A Tale of Five Fringe Franchises

by Patricia Schaefer

While perusing the Net the other day, I was momentarily taken aback when I saw mention of a franchise called 1-800-AUTOPSY. Now I know the depth, breadth and width of franchising has grown significantly -- and I know many new franchises have become more niche-oriented -- but a franchise that performs autopsies? I couldn't help but wonder, Is there anything left out there that someone won't franchise?

Intrigued by the idea of unconventional and unusual franchises, I located some of these "fringe" franchises. Compliments of Franchise Trade, a summary of these franchises is brought to you for your information and entertainment. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

1-800-AUTOPSY

Yes, Virginia, there is a 1-800-AUTOPSY franchise. Their full range of autopsy services are offered and provided to families (next-of-kin), funeral directors, hospitals and other related organizations. These services are carried out in hospitals and funeral homes in an ancillary capacity. On their 1800autopsy.com website, gift catalog items include a brain gelatin mold, artery pen and coffin case purse.

Business has been good for this Los Angeles based company, says founder Vidal Herrara. So good that Herrara and his co-founder wife Vicki Klebanoff-Herrara were recently filmed for a reality program about them and their business called Family Anatomy; tentatively set to preview soon on the Discovery channel. Herrara is also excited about a new 1-800-AUTOPSY franchise in the works set to open soon in the state of Florida.

For prospective franchisees, Herrara says prospects for the future couldn't be better. With the aging and number of the baby boomers, says this businessman, business should be good indeed -- or as Herrara jokingly says, "good in-dead."

Hydro Physics Pipe Inspection Corp.

Talk about your niche markets. Hydro Physics Pipe Inspection Corp. is dedicated exclusively to video inspection and determining the location of underground pipes 3 to 6" inside diameter. Taking that a step further, representative Pete Fitzgerald says Hydro Physics specializes in inspections only (not excavation and repair) to assure customers an unbiased third party opinion. By identifying and locating the cause of plumbing and pipeline problems with their system, Hydro Physics claims they often eliminate the need for excavation.

Although their state-of-the-art video technology often eliminates expensive and unnecessary repair and replacement work -- and saves customers from being "ripped off" for thousands of dollars in unneeded underground work -- the vast majority of people don't even know this technology exists. Fitzgerald says his company is actively seeking franchisees, and has visions and goals of growing into a major franchise. And that's no pipe dream.

Amdecon: Crime Scene Cleanup and Trauma Scene Decontamination

No one likes to think about being a victim of crime or coming home to find a loved one dead as a result of suicide. Unfortunately, these things do happen and surprisingly the cleanup in the past has too often fallen on the shoulders of friends of the family, or even the family themselves. So says Michael Tillman, founder and owner of Amdecon, a crime scene and trauma scene cleanup and decontamination franchise.

Tillman takes great pride in being able to help families start the healing process by safely and professionally cleaning homes fallen prey to tragedy, and by biologically decontaminating and properly disposing of waste. Amdecon also provides their services to business and property owners. This entrepreneur founded Amdecon because he "wanted to make a difference, wanted to make the world a better place to live in, and wanted to make money." He expects no less from prospective franchisees.

Based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the majority of Amdecon's business comes from suicides, says Tillman, and most of these are alcohol-related: "I would not be in business were it not for alcohol."

Positive Changes Hypnosis Centers

Are you ready to make a positive change in your life? Do you want to lose weight, stop smoking, rid yourself of phobias, or even lower your golf score? Then you may want to avail yourself of the services of one of the 50 Positive Changes Hypnosis Centers.

Representative Sandy Ziegler says Positive Changes is the only franchise that specializes in behavior modification through hypnosis. Ziegler attributes their success in part to their comprehensive programs and the owners' love of helping people, and their passionate involvement in the business. Programs include personal coaching and hypnosis sessions, as well as listening to pre-recorded CD's.

Individuals need not be a hypnotist to own a Positive Changes franchise. Either the owner or a manager will be trained in hypnosis. The franchise also assists franchisees in identifying and hiring qualified hypnotists in their particular area of business.

Camp Bow Wow: Upscale Doggy Day Care (and overnight boarding)

While you're out dropping off your tots at day care, you might want to drop off Rover too at doggy day care. For about $100 a week at Camp Bow Wow, Rover can romp and play inside and outside with fellow doggies, go in the pup pool, and be lonely no more while "Mom and Dad" are at their full-time jobs. Best yet - says Midland, New Jersey franchise owner Mike Monks - when you get home tired at the end of a long hard day, your dog will be just as tired as you are; content to let you just sit back and get your much-needed rest and relaxation. Concerned dog owner clients can even view their pooches during the day if they want -- Camp Bow Wow has webcams in all play areas.

Monks says both safety and fun is Camp Bow Wow's number 1 priority. In addition to strict requirements about the age, neutering, and vaccination status of prospective "campers," "guardians" must complete a behavior questionnaire and Fido is introduced to two campers to see how well he interacts with other dogs. If all goes well, Fido stays for another three hours so his play patterns can be monitored. To be accepted at Camp Bow Wow, dogs must be friendly to all dogs and generally love to play.

Copyright 2006, Attard Communications, Inc.