Entrepreneur magazine has announced the top ranking franchises of the year.

Entrepreneur magazine released its 31st annual rankings. The 500 franchises on the rankings demonstrate a 2.9 percent increase from 2008's numbers, proving that franchises are growing as a whole in spite of the recession.

Subway franchises took the number one spot overall, likely because of its cost-conscious, $5-sub deal. Magazine editors predict the shop inspired many similar $5 programs that helped increase the ranks of other delicatessens; 21 sandwich shops made the ranking overall.

Other top ranking franchises included McDonald's, 7-Eleven, andSupercuts. This demonstrates a trend of serving budget-minded consumers among growing franchises.

Such information could prove especially useful for burgeoning entrepreneurs in the current economic climate. Amy Cosper, editor of Entrepreneur, says, "The recession is adding momentum to the pursuit of entrepreneurship and self-employment. For the growing numbers seeking business ownership opportunities, franchising can offer advantages like having established products or services."

Indeed, franchising might be a smart move for starting entrepreneurs and current SMB owners, alike; according to the Franchise BusinessReview, the wide range in franchise prices makes it as feasible for Americans at most budgets to buy one, and with limited SMB loans, "using other people's money" to expand business could be a savvy move.

ACFN is North America's only ATM franchise and are ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009

Airline Pilot Navigates through the Turbulence with ATM Franchise Business

A former employee of large airline and Captain in the US Air Force, Michael L, recently completed the first step to owning his own business with ACFN, the California based ATM Franchise Business

Michael left with a number of options when he decided to take a leave of absence from his career as an airline pilot. The decision came after he saw many of his co-workers being let go and realized that an absence came with the option of returning at a later date.

The airline industry has taken hard hits in 2009 with Delta Airlines shedding l2100 jobs, Continental laying off 1700 and United Air Lines an additional 1050 workers.

Another recent story in Business Week reads "US Airways Defers 54 Jets Amid Finance Squeeze"

Michael knows that the skills he’s acquired here and during his time as a pilot in the US Air Force will also be keys to his success and reinventing himself.

The business he chose is the American Consumer Finance Network ATM franchise, which Inc Magazine named as "one of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in 2008" and Entrepreneur Magazine has listed in the “Top 50 Franchises in 2008"

Michael researched many businesses before deciding on ACFN. He liked the fact that they provided an intensive training program and support and that he could grow and scale the business overtime, as he saw fit.

Michael L is experienced in taking challenges head on. He comments, “The people that are the most organized and determined will be the most successful in any entrepreneurial endeavor, my years in the Air Force and with the airline definitely taught me those skills.”

“ACFN is known for its commitment to equipping franchisees with all the tools necessary to build a profitable business, providing business and technical training to their franchisees via an intensive 3 day course at company headquarters in San Jose, California which I attended” says Michael

Jeff Kerr  agrees with him, mentioning, “Our business model is highly versatile. Those with the tenacity to build a larger business can, and those who choose to run a smaller business also have that option.”

Michael says, “I did my homework and took a leap of faith, and success is going to continue to happen for me.”

About American Consumer Financial Network ("ACFN")

ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”.

Video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqplU0Ye7Bw

96 N. Third Street Suite 600
San Jose, CA 95112            
888-794-2236
http://www.acfnfranchised.com

http://www.prlog.org/10449381-airline-pilot-navigates-through-the-turbulence-with-atm-franchise-business.html

A Financial Opportunity in a Down Economy - American Consumer Financial Network - ACFN ATM Franchise

San Jose based, ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley, offering a proven method of business success and remains unshaken even in the grip of this recession, showing organic growth of 35%.

With the economy still struggling to get back on its feet, many people are still in search of more original means to financial security. Skyrocketing levels of unemployment have even pushed some to delve into the world of business ownership. Yet the rash of recent store closures has left many wondering what can be done to prevent loss and ultimately business failure.

Even tried and true business models like that of Blockbuster, with its 960 store closings, and Starbucks, with their 300 store closures, are reporting colossal loses with no sign of short term improvement.

Still, some are determined, and have launched headfirst into projects of many different shapes and sizes, from the exclusively online to the normal brick and mortar. While physical business locations might be more comfortable for some, this does not mean that the process is an easy one to arrange. For example, factors such as location, need, and profitability are all arenas that must to be intensely explored.

When investigating a location to launch a business, it is customary to employ research professionals to assess proposed locations to determine the likelihood of operating a thriving business in that area.  Still, the predictions generated by these individuals are not without their drawbacks and are by no means absolute. Armed with innovation, ATM business, ACFN has overcome the brick and mortar disadvantage by granting their business owners the opportunity to relocate when profits do not meet set standards.

ACFN’s proven model of success lets franchisees reposition their products in the most important sense. The right to move an ATM from a contracted location is built into the franchisee’s agreement with every vendor.

President of ACFN Jeff Kerr notes, ”Our goal is to make every ATM placement a success and with ACFN’s experienced market research team and best-in-class marketing, we achieve that goal most of the time". For those locations that fall short of expectations, in contrast to the typical retail franchise where there are little to no solutions for this problem, we have built in down-side protection by including the right to remove in our agreements" adds Kerr.

"This unique feature of our business has been particularly beneficial in today’s volatile market allowing franchise owners to protect their investment and maximize their profits”. says Avi Blankroth, Executive Vice President of ACFN

In a time of no guarantees, the chance for a ‘do-over’ can definitely be appreciated. ACFN’s ATM franchise is a recession proof way to prosper in any economy.

About American Consumer Financial Network ("ACFN")

ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”.

Video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqplU0Ye7Bw

96 N. Third Street Suite 600
San Jose, CA 95112
888-794-2236
http://www.acfnfranchised.com

# # #

ACFN is North Americas only ATM franchise focused on providing ATM services to hotels and other travel and entertainment based businesses. Providing ATM services since 1996, franchised in 2003 with 135 franchises, 1200 ATM Machines in the US and Canada.

Veterans Opt out of Corporate America and Into the ATM Franchise Business with ACFN

They are among the nation’s elite when it comes to leadership, teamwork and getting the job done, so how do they work all of those skills into a stable, long-term career ?

Charlotte, NC - Of the approximately. 80 million small businesses in the U.S., four million are owned by US Veterans and 400,000 small businesses are owned by service-disabled veterans. 

In the meantime, those veterans looking to get their feet into a small business are still having difficulty during this recession, as millions of Americans are.

Veterans are frequently overqualified for most entry-level jobs in terms of the technical expertise they have gained on the battlefield, yet they may not be quite experienced enough for mid-level jobs. They are among the nation’s elite when it comes to leadership, teamwork and getting the job done, so how do they work all of those skills into a stable, long-term career?

ACFN. a California based ATM Franchise Business is offering returning veterans the opportunity to start their own business, and fast.

Brian G, a veteran of the US Marines, is one of the many veterans who found his future with ACFN. After considering a transition into the corporate world, Brian instead opted to take a chance on business ownership. Now he operates a number of ATMs in his home state.

Brian’s main objective in owning his own business was the possibility of rapid expansion. He mentions, “I wanted to grow my business as fast as possible to produce an annual income large enough to sustain myself and my family. ACFN offered that without any major challenges.”

President of ACFN Jeff Kerr built his business with those goals in mind. He intended to create a business that was extremely flexible and allowed franchisees to dictate the size of their business without any drawbacks. He comments, “An ACFN business is very flexible and in most cases can be molded and scaled to fit a franchise owner’s specific set of circumstances.

"By allowing franchisees to retain their jobs and other business activities they have the benefit of rolling their ACFN profits directly back into their business to grow their business at a faster pace.”

VP of Sales Robert Harris, adds “Many of our franchisees have enough profitable locations to support themselves and so they choose to use their extra income exclusively for business growth. It’s a proven system and continues to make many of our owners very happy.” Over ten percent of ACFN Franchisees are Veterans.

The Veterans Administration is collaborating with the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration to certify Veteran owned small businesses and service disabled Veteran owned small businesses for listing on the Federal Supply Register, which enhances their visibility and competitiveness, creating jobs for Veterans.

The SBA also partners with micro-lenders and other financial institutions providing small loans of up to $35,000. The Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan exists in case the vet’s business suffers economic damage after he or she is activated for duty. Another program, the Patriot Express Loan, is available to veterans, disabled vets, Reserve and National Guard members and spouses.

About American Consumer Financial Network ("ACFN")

ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”.

Video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqplU0Ye7Bw

96 N. Third Street Suite 600
San Jose, CA 95112
888-794-2236
http://www.acfnfranchised.com

# # #

ACFN is North Americas only ATM franchise focused on providing ATM services to hotels and other travel and entertainment based businesses. Providing ATM services since 1996, franchised in 2003 with 135 franchises, 1200 ATM Machines in the US and Canada.

Are You Seeking an Alternative Income Stream - ACFN ATM Franchise Business

While owning a business can be intimidating, it can also represent a fast track to job security. Looking at the types of businesses available shows that people are also looking for a lifestyle change, especially as they reassess their priorities during this downturn.

The US jobless rate fell back to 10 per cent in November as the economy shed the fewest jobs since the recession started two years ago, in an improvement suggesting the labor market is beginning to heal.

President Barack Obama challenged a group of 130 business leaders, union heads, economists and others to figure out ways to create jobs during a Jobs and Economic Growth Forum at the White House last week.

Although unemployment currently sits at 10 percent, according to a report released Friday, the government has limited resources to create jobs, so private industry must be integral in fighting the problem, said the president.

"While I believe that government has a critical role in creating the conditions for economic growth, ultimately, true economic recovery is only going to come from the private sector," said Obama in his opening remarks to the group

Since launching the franchise division in 2003, ACFN has over 135 Franchises operating 1200 ATM's in the U.S. and Canada

"The key to our business model is that anyone can operate it successfully,"said, Avi Blankroth, VicePresident of ACFN " "One of the best features of the ATM Franchise business is that it not only provides a high return on low investment, it requires very little time to operate" adds Mr. Blankroth

The ACFN Franchise Fee is $29,500 and includes:

1 ATM Machine.
Corporate training in California.
Complete support in all aspects of operating your ATM network.
ACFN locates and contracts qualified host locations in your area for you.
A few hours a week is all that is required.
Long term residual income..
Prior experience not necessary - ACFN trains you.

President of ACFN Jeff Kerr built his business with those goals in mind. He created a business that was extremely flexible and allowed franchisees to dictate the size of their business without any drawbacks. He comments, “An ACFN business is very flexible and in most cases can be molded and scaled to fit a franchise owner’s specific set of circumstances.

About American Consumer Financial Network ("ACFN")

ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”.

Video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqplU0Ye7Bw

96 N. Third Street Suite 600
San Jose, CA 95112
888-794-2236
http://www.acfnfranchised.com

Key Questions Before You Buy Into a Franchise

Before buying a franchise business, a great many issues must be considered. If you pick the wrong franchise in haste, you could be regretting the decision for a long time to come.

To help you avoid some of the major pitfalls, we have identified ten factors you should consider carefully in your decision about whether to become a franchise owner. The list has been compiled by some very experienced franchisees, and all the information is based on direct experience, near misses, and stories we have heard ‘from the trenches.’ We hope that by reading this article, at least a few people will be prevented from making a very costly error in judgment.

How would your franchise business be affected by economic ups and downs?


All economies are cyclical and, as recent history has shown, there are times when global, national and local factors result in economic slowdowns which can last many years. What impact will a change in the economy have on your prospective business? Typically during difficult economic periods, luxury products and services as well as nonessential goods and services will suffer more than those seen as cost-saving or essential items and services.

How dependent is the franchise on a specific type of area or socioeconomic mix?


Most franchises start from a single business in a single area. The success of that initial operation and perhaps a subsequent pilot, are often the basis for the entire franchise operation. However, the area the business started in and the area you will operate the franchise in are likely to be different (different ratios of houses to businesses, blue-collar to white-collar workers, high-income to low-income residents, different levels of competition, etc). Evaluate the impact of these differences on the franchise’s earning potential.

Will the franchise operation as a whole survive if there is a change of ownership or change of management?


Some franchise operations only succeed due to the influence of the founder or the current owners or management team. What would be the impact of a change in the owner/manager of the business? Do you think the product and operating model would work equally well regardless of who owned/operated the franchise group? A change of management may well have the effect of turning a well-run business into a poorly-run nightmare.

Does the franchisor have the right management structure in place to be proactive in developing and refining the business?


New ideas and approaches to business are essential and necessary functions of the franchisors for the long-term survival of the franchise. Ask about their experiences and how they intend to keep competitive over the long term? What ideas do they have for product/service growth? What flexibility will you have as a franchisee to change the product mix, marketing or pricing strategies?

Are the profit margins high enough for you to pay the franchise fees as well as yourself?


When reviewing financial forecasts for the business, be sure to establish the net profit after franchise fees are paid. Often, the numbers quoted look great, but do not include the monthly fees you will be charged. Depending on the franchise, these may include both fixed amounts and percentage fees based on your business volume.

Do the products or services being offered have some element of uniqueness about them which is exclusive to the franchisor and, ideally, patented?


If your franchisor is not offering a unique product or service, then it is highly likely you will face direct competition from other franchises, independent retailers and chain stores. Open a magazine about franchising and you will see that many industries have franchise businesses offering very similar products or services. Factor this in when looking at the income levels quoted by your franchisor. If a competitor opens next week, will your income potential be halved?

Many small businesses have closed due to the power of supermarkets. Could this happen to your franchise?


Supermarkets and big chain stores will reach into markets and niches that have a high degree of profitability and/or will build their customer numbers (eg, photo processing, dry cleaning, newspapers, books, DVDs etc). If there is enough profit, supermarkets will look at any business opportunity and will often have the resources to enter the market. Supermarkets are a great convenience for most of us, but you do not want to be in competition against them.

Will the franchisor permit you to speak to any of the franchisees he has up and running?


A good franchisor will give you a list of all franchises currently operating and let you choose the people you wish to speak to. It’s also a good idea to talk with franchisees who closed their operation, and find out why. Talking with franchisees who sold their business could give you a realistic estimate of the equity potential. Due to the pressures of running a business, not all existing franchisees will be willing to talk with every potential franchisee. Bear this in mind, but do try and speak to as many as possible, ideally five or six.

Piloted and fully audited franchise operations give the best chance of success.


You can further mitigate the risks of buying and operating a franchise by looking at franchises accredited by the International Franchise Association. (For additional information and advice, visit the IFA website at franchise.org.)However, this does not guarantee success, and less-proven franchises may work very well. Also, the more established a franchise is, the higher premium you will have to pay for it.

A good franchisor will encourage you to visit their headquarters.


They will encourage you to work with them for a day, and they will give you all the information you ask for and not pester you for a decision.Ideally, your franchisor will go a step further. If they truly want you to succeed, they will vet your suitability as a franchisee (instead of just verifying that you have the money). We suggest you do the same thing by having a credit agency check out the franchisor, directors, and key financial staff.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of the factors that make a good franchise, but should give you some key areas to consider. Take your time, take care, and heed the advice of experts.

The Franchise Expert is a team of experienced franchisees based in the UK. For more franchise advice, visit  at TheFranchiseExpert.com.

Printed from ArticlesBase.com - 10 Key Factors In Selecting A Franchise.

About American Consumer Financial Network ("ACFN")

ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”.

Video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqplU0Ye7Bw

96 N. Third Street Suite 600
San Jose, CA 95112
888-794-2236
http://www.acfnfranchised.com