how can i open a franchise

How to start a franchise business

Look to these dozen steps that can guide you from conception to opening day.

1. List your top companies or businesses. When putting together a list of franchises you’d like to own, start by thinking about your favorite businesses.
2. Research the franchise market. Turn your eye to the market in your neighborhood or the community you intend to operate in. ...
3. Evaluate investment and franchise costs. After you’ve pinpointed a market, research...

Full Answer

What do you need to know to open a franchise?

• Set Realistic Goals. Franchising is more of a marathon than a sprint. ...
• Research Your Competitors. ...
• Develop Your Franchise Offering for Both Individual and Multi-Unit Sales. ...
• Make Sure Your FDD Is Compliant for Every State. ...
• Learn Franchising and Get Involved in the Franchise Community. ...

What are the steps to open a franchise?

Steps to Open a Franchise

• Choose a franchise. This is arguably the most important step. ...
• Connect with the franchisor. Reach out to the company (there is likely a form, like this one ), to get more information about the company. ...
• Choose a location. What area will your franchise location serve? ...
• Create a business plan. ...
• Open your business. ...

How long does it take to open a franchise?

The overall range to open a franchise can be anywhere from as soon as 2 months to as long as 12-18 months. There are three basic location types of a franchise, each with a different timeline for opening. Let’s take a look below at how their timelines differ.

How much does it cost to start a franchise?

• Franchise Fee: This amount can vary, depending on the franchise, but the average amount is typically $20,000 or $50,000, according to the Small Business Administration. This is paid when you...

How much money do I need to start a franchise?

How much does it cost to start your own franchise? Franchise startup costs can be as low as $10,000 or as high as $5 million, with the majority falling somewhere between $100,000 and $300,000. The price all depends on the industry, location and type of franchise.

What qualifications do you need to own a franchise?

Some franchise requirements to take into consideration may include:Credit score. Minimum credit scores vary by franchisor, but most consider a grade of 680 or higher as ideal.Net worth. ... Available cash. ... Previous industry experience. ... Management experience. ... Total investment required. ... Ongoing costs. ... Training and support.

How does a franchise owner get paid?

How do franchise owners get paid? Franchise owners can pay themselves a salary or depending on their business entity, they may be able to take a draw from their accumulated equity.

Can you open a franchise with no experience?

Most people don't realize that they can have all of this and more through their own franchise. The best part is that there is no experience or education necessary to owning your own franchise.

Do franchise owners make good money?

Franchise Business Review found that the average annual pre-tax income of franchise owners in America is $80,000. Only 7% of franchise owners make more than $250,000 annually, and 51% earn less than $50,000. Legally, franchisors cannot give income amounts or forecasts of future income.

Can anyone own a franchise?

Franchises can be bought by anyone with the means: Some cost very little to buy into, while others are beyond the range of anyone of moderate means.

Which franchise makes the most money?

What is the most profitable franchise to own? According to the Franchise 500 list of 2021, Taco Bell is the most profitable franchise to own. The food chain has been franchising for nearly 6 decades and is still seeking franchises worldwide. As of 2021, they have 7,567 open units.

Do franchise owners pay taxes?

States charge businesses franchise taxes for the privilege of incorporating or doing business in the state. Franchise tax is different from a tax imposed on franchises. And, it is not the same as federal or state income taxes. Business owners must pay franchise taxes in addition to business income taxes.

Is franchising a good idea?

Advantages of buying a franchise You don't necessarily need business experience to run a franchise. Franchisors usually provide the training you need to operate their business model. Franchises have a higher rate of success than start-up businesses. You may find it easier to secure finance for a franchise.

What businesses can you start with 10k?

The Best Businesses to Start With 10kA Small Nest Egg Can Create Big Opportunities. Maybe you've been faithfully working your 9-to-5 job, and you've got some money in the bank. ... Import/Export Business. ... Online Store. ... Framing Business. ... Senior Care Business. ... Hauling Service. ... Home Staging Business. ... Window Treatment Business.More items...

How much is my franchise worth?

Franchises are often valued based on a multiple of revenue, cash flow, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). As the name implies, the EBITDA method adds back some expenses to the earnings total, and a franchise can be valued at 4 to 5 times EBITDA.

Do you need a degree to open a franchise?

Not all high-achieving shop owners are college grads. Training and internal drive contribute to growth and success. Higher education is not a requirement for success in the franchising world.

Do you need a degree to open a franchise?

Not all high-achieving shop owners are college grads. Training and internal drive contribute to growth and success. Higher education is not a requirement for success in the franchising world.

What are the requirements to own a McDonald's franchise?

Buying a McDonald's franchise takes a sizable investment. The corporation requires that potential franchisees have a minimum of $500,000 of unencumbered liquid assets to even be eligible and — if selected — be able to pay a $45,000 fee to the franchisor.

Is a franchise a good investment?

If you're a fledgling entrepreneur or a seasoned business person wanting to diversify your holdings, you've probably wondered, “Are franchises a good investment?” The simple answer is yes, especially if a great opportunity presents itself. There is an obvious appeal to starting a business via buying a franchise.

Is it a good idea to franchise?

Advantages of buying a franchise You don't necessarily need business experience to run a franchise. Franchisors usually provide the training you need to operate their business model. Franchises have a higher rate of success than start-up businesses. You may find it easier to secure finance for a franchise.

Do franchise owners make money?

Although franchisors cannot forecast income, as a franchisee, you can definitely make money. It’s important to assess your costs regularly and make...

Are franchise fees paid yearly?

Franchise fees are usually on a monthly basis. The fee is a percentage of your revenue, and the royalties can range from 4% to 12% per year.

How much does the average franchise owner earn per year?

In a study from Franchise Direct, the average franchise owner makes $80,000 a year before tax. However, the range of income is quite large: anywher...

What kinds of franchises are available?

In general, there are three types of franchises available: business, management and product distribution. A business franchise gives you the rights...

How much does it cost to start a franchise?

Franchise costs vary widely depending on the industry and business you choose to invest in, not to mention where you live or plan to do business.

What to do if you don't have a franchise?

If you don’t have the initial investment costs at the ready, you may need to tap into outside financing to launch or run your franchise. Many banks, the SBA and franchise-specific lenders offer financial help for would-be franchisees. Other options include crowdfunding or lenders based entirely online.

How long do you have to get a copy of your FDD before signing a contract?

The franchisor is required to provide you with the FDD at least 14 days before you sign a contract, though it’s a good idea to request a copy earlier in your initial phases of research. You can typically download a PDF of the FDD, though some franchisors might be willing to send you a hard copy. 5.

How to get a copy of a franchise disclosure document?

Reach out to the franchisor for a copy of its franchise disclosure document (FDD), which contains detailed legal information about its franchise group along with financial data like the average gross revenue of its locations.

How long does a franchise contract last?

Franchise contracts come with terms of five to 20 years. At the end of the term, you can often choose whether to renew the contract or discontinue your franchise. At contract signing, you’ll likely need to also pay any upfront fees or initial investment expenses.

Where is the Critter Control franchise located?

Let’s say you want to open a Critter Control franchise in San Jose, California — a city with a population of about 1 million people. At an average $582,828 gross revenue for that market, according to Critter Control, here’s what you could reasonably expect.

Is a franchise a sole proprietorship?

Purchasing a franchise as a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation, rather than as a sole proprietor, provides financial and legal protection of your personal assets. As an LLC or corporation, you aren’t held personally accountable for debt incurred by the franchise.

How to run a franchise?

Get an accurate total for the costs of running your franchise. 1 Inventory and equipment (note that many franchises will require you to buy exclusively from the parent company) 2 Payroll 3 Rent, mortgage, etc. 4 Legal (and related) fees. 5 Interest payments on any loans. 6 Business insurance 7 Employee benefits

Why do franchisors add their franchise to their website?

Usually, because they want to make money, franchisors will assist with the marketing and add your franchise to their main website. However, you will probably also want to make any additional efforts that you can to promote your franchise. Try to reach as large of a customer base as possible.

Why are franchises important?

Franchise businesses have the advantage of an established, well-known brand and the support of a successful parent company. However, despite these advantages and the popular conception that franchises are a "safer" investment than traditional small businesses, the success rate of the two remains about the same. Even with the support of an experienced company behind you, you'll need significant investment capital, lots of hard work, and a shrewd business sense to turn a profit as a franchisee.

What equipment do franchises need?

Many franchise businesses, especially restaurants, require a substantial initial investment in terms of equipment (for example, ovens, large-scale freezers, etc.)

How to reach a large customer base?

For instance, you may want to pass out flyers in the local area, take out an add in the newspaper, offer an opening-day discount, and/or coordinate an online marketing push.

When to sign a binding agreement with a franchisor?

When you're confident you meet all requirements for franchise ownership and that your business plan is a recipe for success , you may proceed to signing a binding agreement with your franchisor. Make sure to have your attorney review the contract before you sign it.

Do you want to set up a franchise too close to a competitor?

You'll also want to carefully consider the franchise's location relative to competing businesses. You typically do not want to set up too close to a competitor, especially if this competitor is the same franchise as yours!

How to start a franchise with no money?

Starting a franchise with no money can be challenging, but it's possible if you find investors or take out a loan. Some franchises, especially newer ones, offer financing to help you purchase the franchise. If you know someone with the money to invest, consider asking them to partner with you to fund the purchase in exchange for profits. Alternatively, borrow the funds from a bank or Small Business Administration loan, or take an equity loan on your home. If you have sufficient savings in your retirement account, you might be able to start a Rollover as Business Startups plan to invest the money into your franchise. However you secure the funding, make sure you fix any errors in your credit report to pass franchisor’s background checks. For more tips, including how to find the right franchise for your circumstances, read on!

How much does it cost to start a franchise?

Check start-up costs. No franchise will let you start for free. However, you can start some home-based franchises for as little as $1,000. Others will cost from $10,000 or more. Find out the start-up costs and whether you can afford to buy in.

How to get a franchise disclosure document?

You might not get the Franchise Disclosure Document until you submit a qualification questionnaire. However, you should still try to find out the start-up costs before pursuing a franchise. Talk to a current franchisee or ask the franchisor outright how much money is needed. They should be willing to tell you.

Why is franchise exposition important?

A franchise exposition might be held near you as well. They are great to visit because you can ask questions and compare franchises at one location.

How to find out how much cash you need to start a franchise?

Also look at different franchise websites, such as franchisedirect.com. You can search by category, such as “coffee franchises” or “home-based franchises.” The website should tell you the minimum amount of cash you will need to get started.

How to get a loan for a start up?

Pursue traditional bank loans. The traditional way to get a loan is to approach a bank or credit union. To get a bank loan, you'll need excellent credit. Also, you probably need at least 20% of the start-up costs in cash, which you might not have.

Can you buy a McDonald's franchise with franchisor financing?

They can also help you lease required equipment. Not all of them will, and franchisor financing might only be available for newer franchises. For example , you shouldn't expect to buy a McDonald's franchise using franchisor financing.

How much does it cost to franchise a business?

The initial fee that most franchisees have to pay can range from anywhere between $10,000 to $100,000. Next, franchisees have to pay royalties. The royalty fee structure can be set up differently from brand to brand, but usually are based as a percentage of revenues.

What is a Franchise?

The International Franchise Association (IFA) describes a franchise as "a method of distributing products or services." The franchisor creates a brand's trademark and a business system. A franchisee then pays a royalty fee and an initial cost for the right to do business under the same brand name and system.

How much do franchisees spend on marketing?

Lastly, most franchisees are required to spend a certain amount on "marketing fees" per year. This is to ensure the franchise location is sufficiently promoted and has the opportunity to succeed in its local market. Marketing fees typically are between 1-4% of revenues.

Why do traditional lenders give out loans to franchisees?

Additionally, traditional lenders like giving out loans to franchisees because they're being backed by a business model that has proven to work in the past. These traditional lenders are especially happy to see brands they recognize, while lesser-known franchise brands may not be as appealing.

What is the best loan for franchisees?

SBA loans are another popular choice for future franchisees. The SBA is a government institution that offers long-term rates at competitive rates. The SBA doesn't actually provide loans but instead guarantees a loan from a bank or credit union. This is an excellent option for someone with a low credit score who can't get approved for a small business loan from a bank on their own.

How much does a credit union contribute to a franchise?

A bank or credit union provides up to 50% of the amount. The franchisee contributes as little as 10%. With an SBA CDA/504 loan, there are limitations to how the funding can be used. For example, you can't use the loan to pay for franchise fees.

How many new businesses fail in their first year?

People who are ambitious and entrepreneurial often explore the possibility of starting a business. However, starting a business is challenging. Approximately 20% of new businesses fail in their first year, and 50% fail by their fifth year. That's where the franchise business model comes into play. Franchisors offer individuals the opportunity to become a business owner with a significantly lower risk. Franchises have an already-made business plan that has proven to be successful in the past. However, buying a franchise typically requires a lot of money. Keep reading to find out how you can go after those hot franchise opportunities when you have no money.

How much does it cost to franchise a business?

Before you pursue a franchise opportunity, make sure you can cover the initial costs, which typically range between $20,000 and $50,000 and can be as much as $100,000, depending on the size of the franchise. Luckily, there are options for financial assistance, such as an SBA loan or bank loan. These can bolster your initial cash investment in the business.

What is a franchise?

A franchise is a contractual relationship between an individual (franchisee) and a business (franchisor). The contract allows the franchisee to distribute the franchisor's products and use its name and brand.

What happens if you get approved for a franchise?

Once your application is approved, the franchisor will provide you with a franchise agreement. This is the actual contract you’ll sign to become a franchisee and own and operate a business under the franchisor.

What are the requirements for a 7-11 franchise?

Franchisor requirements. A franchisor often has requirements of a franchisee before they can offer a franchise agreement. 7-Eleven, for example, requires new franchisees to have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, an excellent credit score, and retail experience.

What is a franchise disclosure document?

A franchisor is required to provide you with a franchise disclosure document (FDD) before any contracts are signed. It will include information regarding initial fees, estimated initial investment, and much more.

What is franchising in real estate?

Real Estate - The franchisor often provides recommendations for location types and can advise you on what will work best for your business. For example, McDonald’s has specific requirements for their locations (e.g., a building area of 4,500 square feet and on-site parking). 2. Franchisor requirements.

How many franchises were there in 2017?

In 2017, an estimated 745,290 franchises were operating in the U.S. But which franchise should you open? And what’s necessary to get started?

How much does it cost to buy a franchise?

The initial investment in a franchise can be pricey, and range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over a million. If you're looking to purchase a franchise at a lower price point, there are options for you in a variety of industries.

What is a franchise?

A franchise is a business in which independent entrepreneurs use the rights to a larger company’s business name, logo, and products to operate an individual location. The franchiser is the owner of the larger company who sells the rights to license their business, and the franchisee is the third-party owner and operator of the business locations.

How much does a franchise cost?

Every franchiser requires an upfront fee. This can range from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

How long does it take to run a McDonald's franchise?

The franchise term for McDonald’s, for example, is 20 years.

How long does it take to get started with 7-11?

As the #1 convenience store, 7-Eleven is seeing unprecedented growth. Its stores are turnkey and you can get started within three to six months, including application, testing, and training.

Why are companies actively looking for new opportunities?

They’re actively looking for new opportunities because they’re still in the initial stages of expanding their reach.

Is it good to own a franchise?

Owning a franchise has countless benefits. You can profit from the franchiser’s recognizable brand while essentially running your own operation. The most profitable franchises rarely fail, removing the risks typically associated with opening a brand new business.

Franchise opportunities

At Chick-fil-A, we believe our success in a community is directly tied to the caliber of each Franchised Operator. It’s the Operators' passion and approach to business that brings each local Chick-fil-A restaurant to life in the neighborhoods where they work and live. That's why we take great care in selecting our franchisees.

Licensing Information and Opportunities

Learn everything you need to know about opening a licensed Chick-fil-A restaurant in a university, airport or business venue in your area.