Multiplus Franchise

I currently own 2 stores of one of Indonesia's leading local franchises, Multiplus Business Center located in Lippo Karawaci Utara and Cimone, Tangerang, Banten Province. Multiplus Business Center is a one-stop shop solution for every business needs, such as shipping and package delivery, digital printing, copying, faxing, Internet access, and other business supports.

To be honest with you, this franchise is good, in term of brand value (which is one single important factor to consider why you pay hundreds millions of rupiah as franchise fee). In one decade, Multiplus Business Center has grow to 100 store nationwide. Big franchise. But also big problems ahead.

Yes, Multiplus is built largely by its franchisees. Yet, lots of its franchisees simply don't understand how to use the brand, and build the brand value TOGETHER. I mean, should you own a store targeted to middle-upper scale market, you wouldn't want to sell your products and services like you open a blackmarket store! Sad, but true! You pay for the brand name humongous amount of franchise fee, but you throw it to the mud, kick it and burry it under the soil! IT SUCKS!

What we suffer as a franchisee? the loss of brand image and value, customers won't trust us as much as few years ago, and the loss of confidence of other franchisees that are willing to bust their ass to make their store survive. Not prosper? The fact is, most can't be described as "prosperous." Like my store in Lippo Karawaci Utara and Cimone, we survive on a tight net profit margin, which I believe is not because of bad business - it's due to those above who sucks! What they did (and still do) crush my store's image also - afterall, we are a franchise. Like I said, we build the brand value T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R.

Anyhow, I plan to sell the business. It's not an easy business to be in, considering its a franchise. My company has financial difficulties due to my mistake in valuing retail service business. The stores I have are in average-to-good shapes, but I can't sell them high in value due to net profit:investment ratio.

One word of wisdom: Don't buy a retail service business on 100% loan money!
On paper it looks good, but in reality, you need extra work (and money) to
grow the business. Just like others in retail industry.

In conclusion, this franchise will remain one of the best in Indonesia. It has won several local and international awards, and considered one of the better in franchise system in Indonesia. My suggestion: buy this franchise if you want minimal involvement in stores and have all-cash investment to buy a store. DON'T use bank financing, at least in the first 2 years of ops - or else, you will choke your biz, and believe me, you'll kill your biz more sooner than latter!

Hear ye, hear ye. Asep Onde speaks! :D