Van-based franchises – those that usually involve some sort of hands-on work at different locations – are a very popular choice, and for good reason.
They appeal both to people who want a new career which is much more physical and practical, and also to those who already have strong practical skills and want to turn them into a successful business. They tend to be very stable, and have managed to stay strong even in the face of all the ups and downs of recent years.. the good ones, anyway!
In fact, some of the biggest names in van-based franchises, such as Access4Lofts, Countrywide Signs, and Optic-Kleer, had dozens of new franchisees joining them during the pandemic years and just after, and they are all still going strong today. They all offer practical and helpful services which are always in demand, and were a great choice for everyone who took that time to reconsider what they wanted to do with their lives.
So, is a van-based franchise right for you?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
They are very resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. Many van-based services meet ongoing local needs, leading to steady repeat business. Everyone always needs to move house, for example, making the kind of supplementary service Countrywide Signs offers very popular. Same when it comes to helping people repair their cars, or make the most of unused space in their home.
Independence and great work-life balance. No more office politics or boring meetings – just you, your customers, and the open road! They’re also a great choice if you want to spend more time outdoors and in control of your own schedule and workload.
Easily scalable to expand to multiple vans – if that’s what you want! Territories are calculated to give you plenty of customers, not just for you to cover yourself, but also to expand as time goes one. For example, Access4Lofts territories are calculated to have at least 150,000 households. Plenty for many years of work. With new homes being built all the time, there’s also plenty of scope to run several vans and taken on extra staff – and enjoy all the extra income that comes with it.
They are usually lower cost than other franchises. Van-based franchises are often faster and cheaper to launch than brick-and-mortar operations. There’s no need for a retail space or large premises meaning you save on rent, utilities, and staffing costs, as well as long months finding the right location, and outfitting it for your new business.
There’s just one exception, the cost of your van, but more on that important point later!
Cons:
You need to be physically fit. If you’ve sat at a desk most of your life, you might find the physical nature of most van-based businesses hard to adjust to. Home renovation work, such as loft conversions, do require you to lift heavy products and equipment around. However, repairing windscreens with a franchise like Optic-Kleer is more precision work with smaller, specialist tools.
Isolation. Working solo from a van can feel lonely, especially compared to running a team or working in a busy environment. Of course, that appeals to many people, and you will certainly have plenty of face-to-face time with your customers.
Seasons & weather. Being outside working, or on the road for a good part of your day, can be wonderful when the weather is nice, but are you prepared for the famous British weather and how unpredictable it can be?
Vehicles are expensive. Unfortunately, sourcing a works vehicle isn’t cheap these days. Some franchises will have agreements with lease companies which you can take advantage of. You’re still not looking at anything near the cost of purchasing a premises to operate out of, but this will still be a significant investment on your part.
However, a good van is one of the most important investments you can make – one which will pay off big time
If you do decide to go for a van-based franchise, don’t scrimp on the van part! It’s just as important as everything else you need to have in place to succeed, if not more so.
Most van-based franchises will have strict requirements about the type and condition of the van you operate, often insisting on a new or nearly new vehicle. That might feel like a big upfront cost, but there’s a reason for those standards. A reliable, clean, and well-branded van communicates trust, quality, and consistency, three things customers care deeply about when choosing who to let into their home or business. It also minimizes downtime from breakdowns and keeps your operations running smoothly. If your van goes down – so does your business.
Your van is also:
Your office – where you plan your routes, manage bookings, and keep your paperwork organized.
Your mobile billboard – showcasing your brand across every street, driveway, and neighbourhood you visit.
A place you’ll spend a lot of time – so comfort, layout, and practicality matter more than you might think… as does a good stereo! Think of all those albums, podcasts, and audiobooks you’ll now have time to listen to.
And that’s not all. Did you know that your van is the safest place to be in a thunder storm? Probably not something you’ve considered before!
How to spot a good van-based franchise opportunity?
You should think very carefully what kind of franchise matches your skill set and lifestyle ambitions, of course, but here are some of the most important things you should be thinking about when looking at any particular van-based franchise:
Is the service they’re offering one which is always in demand?
This is always the big advantage of joining a van-based franchise. Services like repairs, cleaning, and maintenance typically fall into this category. If the service solves an urgent problem or a recurring need, such as the cracked and chipped windscreen repairs carried out by Optic-Kleer franchisees, you’re also more likely to enjoy stable cash flow and long-term viability. Industries which service the housing market or home improvements are also very safe bets.
How do they help you find business?
Take a good look at how each franchise helps market you and what you need to do to keep business rolling in. Any good franchise will train and support you in this, whatever their system, but make sure it matches your skills and the kind of self-promotion your comfortable with. For example, franchises like Access4Lofts have their own in-house marketing team who will generate leads for you, many even ahead of opening. You’ll still need to do quotes and close the sales, however.
Other business models use existing national and regional partnerships, such as Countrywide Signs who have key contracts with big name estate agents, or Optic-Kleer who are a preferred partner for a number of key insurers, as well as allowed to operate in supermarket car parks. You’ll still need to be the face of the business, and promote yourself locally, but much more of the pipeline is automated compared to other models.
What training and support do they offer?
In many cases, you will be offering a skilled service and using equipment that will require specialist training. Of course, it won’t be something you need to spend years learning, like plumbing or electricals, but you’ll still want to feel confident you can do the task. Check out how they get you up to speed – there should be a strong element of hands-on training, as well as plenty of support in the form of manuals, videos, and an expert to talk to about the job. Make sure they also have a good plan in place with regards to retraining as legal compliance and health and safety rules are regularly updated.
Have questions, or need some more advice?
Hopefully, this guide has helped you work out if a van-based franchise is the opportunity you’re looking for but, if you have any questions, please do ask. Just click the button below to schedule a call.
Likewise, if you’re still not sure what kind of franchise is right for you, help is at hand. We offer a FREE Matchmaking Service which is designed to take a deeper look at your skills and ambitions and suggest a number of opportunities which suit the kind of future you want to create. Why not give it a go?
I am here to help!
John Overdijking
Franchisee Recruitment Specialist & Partner
