Quarterly News Letter       Volume 3 No. 3 

Merry Maids boosts services, products offered to franchisees

Merry Maids, the Memphis, TN-based maid service franchise, has added window cleaning to the list of services provided by its franchisees. "Window cleaning is a service not always provided by residential cleaning companies," said a company spokeswoman. "Anyone can wash windows, but professional window cleaning requires special tools and techniques. Merry Maids franchises train team members to get the job done right, saving customers time and trouble." Joy Flora, president of Merry Maids, called the new service, "an attractive addition to our overall operation. Customers can rely on Merry Maids for all of their housecleaning needs, without having to find someone else to do windows." In other news at Merry Maids, the company has launched a new line of Power Clean Solutions after two years of research and development. The reformulated product line includes solutions for multiple surfaces, grease, soap scum, toilets, floors and marble. The company has also formed a strategic partnership with Murphy's Oil Soap, giving Merry Maids franchisees the option to purchase Murphy's at a discount rate to supplement their cleaning arsenal. In return, Merry Maids cleaning teams are leaving free samples of Murphy's and coupons in their customers' homes, while discounts for Merry Maids services are being offered on Murphy's bottle labels.
http://www.merrymaids.com

The Seminar Pitch: A Real Curve Ball

Earn up to $100,000 per year!

At the world’s most successful seminar, we’ll show you how to multiply your money in 6 months or less -- with little risk.

Our experts will teach you the latest insider secrets for making money fast.

You can’t afford to pass up this valuable opportunity.

What a pitch! You may have received a letter or seen an infomercial promoting a seminar or conference that promises to help you make a lot of money. Seminar hucksters say they’ll give you valuable information about how to invest successfully or operate a profitable business. Their "success stories" and testimonials seem to show that anyone who attends the seminar can make money from the investment and business program they’re selling. Some promoters may even claim to have gotten rich from their own investment in the program.

If you attend one of these seminars, you’ll hear a series of sales pitches for a variety of business opportunities and investments. Consumers who invest in these "opportunities" frequently find that the pay-off isn’t as promised -- and they can’t recoup the money they spent.

The Federal Trade Commission wants to alert you to the secrets of the seminar squeeze. Be wary of promotional materials or sales pitches that make these claims:

WSI Internet’s Franchise Expansion Soars… as US Retailers begin reporting Online Profits and Online Spending Increases

August 2002 Atlanta, Georgia:

WSI Internet continues its rapid franchise expansion into the US as online retailers begin reporting record profits, and consumer spending reaches unprecedented levels.

A new study conducted by The Boston Consulting Group with data supplied by Forrester Research reveals that a majority of American retailers reported profitable online operations last year. A whopping 56 percent of retailers reported online profits in 2001, compared to only 43 percent in 2000. The study also found that online spending grew in 2001 by 21 percent to an estimated $51.3 billion. The study predicts a 41 percent increase in consumer spending online to $72.1 billion.

Amidst the explosive American Internet growth, WSI continues to break franchise records. Now in its 7th year of business, WSI - has established a record - 700 franchises in 87 countries worldwide. Currently rated as the “#1 Internet Services Business”, and the “4th Fastest Growing Franchise in the world”, WSI has established one of the most successful Franchise Systems in the world!

The Seminar Pitch: A Real Curve Ball (continued)

• You can earn big money fast, regardless of your lack of experience or training.
• The program or business opportunity is offered for a short time only.
• The deal is a "sure thing" that will deliver security for years to come.
• You’ll reap financial rewards by working part time or at home.
• You’ll be coached each step of the way to success.
• The program worked for other participants -- even the organizers.

Don’t Get Hit By The Pitch
Promises of quick, easy money can be a powerful lure. If you buy into a business opportunity at a seminar, you may find that the products and information you purchased are worthless and that your money is gone.

You can avoid getting hit by the seminar pitch. Here’s how:

• Take your time. Don’t be rushed into buying anything at a seminar. Avoid high-pressure sales pitches that require you to buy now or risk losing out on the opportunity. Remember, solid opportunities are not sold through nerve-racking tactics.
  
• Investigate the business you’re considering investing in. Talk to experienced business people and experts in the field before spending your money.
  
• Be wary of "success stories" or testimonials of extraordinary success. The seminar operation may have paid "shills" to give glowing stories.
  
• Be cautious about purchasing from seminar representatives who are reluctant to answer questions, or who give evasive answers to your questions. Remember that legitimate businesspeople are more than willing to give you information about their investment or sales opportunity.
  
• Ask about how much money you need to qualify for the investment or sales opportunity, and ask about the company’s refund policy. Get this in writing. Keep in mind that you may never recoup the money you give to an unscrupulous seminar operation, despite the operator’s stated refund policies. Taking precautions before you invest is a more effective way to safeguard your money than trying to get a refund after the investment’s been made.

File a complaint online at www.ftc.gov or call toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwich Shops:
Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwich Shops is unlike any sub shop in the industry; no games or gimmicks, just old-fashioned, homemade sandwiches made from fresh-baked bread, all-natural meats and vegetables that are sliced daily at each restaurant.

Jimmy Johns was founded in 1983 by 19-year-old Jimmy John Liautaud in a converted garage in Charleston, Ill. In just 21 years, the company has grown to more than 247 corporate and franchised locations in more than 27 states and two countries. The company is known for its obsession with fresh, quality products and high-speed execution.

www.jimmyjohns.com

WSI franchisees (Internet Consultants) both men and women consist of all ages and backgrounds. Like a modern day architect, the job of each WSI franchisee is to assess their clients’ business needs using WSI’s patent pending Lifecycle™ System. The client’s Internet Solution is then custom tailored to both reduce their businesses overhead and increase their revenues. Each client’s Internet Solution is then uniquely built at one of WSI’s many certified Global Production Centers. Each WSI Production Center is strategically located in low cost, high tech regions such as India and Australia - delivering each client a results oriented, technologically advanced Internet Solution at an economical cost.

WSI’s international organization of Franchise Owners are at the forefront of the digital revolution, changing the way the world does business. WSI’s success stems from a model that stresses the importance of long-term commitment to clients. To learn more about WSI visit http://www.worldsites.net