Summer’s secret advantage: why the smartest franchisees launch when the sun comes out

14th August 2025

Changing seasons bring changing customer habits – and for service-based franchises, summer can be one of the most lucrative times of the year. With families planning holidays, social calendars filling up and households relying on trusted services more than ever, franchisees can tap into a surge in seasonal demand that sets them up for long-term success.

Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, discusses why summer is the perfect launchpad for a service-based franchise – and how to make the most of it.

Why warm weather brings a business boost

When the sun comes out, life speeds up. Families plan getaways, book last-minute holidays and spend less time worrying about everyday chores. But someone still needs to keep the garden neat, the house clean or the dog walked while everyone’s away. And that is where service-based businesses come into their own.

In pet care, we see this every year – bookings for holiday pet sitting, home visits and dog walking fill up fast as soon as schools break up. But the same applies across countless other services. When households are busy making memories, they look for trusted professionals to handle the rest.

Turning one job into a year of work

It is easy to see summer spikes as a one-off bonus. But they actually build a foundation for loyalty. Once someone trusts you to look after their pet, garden or home during their summer holiday, they are far more likely to call you again – for a winter break, a last-minute work trip or just everyday help.

So, a seasonal boost is not just a short-term win – it is your chance to earn repeat customers who stick around long after the deckchairs have been packed away.

Three ways to make summer work for you

A seasonal spike is only valuable if you know how to turn it into something bigger. By staying proactive and putting people first, new franchisees can transform a busy summer into the solid foundations of a thriving business.

Be visible where it matters

Not everyone plans ahead – many people look for trusted help at the last minute. That is why it pays to make your name easy to find when time is tight. Use local Facebook groups, community noticeboards, flyers in your neighbourhood and word of mouth to let people know you are ready and available. A friendly face they see locally is far more reassuring than an unknown company online.

Make it easy to say ‘yes’

Summer is busy for everyone – so the easier you make it for customers to say ‘yes’, the better. Think about how you can package or adapt your services to fit the season. For pet care, that might mean offering flexible drop-off and pick-up times or bundling holiday visits with extra dog walks. Small touches that reduce hassle can turn a one-time booking into repeat business.

Turn one job into many

A first booking during the holidays can be the start of a long relationship – if you handle it right. Keep in touch after the job’s done with a thank you note or follow-up message to check they were happy. Consider a loyalty perk for repeat bookings or a referral incentive if they recommend you to friends and family. People remember great service, especially when it makes their summer stress-free – and they will remember you next time they need help.

Building a business that outlasts summer

Of course, success in franchising is not built in one season alone. The strongest service-based franchises combine year-round demand with robust training, marketing support and a proven business model that helps owners thrive through every peak and dip. But there is no denying that summer gives new franchisees an extra lift.

Timing matters – and sometimes, the best time to leap is when everyone else is taking a break to enjoy the summer. So, if you are dreaming of running your own business, do not wait for January resolutions or New Year goals. Summer’s here – and so is your chance to build something that lasts long after the sun goes in.

For more information on franchise investment opportunities with Petpals, visit www.petpals.com/purchase-a-new-franchise