For ambitious entrepreneurs, Warby Parker may seem like a good business opportunity. It is true that Warby Parker is a successful company, but for businesspeople looking to both operate an optometry practice and own their own business, purchasing a franchise like Pearle Vision may be your best alternative.
The Differences Between Franchising and Corporate-Owned Stores
Warby Parker franchise opportunities are like ocean-front property in Arizona – they do not exist. Warby Parker stores are part of a publicly traded corporation. All Warby Parker’s locations are owned by the corporation, and employees of the corporation work in each location.
While being the manager of a Warby Parker location may be appealing, and might even be the right move for some, it’s not the equivalent to owning a business. One of the primary differences between owning a franchise and working for a major corporation is in location ownership and control.
With a corporate location, because the location is owned by the corporation, all the profits made by that location go to the corporation. The site manager and staff are paid wages or salaries, and they operate under the direction of the corporate leadership.
A franchise like Pearle Vision operates in a very different way. In a franchise, the franchisor provides the franchisees with a ready-made, proven business model and a brand under which to operate. The franchisees own their own locations, hire their own staff, and have free reign with their operations, so long as they stay within the brand’s standards and guidelines.
The Benefits of Franchising over Corporate Employment
While a Warby Parker franchise may not be available, there are other optometry franchising opportunities out there, like Pearle Vision. These opportunities come with certain benefits that employed corporate site managers can’t access, such as:
- As a franchisee, you not only own your own location – you also keep the profits your location makes, minus a few set fees for things such as brand licensing and support services.
- Franchises like Pearle Vision have a scalable business model, meaning you can expand your operation and open more locations as you are able, giving you access to more markets and increasing your potential revenue.
- Franchisees have more operational autonomy. Pearle Vision franchisees, for example, are able to set their own patient exam hours, hire their own staff, and more. While franchisors do set brand standards to which franchisees must adhere, these are generally much more flexible than corporate policies.
- Franchisors provide a number of different support services, including initial and ongoing training, marketing, advertising, technology, and administrative assistance. They also provide franchisees with advice and suggestions based on the franchisor’s industry experience.
For businesspeople looking for a way to switch from being an employee to an employer and business owner, franchising is an alternative to corporate-directed management that allows you to open your own business while still receiving guidance and support you wouldn’t get trying to go it alone. Starting your own business is a big step to take, both professionally and personally, and should be a choice made after thorough research and careful consideration.
Start Franchising with Open Eyes through Pearle Vision
Pearle Vision offers the opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and longstanding business investors to open an optometry franchise. The company has years of experience to provide candidates with the support they need to pursue success. Submit a franchising form today to learn more about franchising with Pearle Vision.
