Advice needed

[Michael_of]

Good morning all

Just a quick post. I am looking for something - well my wife is - associasted with property. Despitee the current downturn, this remains one of the best asset classes (ignore the popular press), although you would need an enormous amount of capital to make a living letting property.

With this in mind, we are turning our attention to associated services. Recently we have come across a company called "Property Cashpoint" - has anyone heard of them?

I would like to find out what I can before parting with our hard-earned (and even harder saved) cash.

On a more general point, what should we be finding out about a franchisor?

[Indizine]

I've moved this to the franchise forum.

[wood1e]

I don't know a lot about them, I am sure they are good.

But what can you do with them that you cannot do yourself?

[Indizine]

Just a quick point, but one thing this thread can't do is encourage and naming and shaming so if anyone has something not good about them to say, they might prefer to PM you, otherwise comments have to remain constructive here.

I think the second question is in fact the better of the two, because you should undertake due dilligence in any purchase.

[JoebeeKenobi]

...I think the second question is in fact the better of the two, because you should undertake due dilligence in any purchase.

Great advice! They are a very new company by the looks (incorporated in early 2009 according to Companies House). I've not had experience with Property Cashpoint myself but a quick search revealed alot of redundant listings on franchise directory sites for this franchise. This may just mean they are currently not recruiting so best advice if you are considering them as a serious option is:-

• Contact them directly (they do come up in a Google search).
• Arrange to visit their offices so you can see their setup
• Ask for a list of some of their existing franchisees so that you can get a real idea of how the franchise is currently doing 'on the ground'. This is very important seeing as they appear to be such a new company and proving a franchise system does take time.
• Contact the BFA (British Franchise Association) to see what they know of this franchise

Hope that helps

[Michael_of]

Thanks Joebeekenobi for this reply. It is good advice.

I have already arranged a visit to them just after Christmas, and await seeing their set up.

Will contact BFA as well - thanks for that.