, and pets cared for, all in franchised businesses. We can travel from one area of the world to another through franchised business. Franchising is nothing more or less than a business strategy for getting and keeping customers. Franchising is a method of doing business. It is a method of marketing a product and/or service which has been adopted and used in a wide variety of industries and businesses. Franchising offers people the freedom to own, manage and direct their own business. However, as with any freedom, there are responsibilities. In franchising, these responsibilities have to do with the franchisee’s commitments and obligations usually spelled out in a franchise agreement or contract to the franchisor. The franchisor is the one who owns the right to the name or trademark of the business. The franchisee is the one who purchases the right to use the trademark and system of business. There are two different types of franchise arrangements: Product distribution arrangements, in which the dealer is to some degree, but not entirely, identified with the manufacturer/supplier; and Business format franchises, in which there is complete identification of the dealer with the buyer. Business format franchises offer the franchisee not only a trademark and logo but a complete system of doing business. Indeed, the word “system” is the key concept to franchising. A franchisee receives assistance with the selection of the business, personnel training, business set-up, advertising, and product supply. For these services, the franchisee pays an up-front franchise fee and ongoing royalty which enables the franchisor to provide training, research and development, and support.
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I'm interested in owning my own Estrella Insurance agency. How do I get started?
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We would love to have you join our Estrella Family! You would be part of a growing family of 200 locations nationwide. Joining the Estrella Team gives you the great opportunity to own your own successful business with a system in place that is proven to work. To get started, you need to complete the initial Request for Information and then a free brochure will be sent to you by regular mail and by email. After receiving all the information, you fill out the Request for Information and we will contact you to schedule an appointment or a conference call with our Development Department.
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How much is the franchise fee?
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The franchise fee is $25,000 (USD).
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How much does it cost to open an Estrella Insurance agency?
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The total investment is approximately $49,500.00.
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How much are the royalty and advertising fees?
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Estrella Insurance franchisees pay a Royalty of 1.50%–2.1% of sales (14% agency revenue) and 0.70%–1.0% of sales (7% of agency revenue) for the Advertising Fund.
Great question. The answer is not easy to explain. But in our FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document), there is a section that addresses this and will give you a history of the previous year. However, the actual results will vary depending on your ability to manage, your specific location, local marketing and your ambition.
Franchisees generally have an easier time securing bank loans than their independent business owner counterparts, because they have the backing of an established trademark and marketplace experience of their franchisor. Banks generally point to lower default rates on franchise loans. In addition, several lending institutions specialize in franchise loans, catering almost exclusively to franchising. Lenders who specialize in franchise financing are listed on the International Franchise Association’s website at www.franchise.org. Look for the supplier business district, then go to the financial services category. We have a company that offers financing for those who qualify; you need from 20%–30% down payment and reasonable credit.
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Will there be training and support?
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Our initial training is six (6) weeks long, after you have obtained your Insurance License. We are dedicated to the success of our franchisees. Franchise owners are assisted in every step prior to opening, as well as the continual support from our management staff. Extensive training is provided periodically to enhance the owner’s ability to maximize the income potential.
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How do I find the perfect location?
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Once you are a franchisee, our Site Selection team will assist you to find locations. We make recommendations based on demographics, population and traffic. We will help you negotiate the best possible lease. You should also have an attorney explain all the legal aspects of the lease.
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Who will build my location?
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With our direction, you will build it with local contractors.
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I am eager to get started. How long does the opening process usually take?
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Once you start the process, it should take between 3–6 months to the Grand Opening.
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What is a Franchise Disclosure Document and how do I obtain the document?
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The two important documents are the Franchise Disclosure Document and the Franchise Agreement. Every franchisor is required by the Federal Trade Commission to prepare an extensive disclosure document for each potential franchise purchaser. Perhaps no other business is required by law to provide as much information to prospective buyers and franchisees. Over twenty different items of information about the franchise are included in the disclosure document. These items include information about the history of the company, required fees and investment costs, information about the franchisor, and any litigation in which the company has been involved. Also describes in detail how the Estrella Insurance franchise relationship operates and will specify how the company is organized. It will also contain franchisee contact information so that you can contact our owners to get the information needed for your research. When you are given the disclosure, you will be asked to sign and date a statement expressing that the document was indeed given to you. No money can be taken for the franchisor for fourteen (14) days from the time you signed the disclosure. The fourteen days affords you the time to study, evaluate and prepare your financing (this time period may vary from state to state). The disclosure document should be studied carefully. Once you fill out the Request for Consideration, we will send you a PDF version.
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What is a Franchise Agreement?
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You should carefully study the franchise agreement. This document sets forth the expectations and requirements of the franchisor. It also describes the franchisor’s commitment to you, the franchisee. Included will be information about the territorial rights of the franchisee, location requirements, training schedule, and other items the franchisor has determined important. The franchise agreement is detailed and specific because, when it is signed, it affects four parties: (1) the franchisor, (2) the new franchisee, (3) other franchisees who are a part of the franchise family, and (4) the public who will purchase the goods or services from the franchisee.
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What is an Area Developer and/or Multi-Unit Franchise?
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An individual or group looking to open more than one location in a specific area/county. A typical Area Developer will buy the rights to develop a county or several counties; a development schedule is designed by both you and our management team for a specific reasonable number of years and locations.
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Are there any opportunities in my area?
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As we continue our expansion, there are always new opportunities. Completing the Request for Consideration is the first step in the process of learning about these new opportunities.
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Are there any existing Estrella Insurance agencies for sale?
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We will inform you if there are any at the time you inquire.
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I am a landlord with available property that would be great for an Estrella Insurance location.
Would Estrella Insurance be interested in my location?
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Maybe. Our Development and Real Estate Department will analyze each location with demographics, traffic count, etc., and determine if that location is suitable or not.
Once you had a chance to review our brochure, then you can apply by filling out our Request for Consideration.
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I have more questions about how to get started. Who can I contact?
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You can call us at our Franchise Department at 1-888-511-7722, ext. 223, or email us at Franchise@estrellainsurance.com.
