Cybercrime is a pressing issue that involves people misusing technology to illegally make money, and it’s causing major headaches for many businesses, including franchise owners. The damage done isn’t just a drop in the ocean—it’s significant and growing.
Franchise businesses are not immune to these digital threats; in fact, they are in danger of serious harm if they’re not careful. That’s why it’s critical that they act now to shield themselves as much as possible from these risks. But it’s not just about defense. They also need to prepare for new rules that the government is preparing up to curb the rise in cybercrime. We will talk about the types of franchises in Australia and discuss cybersecurity for business franchises.
Types of Business Franchises in Australia
Service Franchises
The listed franchises focus on delivering services to their customers instead of selling physical merchandise. Many of these service-oriented franchises fall under the umbrella of mobile businesses and can be found within the corresponding mobile franchise category.
Consider companies like Valenta BPO, Mail Boxes etc, and Snap Print and Design for business services; BathroomWerx for home improvement; Mortgage Choice and Expense Reduction Analysts for financial services; Bridgestone Select for automotive care; Action COACH for business coaching; Listen to Your Body for personal fitness; Quest Apartment Hotels and Sports Star Academy for hospitality and sports training; and Home Caring for healthcare services.
Video Game Store Franchise
Transform your passion for gaming into a thriving venture by exploring the exciting opportunities in video game store franchising. Embrace a career that combines fun with financial gain, leveraging a business model that’s been repeatedly validated for franchise success. The franchise system is built on robust support and meticulous training provided by the franchisor, ensuring each new outlet operates smoothly and profitably.
While all video game store franchises share a core passion for gaming, their services can vary significantly. Certain stores focus on the buy-and-sell market, offering trade-in deals on pre-owned games and gaming systems. Others expand their repertoire to include DVDs. You can combine a game store with a club or a spare parts repair service. Of course, gaming clubs are especially vulnerable to cyber attacks. In this case, you need to take maximum security measures, including using a reliable VeePN, implementing advanced admin controls and strong authorization measures.
Product Franchise
A product franchise system involves a franchisee – essentially a distributor – operating as a sales outlet. In Australia, common instances of this model encompass petrol stations, corner shops, and car dealerships. Such arrangements allow the franchisee to engage in wholesale, retail, or other forms of distribution for the franchisor’s goods or services. Typically, product franchisees receive the exclusive privilege to market and sell the specified products within a designated territory.
Manufacturing Franchise
In franchise models focused on manufacturing or processing, the franchisor delivers expert guidance or essential components necessary to create, fabricate, or process a specific product or service. These types of franchises are typically operated by processors or manufacturers. Within Australia, such systems are predominantly seen in the food and beverage sector.
Mobile Franchises
Franchises on the go, like mobile businesses, cut costs by ditching the traditional store. With no storefront to rent, they bring services directly to customers, proving resilient even during challenging times like the COVID pandemic. Their adaptability extends to various business models and services.
Consider ventures such as PACK & SEND and Aussie Pooch Mobile, which redefine convenience. From Graffiti Eaters to Wheel Change U, services are diverse. Gutter-VAC focuses on maintenance, while Nurse Next Door and Senior Helpers cater to in-home care. ANZ Mobile Lending even brings banking to your doorstep.
Cybersecurity Tips Business Franchises
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, securing your personal and organizational data is paramount. Simple yet effective measures can help fortify your defenses against cyber threats:
- Regular Data Backups: Establish a cadence for daily backups to ensure your valuable data can be restored in the event of an incident.
- Robust Passwords and Authentication Measures: Create strong passwords or phrases and implement multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- VPN: a reasonable security measure is to download and widely use VPN on work devices. Even if employees connect from home, they must use a VPN.
- Controlled Access: Implement stringent access control with well-defined restrictions to prevent unauthorized entry into your systems.
- Training: Equip your team and associates with the knowledge to spot potential cyber threats and understand the protocol for reporting suspicious activities.
- Cyber Insurance: Maintain a current cyber insurance policy to mitigate any financial losses that cyber incidents might incur.
Australia’s Most Popular Franchises
7-Eleven: Australia’s Leading Convenience Store Franchise
Commanding a dominant 33.5% market share, 7-Eleven stands as the premier convenience store chain in Australia. Complementing its dominant position, it also leads as the foremost independent fuel retailer along the Eastern Seaboard, boasting about 470 locations selling Mobil branded fuels. With an extensive network, 7-Eleven executes over 214 million customer transactions annually, amounting to a staggering service rate of seven customers every second.
Franchise Investment: AUD 400,000 – 1,000,000
Laser Clinics Australia: Top-tier Aesthetic Treatments Franchise
As the most seasoned brand in laser hair removal, cosmetic injections, and skin treatments, Laser Clinics Australia sets the benchmark since its inception in 2008. Starting its franchising journey in 2013, the company is actively expanding with franchise opportunities available in Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and New Zealand. Currently, the brand boasts of a strong presence with 125 franchises throughout Australia & New Zealand.
Franchise Investment: AUD 290,000 and above
Just Cuts™: A Cut Above the Rest in Salon Franchising
Established in 1980 and franchising since 1990, Just Cuts™ enjoys a stellar reputation and track record within the salon industry. Offering franchisees a well-defined, successful framework, Just Cuts™ ensures a streamlined transition into business ownership. The network proudly supports 190 active franchises.
Franchise Investment: AUD 80,000 – 240,000
Roll’d: Innovative Leader in Vietnamese Cuisine Franchising
Pioneering the Vietnamese food franchise space in Australia, Roll’d has established an impressive tally of 60 stores nationwide. Roll’d has perfected the art of serving traditional Vietnamese street food with a contemporary twist, catering to the taste buds of the Australian market. With a growing trend towards healthy eating, Roll’d positions itself as an attractive franchising venture.
Franchise Investment: AUD 400,000 plus
PoolWerx: Australia’s Foremost Pool Service Franchise
With over a quarter-century of expertise, PoolWerx leads the pack in the pool cleaning and servicing industry in Australia. The brand’s robust franchise system pairs 100 retail stores with 300 mobile servicing units to cover a wide range of client needs. PoolWerx is devoted to fostering prosperous partnerships through superior support, marketing, and business development strategies offered to their franchise partners.
Franchise Investment: AUD 110,000 to 500,000 Plus
Conclusion
Franchise business models offer a plethora of advantages for brands, such as the influx of capital, a surge in brand recognition, and streamlined expansion trajectories. However, these perks can be significantly undercut if franchisors neglect to tackle the security risks associated with franchise-operated employees.