You use the term “at a quick glance” but we have been trying to figure this out, and have had a hard time verifying your claims. Could you share how you know about these Franchises?
Because they are customers. Two operations in NC that regularly shop with us. Same with PA. Others in the system as well. One I see is the Washington franchise that recently shut down.
Update: In our morning meeting John fills me in that the owner of Men In Kilts has confirmed that there are only two franchises left in the US. Many of the customers in the system have just switched to operating their own businesses without the franchise.
Oh wow.
The Men In Kilts franchise went on Dragons’s Den a couple of years back. On the show they made a deal with one of the dragons. But the deals made on the show don’t always pan out after the fact. Not sure where they stand now but I still have a few in Canada that buy from me. Not a lot of things, just a couple of items here and there.
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I watched the video, and they describe themselves as a “franchise company.”
Obviously, they clean windows. But, the ownership views this business as a Franchise Company.
It is apparent that they are no longer expanding, but have been experiencing contraction for longer than even their suppliers are aware. At first I thought that franchisees where just quiting the window cleaning business, however:
My question is:
How, and Why, does/would someone go from purchasing a “Men In Kilts” franchise to dumping them and just “switching” to operating their own business in such a short time?
I ask because, it appears that these franchises are not “bankrupt” or failed, but rather have just dumped the “Kilt.” Are there no penalties? Did they retain the Kilt customers? From @Alex and @John it is apparent that they are still ordering supplies and operating, albeit without “Men In Kilts.”
I would like to hear what you all think.
My guess is if they all dropped at the same time , something must have happen and They found some loop-poll where they can just close up shop and open up under another name .
Update:
It appears that the previous franchise owners have not just switched to window cleaning under another business. This month I picked up a chain of businesses that were using MiK, and this week got 2 resi clients that were regulars for windows and eaves.
Seems like they just walked away…
I am going to have a busy Spring it looks like!
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A non compete agreement established with a contract through a franchise when you bought in is much different than a non compete agreement employer to employee. One has a legal standing one not at all.
I would assume they are not able to maintain those past accounts that were awarded under that MIK name?
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You would think so, right?
