If you’re considering buying a franchise, you might have come across Cruise Planners. It’s a franchise that specializes in travel planning and offers various services to its customers.
But the question is, is Cruise Planners a good franchise to buy? Let’s find out.
What is Cruise Planners?
Cruise Planners is a home-based travel agency franchise that was founded in 1994. The company has over 2,500 franchise owners across the United States and is affiliated with American Express Travel. Cruise Planners offers various travel services, including cruise bookings, land vacations, and all-inclusive resorts.
The Benefits of Buying a Cruise Planners Franchise
1. Strong Support System: One of the benefits of buying a Cruise Planners franchise is the strong support system provided by the company. They offer extensive training programs for new franchise owners and ongoing support for existing ones.
2. Established Brand: Cruise Planners has been in business for over 25 years and has established itself as a reputable brand in the travel industry. This can be beneficial for new franchise owners as they can leverage the brand’s reputation to attract customers.
3. Low Start-up Costs: Compared to other franchises in the travel industry, Cruise Planners has relatively low start-up costs. The company provides new franchise owners with all the necessary tools and resources to get started without breaking the bank.
The Drawbacks of Buying a Cruise Planners Franchise
1. High Royalty Fees: One of the drawbacks of buying a Cruise Planners franchise is the high royalty fees that you’ll have to pay. The company charges an 11% royalty fee on gross commissions earned by its franchise owners.
2. Limited Flexibility: As a home-based travel agency, you’ll have to work within the guidelines set by Cruise Planners. This can limit your flexibility in terms of pricing, marketing, and other aspects of your business.
3. Competitive Industry: The travel industry is highly competitive, and it can be challenging to stand out in a crowded marketplace. As a franchise owner, you’ll have to work hard to attract customers and differentiate yourself from other travel agencies.
Conclusion
So, is Cruise Planners a good franchise to buy? It depends on your goals as a business owner and your willingness to work within the guidelines set by the company.
While there are some drawbacks associated with buying a Cruise Planners franchise, the benefits such as strong support system, established brand, and low start-up costs make it an attractive option for many entrepreneurs looking to start a travel agency business. Ultimately, it’s important to do your research and weigh the pros and cons before making any decisions.