When you decide to start a business, one of the first and biggest questions you’ll face is whether to join a franchise system, or go solo. Both offer independence, growth potential, and the chance to build something of your own. But the path to these results look very different.
At ohDEER, we regularly talk to people who are at this exact crossroads, navigating the decision of franchising vs going solo. They dream of business ownership but aren’t sure if they should start from scratch or join a proven franchise system. Understanding the real differences between franchising vs going solo can help you make a confident, informed choice.
Starting an independent business and going solo can feel like the ultimate entrepreneurial challenge. You have the freedom to create everything from the ground up: your name, your logo, your tagline, your products or services, your processes, your marketing. Every decision is yours.
However, freedom comes with risk and responsibility.
In short, going solo offers total freedom, but it also means reinventing the wheel and problem solving to figure things out on your own, one of the biggest challenges when comparing franchising vs going solo.
On the other hand, franchising allows entrepreneurs to start a business by following a proven model backed by existing brand recognition and ongoing support. You’re still a business owner, but you’re not starting from zero.
While franchising offers a clear path forward, it also comes with structure. You’ll pay initial and ongoing fees and follow certain brand standards. But for most entrepreneurs, the stability, systems, and support outweigh these costs.
One of the biggest differences between franchising and going solo is the power of systems.
When you go solo, you must build every process yourself, operations, training, marketing, customer service, billing, and more. It can take years of trial and error to refine these systems.
In a franchise, those systems already exist. You don’t need to design a training program or figure out how to market your services, your franchisor has done it all for you.
At ohDEER, for example, franchisees receive:
These systems are built from years of experience and refinement. This saves new franchisees time, money, and stress.
Beyond systems, franchising offers what solo entrepreneurs often lack, a built-in support network.
At ohDEER, our franchisees have access to:
This kind of support doesn’t just help businesses grow, it makes running them more enjoyable. You’re never alone when challenges arise.
Many people choose to start businesses in resilient industries like home services. The sector has been one of the most resilient throughout the past few years, but in a saturated market, you don’t want to be up against established competitors with no support. New independent service businesses are opening every day, and standing out can be a challenge. That’s where the support franchising offers a significant advantage. Learn more about ohDEER’s support team here.
Your choice will also shape your lifestyle.
For many entrepreneurs, that lifestyle balance, independence with support, is the deciding factor in choosing franchising.
When comparing franchising vs going solo, consider what kind of entrepreneur you are:
These questions help clarify what matters most in the franchising vs going solo decision. Both paths lead to ownership, but franchising gives you a powerful head start.
Entrepreneurship is never easy, but choosing the right model makes a world of difference.
Going solo means building from scratch, exciting, but uncertain. Franchising means starting strong, with the backing of a tested system and a supportive network.
At ohDEER, we believe franchising combines the best of both worlds: the freedom of ownership and the security of a proven model. Our franchisees build meaningful businesses that protect families, pets, and outdoor spaces, while enjoying more time outside themselves.
One of the most rewarding aspects of joining a franchise like ohDEER is that growth doesn’t stop once you open your doors, it’s only the beginning. While independent business owners often have to figure out how to scale or diversify on their own, franchisees benefit from structured pathways to both personal and professional development.
At ohDEER, we invest in helping every franchise owner, and their teams, grow. Through ongoing training, leadership development, and opportunities for expansion, franchisees can build not just a thriving local business, but a long-term career within a supportive, mission-driven network.
Franchising with ohDEER doesn’t just give you a business, it gives you a career path with purpose. As our system continues to grow, so do the opportunities for the people within it.
Interested in learning more about franchising with ohDEER? Contact us today to explore how our systems, training, and support can help you grow a business you’ll love!
