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Home: Video University Forums: Marketing & Business:
Video Franchises

 

 


X-Rudy_Ferguson
Imported Account

Mar 23, 2004, 4:56 PM

Post #1 of 3 (737 views)
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Video Franchises Can't Post

Hello everyone,
I'm a system admin for an Internet company been here for 10 years and looking for a change.
I've been working with video (shooting/editing) as a
hobby for a few years and am getting pretty good at it. I've done some training
videos for a real estate company and the local Rotary Club. All done with consumer
gear and a computer. I'm seriously thinking of turning my hobby into a business
and have been looking at these franchises like Videomasters and Home Video
Studio.
I'm leaning towards Videomasters because they do more production work. What's
holding me back right now is the "buy in" cost for these franchises and the fact that
the training is only 3 days .
My question to you guys is:
Have any of you guys dealt with or looked into these franchises? Do you think it's
worth the hefty startup cost or is it all sales hype? (I've tried calling some franchise
owners but havent gotten any responses yet)
Is there a better way to get started?
I was attracted to the turnkey factor and the fact that they have a method that is
supposed to help attract business and make money.
Would I be better off looking for a good business marketing course and buying
some high end prosumer gear instead?
I figure with all the video business in this group someone must have had an
encounter with these affiliates. I'm just doing my research and trying not to make a
$60k mistake.

Thanks for your help
Rudy
here's a sample of one of my little projects...it's rough i know
...but they liked it and i made some pocket money. :)
http://home.granderiver.net/~cygnus/rotary/sowtheseeds.mov


X-jim_colman
Imported Account

Mar 23, 2004, 11:07 PM

Post #2 of 3 (736 views)
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Re: Video Franchises Can't Post

"Would I be better off looking for a good business marketing course and buying
some high end prosumer gear instead?"
In a nutshell...yes. Start small and grow your business as business grows. I've worked for a very successful mom & pop video production company as well as the larger outfit that I'm with now. What both companies have in common is a strong business person guiding the operations. You can hire talented people to shoot and edit, but you have to make the business work.


X-Doug_Graham
Imported Account

Apr 9, 2004, 9:45 AM

Post #3 of 3 (741 views)
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Re: Video Franchises [In reply to] Can't Post

All the video franchises I've seen have been overpriced. And as far as I can see, there's no "name recognition" factor like there would be in a national fast food franchise.
Your best bet would be to get Hal's "Video Producer Home Study Course". Your initial purchases will be:
-paper and pencil (or your word processor) to write a business plan.
-some business cards
-A phone line
-A roll of stamps
"Where's the video gear?" I hear you wail. It'll come...when you need it. Start researching gear now, so you'll have an idea of what to get later on. But restrain yourself from pulling out that credit card until you NEED a piece of gear for an actual job. Even then, consider whether renting the gear will make more sense than purchasing it.
Video equipment is a depreciating asset, and in these digital days, it depreciates faster than ever. Buy it only when it's needed, and you can justify the purchase based on a solid income projection.
Meanwhile, keep practicing with the gear you DO have, to hone your skills. It won't cost you a thing, and will add greatly to your self confidence and your value to your clients.
Regards,
Doug Graham