Released on: June 19, 2008, 9:33 am

Press Release Author: Richard Simtob

Industry: Electronics

Press Release Summary: "If you are thinking about buying into a franchise
opportunity," says Richard Simtob, President of Finance and Development of Wireless
Toyz, "make sure you understand exactly how much support is provided. The way
franchises are set up can range from just the basic operation, giving you the
licensing right to use the brand, to a complete turnkey operation, a business
package that is so complete that all one must to do is "turn the key," open the door
and voila: instant business."

Press Release Body: "Do-it-yourself" or "Turnkey"
Franchising offers a range of options

Farmington Hills, Mich. - "If you are thinking about buying into a franchise
opportunity," says Richard Simtob, President of Finance and Development of Wireless
Toyz, "make sure you understand exactly how much support is provided. The way
franchises are set up can range from just the basic operation, giving you the
licensing right to use the brand, to a complete turnkey operation, a business
package that is so complete that all one must to do is "turn the key," open the door
and voila: instant business."

It may sound too good to be true, and of course, nothing is totally turnkey, but
according to Simtob the concept has caught on for a number of businesses.

"Would-be franchisees must make sure the mix of services and support fits both their
needs and their budget. Obviously, the more you pay, the more you get. For some busy
entrepreneurs, being able to open their doors faster with less time invested is
worth every penny," he says.

Simtob's franchise analyzing credibility is based on an enviable track record. He
co-founded Talking Book World, a chain of retail outlets specializing in audiobook
rentals, and propelled it from concept to a 45-store chain in under six years. He
went on to manage the expansion of the Wireless Toyz franchise network, opening 66
new stores in 2006 to a current total of nearly 200 locations. As President of
Finance and Development, he is taking Wireless Toyz Cellular Superstores; ranked No.
169 in the "Franchise 500," No. 98 "Fastest-Growing Franchise" and No. 1 in the
"Wireless Stores" category for 2008 by Entrepreneur Magazine; into national
mega-chain status. Many considering the franchise route to wealth routinely seek his
advice.

"In a true turnkey package," explains Simtob, "everything would be included; from
finding the site, surveying the local market and buying supplies and product; to
completely building out the unit, hiring and training staff, preparing and placing
advertisements and securing memberships in the local Chamber of Commerce and
networking organizations.

"Many companies offering so-called turnkey functionality provide only a partial
program," says Simtob, "they probably do some things, but not everything. For
example, it is almost unheard of for the franchisor to hire staff.

"A potential disadvantage in these packages lies in the cost attached to the package
components," he says, "one should expect volume discounts on the components needed
for the business due to the buying power of the chain. At the same time, one should
expect to pay a fair amount for having someone else do all the work."

Future franchisees who have done their homework know they will pay an upfront fee
and ongoing royalty payments to the franchisor to get their business up and running.
There will be additional costs if it is a turnkey operation.

One way to discover if the turnkey package you are considering has all the elements
needed to "open the doors," is to thoroughly discuss it with existing franchisees.
Did they experience real value in the turnkey package they received? How does their
package compare with other turnkey offers? Did the process go as smoothly as
promised by the franchise salesperson?

If franchisee feedback isn't conclusive, ask the franchisor to provide a complete
breakdown of individual components and costs. Ask if the labor costs to provide this
service are a separate line item or if they are built into the cost of the
components, then decide if the trade-offs are suitable to you.

"In my experience," observes Simtob, "if the franchisor is making turnkey claims
without really delivering turnkey capabilities, existing franchisees will know it
and won't hesitate to tell you so. So, take time to thoroughly investigate any
franchise opportunity, making sure their track record is strong and dependable, then
validate your findings with existing franchisees."

"The kind of passionate people who tend to succeed in our franchise system generally
want to flex their own entrepreneurial muscle and make operational decisions
themselves," says Simtob, "many have asked for additional support going into the
relationship because of time constraints and other business endeavors. We work with
people on a case-by-case basis to build the kind of relationship they want with us.
The key is to look for a good balance between system rules and franchisee
independence. Most of our franchisees want substantial, but not overly rigid
guidance in the areas of real estate, store layout and design, ongoing operational
field support, business analysis, training manuals, marketing and advertising.

"Of course, there is no right or wrong option," concludes Simtob, "every franchise
opportunity is different, as is every man or woman considering the franchise way of
doing business."



Web Site: http://wirelesstoyz.com/franchise

Contact Details: 28740 West 13 Mile Rd. Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Mi 48334

866-2FRANCHISE

Franchise@wirelesstoyz.com