Buying A Franchise

Finding Hidden Franchise Gems

There are a number of franchises that provide outstanding opportunities for prospective franchisees. Many of these franchises are not well know and choose to apply more resources on their existing franchisees rather than selling lots of new ones.

Examining Icebergs: Discovery Day at the Professional Services Franchise

Learn how a Discovery Day visit can vary depending upon the type of franchise. In the following example, the operation of a professional service franchise represents a different experience for both franchisee and franchisor compared to other franchise opportunities.

A Certain Trait Franchisors and Franchisees Can Share

Read about a trait that both franchisors and franchisees can share.

A Business Plan Should be a Requirement for Buying a Franchise

If a franchise candidate was required to write and submit a business plan to the franchisor before final approval I truly believe the result would be less franchisee failures and more successful franchise networks. This article presents the reason why.

The Franchise Operation and the Franchise Agreement are Interrelated.

Some franchise candidates make the mistake of paying too little attention to the franchise agreement and how it relates to the franchise operation. Here are several important areas to focus on.

The Most Important Step When Buying a Franchise

Performing a comprehensive evaluation of a franchise is a critical step before you pay the franchise fee and sign the agreement. Learn how to perform this important activity.

The Kona Ice Franchise is Real Cool

In this interview with Kona Ice President, Tony Lamb you’ll learn about an exciting and growing franchise and how its franchisees have donated $3,000,000 to schools and sports groups.

Franchise Spotlight: Rising Roll Gourmet

Rising Roll Gourmet is an exciting franchise concept built upon a menu of quality sandwiches sold in a variety of venues. Read my interview with President,  Mike Lassiter.

The New York Franchise Show Will Have a Grand Opening!

The International Franchise Show (IFE) is heading for a great launch in its New York City debut on June 15th.  Read why this event has the potential to grow into a major franchise event.

Is the Relationship Between Cold Stone Creamery and Its Franchisees a Bit Chilly?

Cold Stone Creamery has had its share of problems over the past few years. The latest chapter is a lawsuit by a number of its franchisees.

Five Growing Franchise Industries

Learn about five industries that offer healthy franchise opportunities and a path for individuals who are looking to own and operate their own business.

If You Purchase the Wrong Franchise Your Legal Remedies May Be Limited

Current franchise agreements and judicial decisions can provide obstacles to franchisees who take legal action against their franchisor. The result is that prospective franchisees had better make the right decision when choosing and purchasing a franchise.

Ten Questions Franchise Candidates Shouldn't be Afraid to Ask

Before signing on that dotted line and paying the franchise fee there are certain questions that the franchisor should be asked. If you’ve already considered asking these questions kudos to you, however, chances are you’ve missed these.

Do I Really Need To Read The Franchise Disclosure Document?

The Franchise Disclosure Document is a key component of the franchise process since it provides important information and disclosures about the franchise opportunity. Prospective franchisees should be prepared to review this important document and simply pass off their attorney.

Home Based Franchises Keep on Growing

The number of home based franchises continues to grow and in some franchise segments the home based feature exists in a majority of the total franchise companies. This article presents some interesting statistics and the reasons why home based franchises continue to grow.

Franchisees Make Lots of Bread at Planet Sub

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Sean Kelly, the co-founder of Planet Sub, and I came away totally impressed. The following article will help you learn how this franchise combines an exciting food concept with an equitable opportunity for franchisees.

My Destination: A Franchise Without Borders

This interview with My Destination presents an overview of this exciting franchise concept. Learn why this unique franchise concept travels so well.

Look Before You Leap: Due Diligence By Prospective Franchisees

It’s important that prospective franchisees perform a comprehensive due diligence before purchasing a franchise. This article by franchisee attorney, Jeffrey M. Goldstein, provides insight into this important subject.

CareMinders: A Home Healthcare Franchise with a Purpose

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Gary Kneller, President of CareMinders Home Care.

What Makes a Franchisee Successful?

In a previous article I presented what, in my opinion, makes an effective franchise leader. This article looks at the other side of the relationship between a franchisor and franchisee, namely, what makes a successful franchisee.

A Successful Franchise Below the Radar: The Murphy Business Franchise

Recently I interviewed Roger Murphy the founder of Murphy Business and Financial Services. Franchising since 2006, Murphy Business and Financial Services franchise has become a successful operation with 127 franchisees.

Starting Up a Franchise Company the Right Way: The MoneySaver Franchise

Starting up a new franchise company requires a combination of the right ingredients. This interview with Adam Squires of MoneySaver explains why this franchisor has the right ingredients to succeed.

Home Based Franchises Require Something Extra

There are a number of advantages in owning a home based franchise. However, there can be disadvantages as well. Franchisees and franchisors should focus on the pros and cons of home based franchises when making their respective decisions. 

If Franchisors Would Answer Only One Question

There is one question that all franchise prospects should ask and franchisors should be able to answer. Learn what this question is and why it’s so important.

When you Buy a Franchise Pretend You’re Selling It in Five Years

When individuals purchase a franchise most will plan on selling the franchise at some future date or operate it until their children can take it over. I’ve encountered some individuals who plan on operating the franchise for the long term until retirement. If you’re considering buying a franchise a good approach to take is to plan on selling the franchise as part of your analysis. Learn why this strategy can be helpful. 

Planning on a Partner for Your Franchise? Here are some Pro’s and Con’s

It’s not uncommon for prospective franchisees to plan on having a partner for their new franchise. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to a franchise partnership.  Here are some pros and cons.

Operating a Successful Franchise: Not as Easy as it May Seem

New franchisees should recognize that operating a successful and profitable franchise is never quite as easy as it may appear. Despite the numerous anecdotes about successful franchisees, success often requires hard work and recognition of your limitations.

The Franchise Fitness Craze

The fitness industry continues to be one of the fastest growing concepts in the franchise industry. This article provides a look inside the fitness franchise craze and why this sector will continue to grow.

Franchisor Competency: As Important as the Franchise Concept

There are hundreds of franchise opportunities that are based upon a sound franchise concept but for various reasons never reach their full potential. Newly emerging franchise companies need to have competent leadership as well as the necessary financial resources in order to succeed. Although a sound business model is a prerequisite for a successful franchise so too are the business skills and the experience of the franchise leader.

Thinking of Buying a Franchise? The Pro’s and Con’s

Bob Stewart is Managing Director of a British recruitment and outplacement firm. As a former franchisee, Mr. Stewart offers his insight and advice regarding franchising. Whether in Pounds or Dollars the message is the same.

Buying a Franchise through the Eyes of a Franchise Expert

After having been involved in franchising for almost my entire business career my knowledge of franchising qualifies me as an expert. Here are the key areas I believe anyone buying a franchise should focus on.

Before Starting Your Franchise Have Your Team Ready to Go

A successful franchise operation requires more than one person to manage the business. There are a number of reasons why it’s important for a new franchisee to have their team in place before the franchise is off and running. First, the franchisor needs to know how the franchisee intends to operate their franchise before completing the franchise transaction. Here are some reasons why both the franchisee and franchisor need to have answers to this particular question.

The Benefits of Owning a Franchise

Even though the benefits of owning a franchise compared to building a business from the ground up are numerous, each franchise opportunity must be evaluated on an individual basis. The needs and capabilities of each prospective franchise must be considered.

How to Evaluate a Start-Up Franchise Company

In a previous article I presented the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a franchise from a new franchisor. This article provides key factors that should be considered before making your decision. Learn how to evaluate the start-up franchise company.

Don't Forget the Kids Franchise

We continue to read about the growing senior market. However, the market for children's products and services is far greater and continues to grow and offer significant franchise opportunities. Here are some top ranked franchises servicing the children's market.

Prospective Franchisees and Franchisors Should see These Statistics

Whether you’re considering purchasing a new franchise or starting up a franchise company these key industry statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau provide insight into the role of franchising.

Startup Franchise Considerations Presentation

This presentation by Ed Teixeira goes into more detail about the criteria you should investigate before investing in a new franchise concept.

Five Indicators of a Successful Franchise Program

There are certain attributes that all successful franchise programs share. This article presents five of the most important attributes. Whether you’re a franchisor or an individual looking to purchase a franchise read this article to learn about what successful franchises have in common.

Purchasing a Start-Up Franchise? Here are some Advantages and Disadvantages

Hundreds of new franchises start up every year. Some of these new franchises can represent a good opportunity for prospective franchisees however; these individuals need to understand the pros and cons of investing in a brand new franchise. Here are some of the important considerations to look for.

Understanding the Passionate Franchise Founder

When visiting franchisor’s corporate headquarters, franchise candidates look forward to the opportunity of meeting the person who founded the franchise. However, it’s important that these candidates keep the enthusiasm often demonstrated by the founder in proper perspective.

Before You Buy A Franchise Get The Answers To These Three Questions

If you’re considering buying a franchise you should read this article. You’ll find some useful tips that you can use before moving toward a most important decision.

If Franchising Is Your Back Up Plan, Get A Job!

Franchise expert Dr. John Hayes, offers a reason why someone shouldn’t buy a franchise. This brief article is to the point.

5 Tips for Choosing The Right Franchise

How can you be sure the franchise you choose is the right one for you? Here are 5 tips for choosing the best franchise to buy.

Looking for a Franchise? Consider Purchasing an Existing Franchise

If you’re thinking of purchasing a new franchise, you may want to consider purchasing an existing franchise. Statistics indicate that, on average, a typical business changes ownership every four years. Franchised businesses are a part of this universe, and studies undertaken by the business brokerage industry report that franchised businesses follow the same pattern. Here are some things to keep in mind before purchasing an existing franchise.

Buying a Franchise? You Better Understand Item 7 of the FDD

Item 7 in the Franchise Disclosure Document requires franchisors to set out in a prescribed format a franchisee’s estimated initial investment needed to start the franchise business. It’s important for individuals looking to purchase a franchise to fully understand what Item 7 contains. A leading cause of franchisee failure is being undercapitalized. Learn how to avoid falling into that situation.

10 Franchises Poised for Growth

We reviewed franchise concepts in two of the fastest growing industry segments: home healthcare and personal fitness. Using specific indicators we came up with ten franchises that met our guidelines. Read this article to see the franchises that made the list and to learn how they were chosen.

Making the Most of Your Franchise Expo Experience

Visiting a franchise expo event may seem like the perfect way to find the franchise that’s right for you. And it is, but only if you’ve done your homework and have constructed a plan to make the most of your experience.

How Do You Avoid Double Talk When Interviewing Existing Franchisees?

One of the most important steps in the due diligence process of buying a franchise is to interview existing franchisees. I recommend that you interview as many as possible and that you visit at least one and spend at least part of a day exploring the franchise opportunity. After working in a franchise for a day, or a weekend, you might decide it’s not really for you!

Does Background Matter for Potential Franchisees?

For people looking to start their own business and become their own boss,  it’s important not to limit your options. If a potential entrepreneur has  no specific experience in a given industry, that doesn’t mean there’s not  an opportunity for success.

The Best Franchise Opportunities to Invest In

Investing in the right franchise opportunity requires the gathering and analyzing of a great deal of information. Choosing a franchise based upon current or short term trends should not be the criteria. The demand for products or services during the next decade is more important. This article provides a look into the future and where the best franchise opportunities will be. Some of these may surprise you.

A Simple Way to Evaluate a Franchise Opportunity

These simple guidelines can be used to begin an evaluation of an existing franchise opportunity. These guidelines also represent the foundation for building a franchise concept from an independent business. Follow this list to find important questions and attributes that you should consider when you search for a particular franchise. When you’re finished, ask yourself if the franchise program passes the test.

Franchise Direct Home Care Report

Here is a summary of the Franchise Direct report on the fast growing home care Industry. Another example of why the home care franchise segment will continue to grow. Learn more about this exciting franchise opportunity.

Franchisees Should Maximize the Benefits of their Discovery Day

When attending a Discovery Day for a franchise opportunity it’s important to recognize this event as a critical step in the franchising process. This article provides an outline of the steps a franchise candidate should follow when attending Discovery Day in order to maximize the benefits of this meeting.

Home Care: A Franchise Opportunity with a Dynamic Market

The home care industry continues to grow and will continue to represent a large market segment in the future. Franchise companies that provide home care to seniors are an excellent opportunity for franchisees. Read this article to learn why.

Franchise Times 2010 Fast 55

Read about the Fast 55 compiled by FRANdata and featured in Franchise Times. The 55 companies have been franchising for less than five years and is based upon data taken from 2004 to 2008.

A Warning Before Buying a Franchise

A recent article in the WSJ Bankruptcy Blog, serves as a reminder. Before you purchase a franchise be aware of  “red flags.”  First, be sure you know who you’re dealing with and confirm what they represent. In this case, a master developer, who was representing the franchisor, made questionable representations to the prospective franchisee. Second, be wary of any pressure from the franchisor to buy the franchise.  Click here to read the entire article >>

25 Questions to Answer Before Your Make Your Final Decision

Before you make sign that franchise agreement and lock yourself into a contract, be sure you get answers to these important questions.

Why Franchisees Fail

Ask any expert about buying a franchise and they will always recommend that you speak with existing franchisees before you make a decision to purchase a specific franchise. However, it’s important to know what questions to ask. Understanding why  franchisees fail can lead you to ask the right questions and improve your chances of success.

Get To Know The Franchisor Before You Buy The Franchise

When buying a franchise, it’s important to evaluate the franchisor. This article will present tips on getting to know the franchisor before you sign the franchise agreement.

Women and Part-Time Franchising Opportunities

If you see an advertisement for a "Great Part-Time Franchise Opportunity for Moms," is it likely to be a legitimate sales pitch or just plain hype from a franchisor’s slick marketing department? Here's what you need to know about part-time franchises.

How Much Money Can You Make as a Franchisee?

When investigating a franchise opportunity, one of the most difficult pieces of information to get from the franchisor is how much money you might make. This can be frustrating because you are not going to invest in a franchise until you have a good idea of what you can earn. Find out the ways to learn how much money you can expect to earn as a franchisee.

Shopping at a Franchise Expo

You can see a lot of franchises at a franchise show.  You'll also be exposed to a lot of sales people. Here are things to know as you investigate various franchise opportunities at franchise shows.

Which Franchise Is Best?

Buying a franchise is a big decision.  Before you make it, get answers to these 15 questions. The answers will help you choose the right franchise for you.