Out-of-work folks line up for shrink-wrap franchises

Here's an interesting idea for a plastics-related small business. A Reno, Nev., company is offering franchises for investors who want to go into business as freelance shrink-wrappers. That's right -- shrink wrappers. It's not just for packaging anymore. A lot of folks use shrink wrap to store boats over the winter, and the company, Fast Wrap USA, notes that uses for the protective film are "growing beyond marinas to disaster zones, construction sites and basic backyard uses," according to this story. The recession is creating demand for wrapping some products, also helping to generate interest from people looking for jobs or supplemental income. Mike Enos, co-founder of the company, says he has franchises in eight locations, with three more in the works. He hopes to have 30 locations by the end of 2009, and 500 nationally within five years. Right now a franchise goes for $50,000 to $60,000, and includes training "and all supplies needed to get started -- heat guns, ladders and rolls of shrink wrap." Sounds like a winning idea.