Wheel Fun Rentals Franchise
Wheel Fun Rentals franchises offer customers the chance to rent recreational equipment, including bicycles, boats, and specialty multi-passenger Surrey cycles.
$50,000
$12,500
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2000
Ventura, CA
Al Stonehouse
About Wheel Fun Rentals
Wheel Fun Rentals provides tourists with the option to rent recreational equipment. The franchisor, Freetime Inc., also manufacturers certain vehicles, including a multi-passenger Surrey cycle. Depending on the location, Wheel Fun store may also offer cruiser-style bicycles, paddleboats, kayaks, canoes, and electric bikes. Wheel Fun works closely with several nonprofits, including the YMCA, Boy Scouts, and the Salvation Army. Stores may make donations to these and other local organizations to invest in their surrounding communities. The brand is also pursuing sustainability by utilizing solar power and eco-friendly materials and by promoting conservation awareness.
Franchise Fees
$12,500
-
-
Why Choose Wheel Fun Rentals?
A Wheel Fun Rentals franchise may be a good choice for someone who wants to work in the travel industry. The nature of the business may allow an entrepreneur to contribute to the tourism success of the local area. Providing these recreational cycles to tourists could also bring unique job satisfaction, as franchisees may feel they are contributing to important family memories.
The Wheel Fun system is well-established and extremely organized. The franchisor has invested a large amount of resources to evaluate potential markets and develop an effective advertising strategy. Each franchise is granted an exclusive territory, so there may be less competition than in other industries. Franchisees may enjoy the high level of support and training. Because there are very few business decisions required, this franchise could be a good choice for entrepreneurs with little experience in the industry.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$65,000 - $320,000
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$50,000
Training & Support
Franchisees must complete the week-long initial training program, which may take place at the company's Ventura headquarters and/or an operating store in California. Some of the topics covered may include hours of operation, employee apparel, store layout, and inventory management. Additionally, the franchisor may provide operational and marketing assistance. Franchisees may have access to training DVDs and operations manuals.
History
Wheel Fun's history started in 1987, when founder Brian McInerney experienced a Surrey cycle while on a trip to Italy. This type of vehicle had everything he enjoyed about a bicycle, but it included room for multiple passengers. He was so impressed he found the manufacturer and purchased a group of Surrey cycles for use back in the United States. Shortly after this trip, Mr. McInerney opened his first rental shop, providing a variety of recreation equipment to tourists. Along with traditional bicycles, he offered the Surrey cycles, which were very popular with customers. Brian started a small company to distribute the cycles and required parts to entrepreneurs who wanted to open rental shops in other areas of the country. This business was the precursor to Wheel Fun Rentals and its franchisor, Freetime Inc.
In 1999, Mr. McInerney established and incorporated Freetime Inc., which continued to do business under the name Wheel Fun Rentals. Part of the incorporation included partnering with Al Stonehouse, who had a history in bicycle manufacturing. Together, the new partners began manufacturing their own line of Surrey cycles in 2001. They also developed other cycles styles to meet consumer demand and began offering Wheel Fun franchises. Currently, there are over 100 locations throughout the United States. Freetime Inc. plans to expand strategically into areas where the company has determined there is a high demand for its services.
Ideal Candidate
Ideal candidates are those who wish to work in the tourism industry in a highly customer-centric environment. Additionally, potential franchisees should be willing to live and work in one of the limited available territories Freetime offers. Entrepreneurs who want to invest in a standard hub/spoke franchise should be willing to pursue expansion within their exclusive territories, including opening numerous "spoke" locations and investing in the local community through philanthropic activities and partnerships with nonprofits. Because franchise opportunities are limited, the franchisor may have additional requirements for potential candidates.
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