Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have experience to operate a Foot Solutions store?
Do I have to personally manage my franchise?
What qualifications must I have to be a Foot Solutions franchisee?
Do you provide training? What assistance is provided in the staffing area?
Is the training mandatory? Is there a fee?
Will Foot Solutions find me a suitable location?
What kind of advertising programs will my shop be involved in?
What assistance is provided in shop design and setup?
Is there a growing market for our services?
Will I have to keep my store open long hours?
Some of the things I will be doing sound almost medical...?
If I wanted to continue training to expand my business are there any options?
Do I have to have experience to operate a Foot Solutions store?
No. This is a retail service business that requires management and personnel development skills. You do not need any prior experience in the pedorthics, orthotics, or show business. You can take advantage of ours!
Do I have to personally manage my franchise?
We have several franchisees that successfully run their businesses without playing a major ‘hands-on’ roll. However, we believe to be successful in any business you must understand it and immerse yourself in it. Once your business is established and self supporting, you can play a less active roll.
What qualifications must I have to be a Foot Solutions franchisee?
- You must have the required amount of capital & net worth
- "Reasonable "people skills""
- Financial Stability
- Business and/or Management background
- A strong desire to succeed.
- Enjoy helping people
Do you provide training? What assistance is provided in the staffing area?
Foot Solutions provides a comprehensive training program for its franchisees, managers, and technicians. We have developed systems for effective human resources management, a performance review system, and offer attractive pay plan options. Foot Solutions Pedorthic Training Center is a certified facility.
Is the training mandatory? Is there a fee?
Training is mandatory. You and your manager must complete the training program. All start-up training costs are included in your initial franchise fee. There are additional training options available. These extended training and certification processes are provided by a third party and are subject to additional fees. We want every store to have at least one certified Pedorthist on staff within one year of store opening.
Will Foot Solutions find me a suitable location?
Foot Solutions has established working relationships with real estate developers and brokers in our market to assist with location identification. We provide tools for reviewing potential sites formulated on experience- based criteria. We provide consultation regarding location, visibility, shop size, and local demographics. All potential sites are subject to Foot Solutions consent & approval. We will assist you through the complete procedure including demographic analysis, letter of intent and lease negotiations.
What kind of advertising programs will my shop be involved in?
We have an established advertising and promotional program. These programs enable our franchisees to establish their customer base quickly. Our approach includes an aggressive direct mail program concentrating on the area surrounding your shop. This is in addition to newspaper ads, billboards, TV and radio commercials, and are run periodically and are coordinated for optimum results. Franchisees contribute to a national advertising fund for nationwide exposure and sales promotion programs.
What assistance is provided in shop design and setup?
We have developed a complete construction, equipment, design and decor package, which will be presented to you upon the signing of your lease. A floorplan will be drawn for your store and we will work with you to ensure that everything goes smoothly for the opening of your Foot Solutions franchise. We have staff to assist you through build out to the set up of your store. We will send a set-up person into the field to set up your store with you over a three-day period.
We will provide you with a list of vendors and approved products. Opening orders, construction materials, fixtures and equipment are all processed through Shu-Re-Nu, our supply division.
Yes, there are many ways to finance a Foot Solutions franchise business. While we do not provide direct financing to franchisees, we are happy to discuss various alternatives that may be available to you upon receipt of your completed qualification report. And we have been pre-approved by the SBA.
Yes. We have a well established support network including:
- Toll free telephone lines
- Web based support
- Factory technical support
- Field sales representatives
- Regional training seminars
- Store visitations
- Monthly telephone portal calls
- Annual meetings
- Regional meetings
- DVD & video training systems
Is there a growing market for our services?
Yes. We are focused on the forty-and-older market, which is the fastest growing demographic in the U.S.A. 30% of people have some type of foot problem or issue. We also attract the growing number of people from all age groups who are concerned with health, happiness, and wellness. *See ‘Is There a Need for Our Services?’ for a more detailed breakdown.
Will I have to keep my store open long hours?
It depends on your location, however most of our stores are open 5 1/2 days a week during normal business hours.
Some of the things I will be doing sound almost medical...?
You will receive training in foot pathology and physiology along with understanding the feet and related problems and symptoms. You will become an expert at properly fitting and adjusting shoes and inserts. We do not medically treat customers. If an individual has symptoms or conditions that require medical attention, we refer them to the proper medical professional. You will also be trained on computer foot scanning and assessment.
If I wanted to continue training to expand my business are there any options?
Yes. You can continue training and become a certified pedorthist. This certification will allow you to offer more extensive products and services at your location. Our recommendation is to do this over time as you build your business. We would like you to be certified within one year from your store opening and our training gives you the necessary hours to sit for the C-Ped exam.
We cannot tell you how much you will make. Each store’s profit will depend on a number of factors such as total sales, monthly rent, labor cost, etc. We can tell you that most of the products you will be offering have an approximate cost of 40%, based upon our suggested selling prices.