Should I consider a turnkey business option or do the work myself from the ground up?

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether a turnkey opportunity is a good one and merits the cost of purchase. One is the cost itself.  Because a lot of work has gone into setting up the turnkey package, creating a business model, developing the marketing, and selecting equipment and supplies, the seller may feel justified in charging a high markup.

The only way to know if the opportunity is worth the cost is to ask other people who’ve already purchased the deal if it was worth it to them. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller for references, and avoid any turnkey deals that can’t provide them. Another option is to use social media to investigate the company. See if they have negative reviews, visit their social media accounts, and see how they respond to their customers. Companies that handle complaints rudely or don’t answer questions in a timely manner are most likely companies with which you should avoid doing business. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller for a complete breakdown of what is on offer, including an explanation of where and how you’ll save money and time versus purchasing components separately.

One big clue to whether a turnkey opportunity is a good one is if you could see yourself being satisfied with your choice in five years or longer. A turnkey opportunity is only as valuable as the desire and interest of the person who takes advantage of the opportunity.

—EnMart