Answering 9 FAQs About Franchising

If you have been looking into buying a business, you may have come across some hot franchise opportunities. For those just beginning their journey with owning a business, purchasing a franchise can provide many benefits. However, new entrepreneurs should ensure they have all of their questions answered prior to moving forward with franchise business opportunities. Here are nine of the most common questions asked by those looking to become a franchisee.

1. What Exactly Is Franchising?

The term "franchise" gets thrown around, but it is important to thoroughly understand what it is before investing in one. Essentially, franchising is a way of being able to run a business yourself with the direction and assistance from a bigger parent company. The franchisee, the entity buying a business, and the franchisor, the entity selling a business, enter into a contractual franchise agreement.

The franchisee will pay an initial fee, as well as royalties, to the franchisor so that they may utilize the franchisor's trademark, business structure, and products or services. Additionally, the franchisee agrees to work in accordance with the standards set by the franchisor. The franchisor allows the use of their brand's name, provides manuals for operation, offers thorough training, and gives support as the business starts out.

Different franchisors will provide differing amounts of guidance throughout the process. Some will go as far as to provide marketing materials. Whether it is retail franchising, restaurant franchising, or anything in between, a successful franchise comes from mutual respect and care between the franchisor and the franchisee.

2. What Start-Up Costs Should Be Considered?

The amount of money that will need to be spent by a franchisee when starting out will vary greatly. This is because different franchises come with their own associated costs. Home improvement franchises will require different purchases than, say, salon franchises. When investing in franchise business opportunities, remember that you are investing in the brand name, equipment, space for your business, inventory, employees, and more. It is in a franchisee's best interest to perform in-depth research into the costs that come with each franchise they are considering.

3. What Are the Risks Involved With Buying a Franchise?

Franchise opportunities come with risks just like any other business. However, when you are buying into a franchise that has proven to be successful in the past, you can feel more secure in your investment. That is because the business has a solid track record of financial success. There are smaller risks to consider, such as a working relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee not going as desired. Also, the level of risk increases when you are purchasing a franchise that provides products or services that do not necessarily make sense for your location. Something like restaurant franchising is typically a worthy investment in all regions.

4. Do I Need Good Credit to Purchase a Franchise?

Most of the time, you will need to have good credit plus capital in order to buy a franchise. Franchising is a two-way investment — a franchisee investing in a business and a franchisor investing in business owners who will make their brand even more successful. Because of this, most franchisors want to know that you have a solid credit history.

5. Am I the Right Person to Buy a Franchise?

The reality is that not everyone has the potential to be a great franchisee. Though the system naturally provides allowances for those who may be more inexperienced, even new business owners should have a few key characteristics. Successful franchisees are:

• Determined
• Eager to learn
• Coachable
• Driven by results
• Adaptable

Having these traits, as well as an inherent entrepreneurial spirit, is going to make a difference in the success of building a franchise. Additionally, a passion for the franchise you are investing in is generally a sign that you'll make a great candidate. For instance, if you love culinary arts and have an aptitude for business, then all signs point to you being a good fit for restaurant franchising.

6. Will I Be Trained to Run a Franchise?

As previously detailed, each franchise provides its own level of support to franchisees in the early stages of building their business. Most franchises will offer comprehensive training to franchisees and the necessary training materials for other employees. The length of the training you receive could vary from days to weeks. If thorough training is especially important to you, keep that in mind when considering different franchise business opportunities.

7. What Are the Benefits of Owning a Franchise?

When you buy into a business that has already proven to be successful, you benefit from skipping the rough waters of the start-up stage. You do not have to spend time and money creating a business plan, testing a product, and performing market research. You do not have to figure out how much money is required for your business start-up because most of the costs are outlined for you. Furthermore, you receive guidance and support from those who have been where you are, know all of your concerns, and have worked out the kinks for you. You are likely to have increased access to financing, as well as access to increased purchasing power.

8. What Types of Businesses Are Typically Franchised?

Many people operate under the misconception that fast food franchising is the only model of franchising that will have success. This myth is born from fast food restaurants becoming household names. According to Statista, the largest segment of the franchising industry is quick-service restaurants, comprising over $241 billion of the industry’s entire economic output. That being said, successful franchises have been born out of a wide range of businesses. Real estate agents, hotel owners, landscapers, salon owners, and more have all found their place in the franchising industry.

9. Can I Have a Business Partner?

Perhaps you do not want to go it alone. Maybe you and a friend are interested in taking advantage of hot franchise opportunities as a team. Whether or not you are able to do so will depend on the requirements set by each individual franchisor. Most opportunities will allow you to work with a financial business partner who could also act as an operating partner.

If all of the details of buying a franchise appeal to you, check out the opportunities available from Best Franchise Networks. With an array of industries to choose from, you are sure to find a program that suits your wants and needs.

 

Media Contact: 

Carlo V. DeFalco

[email protected]

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