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• How long has the franchisor been in franchising?
  Boatshed has been in business since 1999 and franchising since 2001
  
  
• Who does Boatshed.com bank with?
  HSBC, UK
  Wachovia, USA
  We also have the facility for sterling, dollar and Euro accounts
  
  
• How long is the term of the legal contract – can you renew it?
  The term is 5 years, plus 5 years. After 10 years the contract can be renewed by mutual agreement.
  
  
• How many franchisees/offices have failed?
  None.
  
  
• If the franchise/territory is a new market, what pilot scheme will Boatshed.com offer?
  Boatshed.com is keen to open in new markets and therefore will look at each new market on its own merits. If you are interested in opening in a new market, lets talk about it to see how we can launch the new business. Successful Pilots have already been run in UK, Europe and USA.
  
  
• What initial and ongoing training is offered? How much support is given in choosing and fitting out premises?
  Boatshed provides initial training courses in-house including the Boatshed Brokerage Course plus ongoing online courses. New bespoke courses are offered throughout the year for all offices to take advantage of. More online courses continue to be available.
  
  
• Is there a long term market for your goods or services, or is the franchise operating in a market subject to changes in fashion?
  Absolutely there is a long term market for this business, with the continuation of new boat sales, the second hand market continues to grow.
  
  
• Is the business seasonal?
  Yacht Brokerage used to be before the Internet, now the business functions all year round and since Boatshed.com has offices all over the world its always selling boats, plus sales have become less seasonal as costs customers profile boats more carefully and essentially pre-qualify themselves.
  
  
• What sales area is being offered? Is there a set territory?
  Territories are based upon approx 2000 berths. The option is also available to buy larger areas.
  
  
• Can you sell the business in due course?
  Of course you have the option to resell your business at any time, after all this is an investment for your future. You need to be aware that Boatshed HQ need to approve the new Owner before you complete the sale, and a new contract is issued.
  
  
• How many existing franchisees are there?
  Over 70 offices world-wide........For the full list click here
  
  
• Boatshed Operation Manuals: Are they well written and useful?
  Boatshed has developed a new Twiki based Boatshed Operations Manual which incorporates podcasts, vodpods and an easy search facility to help when you have a query.
  
  
• Does Boatshed.com arrange conferences for the Business Owners ?
  Its very important for the whole group to meet annually and share news, methods, best practices, ideas and developments. Boatshed has two conferences per year, one in Europe and one in America. All offices attend at least one. Plus online Forums mean a culture of communication and creativity are one of our main strengths.
  
  
• Is there a regular newsletter?
  A monthly newsletter gives monthly updates to all offices on Boatshed HQ movements, software updates, new offices coming onboard and any other interesting Boatshed news, league tables, ideas and competitions.
  
  
• Any other form of communication within the Boatshed Group?
  There are internal Forums where the brokers can share experiences and communicate so the whole group can learn. Boatshed is integrated with Skype and technical, brokerage, PR, design, legal questions are all centrally managed.
  
  
• How successful have people been?
  This really depends upon how much time and effort you put into developing your business in your local area. Offices have made up to 100K in the first year, some less. A business takes at least 3 years to build, so in the first year you must not expect to make big profits. There are plenty of buyers using the Boatshed website, its your local listings you need to find.
  
  
• How long before I start?
  We have training sessions every month, so as long as all contracts and monies are sorted, you can start training on the next available training course.
  
  
• Why don't I just set up my own Yacht Brokerage business?
  We get so many new business enquiries per day that we adopt the stance of we wont chase everyone who enquires, if you feel its right for you, contact us, ask more questions. We'd like to meet you face to face eventually and discuss how you could operate a Boatshed business. It has to be right for you and for the whole Boatshed Group. We are very proud that no Business partner has failed and we have only had a handful of resale's over the last few years. Being part of Boatshed.com you benefit from: Group International boat shows, the Brand, International PR, boat datafeeds to major MLS websites, meeting other like minded business owners, Annual conferences, Online Operation manuals, the worlds most advanced Brokerage software and customer management system, ongoing training, group support.
  
  
• What do I get for my investment?
  Each business partner receives a bespoke package in return for the franchise fee, which include:
  

• Internationally recognised brand and proven business system
• An agreed Area of exclusive business territory
• The Worlds most advanced custom built brokerage software
• Your own Branded Boatshed Website.
• Access to the worlds largest independent database of pre-registered potential buyers plus client & boat history
• Over 1700 existing boats that you can earn a commission share on
• Online system and operation manuals
• Central telephone and web client introduction service
• Membership and secure relationship with existing Boatshed Offices.
• 3 days Brokerage training theory course
• 3 days Live Yacht Brokerage Training at your nearest Boatshed Training Academy
• Ongoing online and telephone support plus network of contacts for help and advice
  
  
• How do I secure finance for my franchise?
  There are various different options available to you to gain finance for your franchise. For further information please visit the 'Financing A Franchise' or click here.
  We have good relationships with a number of lending institutes, contact us for their details.