The History of the Franchise Business Model and Why It Makes Running a Short-Term Vacation Rental Business Easier

 When many people think of franchises, they think of corporately run locations that have little individuality or autonomy. They rarely think of them as brands made up of independently owned and operated small businesses, run by hardworking individuals who make important contributions to their communities.

Joining a franchise brand like the iTrip Vacations® vacation rental business opportunity is a great way to be in business for yourself but not by yourself while sharing responsibilities, like marketing or research. This level of support is one reason why iTrip has grown into the largest franchise brand serving the short-term rental property management industry.

How did franchising get its start?

Here, we briefly look at its history and how the model makes running a property management business with iTrip easier and more efficient.

Sewing Machines, TVs, and Cars

The first franchise model dates back to the mid-19th century in Germany when brewers set up contracts with tavern owners to sell their beer exclusively to them. Around that time in America, Isaac Singer began to award the rights to sell his sewing machines to traveling independent salesmen. Later, during the 1920s and 30s, brands like A&W Root Beer and Howard Johnson came on the scene, serving millions of consumers.

Franchising began to hit its stride in the 1950s and 60s when other brands like McDonald’s, Holiday Inn, and H&R Block got their starts. This growth was the result of two important cultural changes in the US: the rise of television advertising and the establishment of the national highway system. Television allowed brands to reach a wider audience, while more sophisticated U.S. roadways made travel to unfamiliar locations more common. National brand names used franchising as a way of ensuring quality and consistency to potential customers. Today, there are well over 750,000 franchises doing business in the U.S. every day—proof that the model works and has strong appeal.

What Makes Joining a Franchise a Smart Move and What Makes Joining Our Property Management Franchise Advantageous?

All franchise brands share things in common: a business model, franchisor training, and some marketing support. It’s these resources that attract investors and make the model such a popular option for new entrepreneurs. With that said, it’s important to note that not all franchise opportunities are created equal. Some stand apart from others due to the work that’s gone into them, their corporate leadership, vision, and place in their industries. For this reason, anyone thinking of investing in a franchise brand should do their homework.

Those interested in learning about an iTrip vacation rental franchise opportunity will come away appreciating its value and advantages. We are leaders in the short-term rental property management industry, with established industry relationships, proprietary technology, and robust marketing — all part of a time-tested business model. As an iTrip rental property management franchisee, you’ll be in business for yourself, never by yourself. Our franchisees receive training from day one and the guidance of support staff for the life of their business.

We’re exceptionally proud of the iTrip Vacations franchise opportunity. Ready to find out more about starting a business in the property management industry? Let’s start the conversation!