For most forward-thinking multi-unit corporations, the question these days isn't whether or not to outsource, but rather, how to outsource wisely. Traditionally, when it has come to handling the real estate needs of the corporation, companies have tended to seek out support mainly through real estate brokers, and overwhelmingly, the assistance from this group has been in support of site-selection help.

These corporations know that sending work out-of-house can significantly cut costs, but they also know that viewing outsourcing solely as a way to save money misses the point - and some big opportunities. When used strategically, and managed properly, outsourcing lease negotiations and administration does more than reduce deal making time, get stores opened faster, and sometimes produce better deals. It also furthers long-term goals, helping companies put products on the shelves sooner, expand into new territories, and improve customer service.

These days, however, companies are realizing that the decision regarding where to open the next unit is a questions that can only truly be answered by in-house, full time staff who live, eat and breath the brand. Only people familiar with which existing locations work, and which don't, who the typical customer is, what they buy, where they come from, and what their shopping habits are, should be the ones deciding where to open the next site.

Companies should be managing this work in their own, taking full responsibility for these decisions - and not letting brokers or franchisees make these critical growth decisions. Preparing and negotiating the paperwork after the site has been selected is the part of the process that should be outsourced, and some of the leading and fastest expanding systems in the world outsource parts of the 'formalization process' such as Starbucks, McDonalds Restaraunts, Aldo Shoes, etc.

To learn more about some of the innovative ways we currently work with our clients, give us a call at 1.800.459.3413.