Frequently Asked Questions

A franchise is a business model in which a company, like GoJoe Patrol (referred to as a franchisor) gives other individuals (franchisees) the right to use its trademark to sell goods or services according to its terms. The legal contract for this arrangement is usually called a franchise agreement and is located in the Franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document which they are required to provide you.

The franchisee benefits from the company’s established business SOP’s and systems, recognized brand, training programs, and other ongoing support. These benefits are typically given in exchange for an initial investment, a franchise fee, and a set percentage of ongoing gross sales revenue (royalties).

The GoJoe Patrol brand is positioned in the growing and lucrative private security industry. Our brand stands out and can be started from a home office. When compared to other franchise options, our franchise brand requires relatively low franchise fees and equipment needed to get started.

Franchising is designed to make business ownership more accessible because the initial investment of time, money, and effort are generally less than starting a business from scratch and many franchise opportunities do not require “brick and mortar” investments. It’s much easier to get started growing and scaling a business when it is a known, reputable brand than it is to explain an unknown brand to customers who want to know they are hiring for their security needs.

So, how does franchising work? A company (referred to as a franchisor) gives other parties (franchisees) the right to use its registered trademark and recognized brand to sell goods or services according to the company’s terms and for a specific cost spelled out in its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Franchisees are independent, locally owned and operated businesses who are familiar with the location and community. The franchisee benefits from the company’s established systems and other support.

GoJoe Patrol makes franchising less painful for first-time business owners and seasoned pros alike. From our established systems and extensive training programs, we help our owners get started on their path to realizing their dreams.

Buying a franchise is a significant financial investment, but unlike starting a business from scratch, there are relatively less financial risks than going it alone. The franchisor can help you estimate the fixed costs required to get your business up and running. They have real examples to follow. These may include things like the investment for the franchise, a building or office space, supplies, employees, working capital, and opening inventory (if selling a product) and any ongoing, monthly fees.

A reputable franchisor will help you estimate how much working capital you’ll need so that you don’t run out of money before your business starts to turn a profit. They will also help you find assistance with funding options and SBA loans as it’s important to decide in advance how you will finance your business before you start shopping for a franchise that fits your needs.

Initial franchise cost varies significantly depending on the brand, industry, and territory. The initial investment for a GoJoe Patrol franchise is under $150,000, which is lower than many other franchise categories. Along with the initial costs of starting a franchise, there is the ongoing license or royalty fee to factor in as well. As mentioned, there are a variety of financing options available, and a Franchisor can help provide a better understanding of how this works and what to expect.

Being your own boss and securing the funding you need isn’t always out of reach. Here are some options for financing a franchise. Keep in mind that each franchisor may have a more specific list and requirements of acceptable financing options.

6 Ways to Fund Your Franchise

1. Self-Funded: Some franchisees choose to launch their business from existing funds they accumulated from a savings account, money market account, 401K, pension plan, inheritance, or from the sale of another business.
2. Commercial Bank Loans: With a strong credit score, this type of loan gives you the money upfront, and you pay it back monthly (with interest) over time. Talk to your personal financial institution about this option. Lenders are more likely to approve loans for franchises than for new, independent small businesses because franchises usually carry less risk, as they likely have proven business models and brand recognition.
3. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans: SBA loans operate similarly to commercial bank loans but with lower interest rates and longer repayment timelines because the U.S. Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loan amount. A good credit score will also be required here. GoJoe Patrol has two approved partners who specialize in helping franchisees secure SBA loans. Be sure to ask us about it.
4. Alternative Lenders:  Loans from alternative lenders operate like commercial bank loans, but they include some additional terms that will cost you. These loans may be smaller and have shorter repayment periods and possibly higher interest rates.. Many small business owners pursue alternative franchise funding if they’re unable to secure a traditional loan, primarily due to their credit scores.
5. Investment Account Rollovers: Rollovers as Business Startups (ROBS) is an often-overlooked option for franchise funding. If you have an inactive IRA or 401K, you could roll it over to fund your business. This option for financing a franchise is typically used in conjunction with an SBA loan. Make sure to include a financial advisor if considering these options.
6. Friends-and-Family Loans: A family member or friend you know and trust could loan you the start up capital and decide on the loan terms. Just make sure you create a contract and clearly spell out the payback assumptions. The terms should ideally include a lower interest rate and longer payback period than a commercial bank loan.

1. Proven Business Model & Coaching: When you join the GoJoe Patrol family, you're getting more than just a franchise. You're getting access to our proven business model and the support of our experienced coaching team.
   Our comprehensive training and ongoing support are some of the biggest advantages of joining our brand. This means that you can hit the ground running with confidence, knowing that you have a roadmap for success.
2. Contract and Documentation Support: One of the main challenges of starting a new business is getting all the necessary contracts and documentation in place. You will be provided with a Standard Operations Procedures (SOP) manual that has all the examples you would ever need to get started, along with coaching on best practices and weekly support calls.
3. Marketing Strategy:  Having a strong marketing strategy is critical for any business, and GoJoe Patrol can help you develop one that's tailored to your specific needs. In fact, few small businesses have access to the world-class marketing materials that come with joining GoJoe Patrol. From brand development to lead generation, we'll make sure you have the tools you need to grow your client list.
4. Hiring Support & Employee Training: Finding and hiring great employees is one of the most important things you'll do as a business owner. GoJoe Patrol can help you learn what you need to know, from conducting interviews to training employees. We'll also work with you to develop an onboarding program that will set your new hires up for success.
5. Reputation Management: In today's world, your online reputation is more important than ever. GoJoe Patrol will help you manage and protect your business with our comprehensive reputation management services. From monitoring review sites to responding to negative reviews, we'll make sure that your business is presented in the best light possible.
6. A Franchise Business Coach: When you become a GoJoe Patrol business, you'll be assigned a Franchise Business Coach from the beginning. This coach is actually one of the founders and owners of the brand and is someone who will be there to answer your questions, provide support, and help you navigate the franchising process from start to finish.
   Starting a new business can be an overwhelming experience and our franchise business coaches help fill in the knowledge gap and keep you in the loop on new information and resources regarding your brand.
7. Technology Support: Technology is a critical part of any business, and GoJoe Patrol has you covered with our comprehensive tech support services. Our RevSuite programs and systems will give your business a competitive edge from the start.
   We’ll also help you set up your systems, as well as teach you how to make the most of the latest technological tools. We even offer troubleshooting for technical problems! Our IT team will make sure that you're up and running in no time.
8. Networking Opportunities: As a Neighborly franchise owner, you'll have the opportunity to network with other owners and locations in our system. This is a great way to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and build relationships that can help you grow your business.
   Few things are more valuable to a new business owner than learning from those who have real-world experience in their industry, including the brand itself who runs several locations.
9. Community Impact: When you become a Neighborly franchise owner, you're joining a family of like-minded business owners who are dedicated to giving back to our communities and providing the best possible service to our customers. Few things are more gratifying than providing valuable services to the community and providing opportunities for others to thrive.
   If you're thinking about starting a small business, GoJoe Patrol is the perfect partner. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your business goals!