how to look up franchises

Just search for "business license search" for your city, county or state to find the appropriate search portal. Then, you can simply type the name of the business into the search field to find the owner. Depending on the database, it may also give you that person's email address, phone number and mailing address.

Full Answer

How to find the best franchise for You?

• Franchisees should look for a supportive franchisor.
• Because owning a franchise is a long-term commitment, be sure to pursue a business that interests you in the long run.
• Ask specific questions about processes, ongoing support and terms of the deal to help you make your decision.

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How to choose the right franchisees?

• Is there a demand for the product or service in the intended site location of your would-be franchise?
• How is the franchise’s competition? It’s more than likely that popular franchises may have existing branches near the site you plan to operate.
• Identify industries that are resistant to recession.

What do franchisors look for in a franchisee?

• He or she must have adequate reserves of working capital in case the business takes longer to grow than anticipated.
• A good credit record.
• Have an interest in finance and business issues.
• A positive attitude, all franchisors want good people representing their brand.

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How to find the right franchise for You?

What to look for when choosing a franchise

• A strong support system for franchisees. One of the biggest benefits of buying into a franchise is that the brand is already established. ...
• Investment in your potential. ...
• The franchisor’s professionalism. ...
• Mutual expectations. ...
• Sales and business approach. ...
• Online reviews. ...

How do you find out if a company is a franchise?

However, franchised businesses typically post signage in their stores and notes on their marketing materials (brochures, websites, vehicles, etc.) indicating that they are independently owned and operated.

How do you find out who a franchisee is?

The best way to find out who owns one specific franchise is usually to just ask. You can visit the business in person or call, and in most cases, you can get a name immediately. If the manager is unwilling to tell you the name of the owner, you can try contacting the franchising company's head office.

Who owns a franchised business?

A franchisee is a small-business owner who operates a franchise. The franchisee pays a fee to the franchisor for the right to use the business's already-established success, trademarks, and proprietary knowledge.

Do franchise owners 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.

How do I contact a franchisee?

Call the franchise and ask to speak to a franchise account manager about representation possibilities. If you could not find a specific franchising number, then call the general corporate telephone number. Ask the operator to connect you with the franchising department.

Can a franchisee go public?

While most of the private equity and public offering activity of franchise companies focuses on franchise brands and systems, every now and then a large, multi-unit franchisee will go public or seek private equity financing.

Is a franchisee an employer?

In a number of countries – notably the US – it has been found that franchisees and their employees are employees of the franchisor because of the very strict and detailed controls imposed by franchisors on franchisees.

Who is liable franchisor or franchisee?

Most courts have held that franchisors may be liable for the acts of their franchisees and franchisee employees. Courts are reluctant to hold franchisors liable for acts of their franchisees, because franchisors are often removed from the situation.

What is the SBA Franchise Directory?

The SBA has created the SBA Franchise Directory (the "Directory") of all franchise and other brands reviewed by the SBA that are eligible for SBA financial assistance. The directory will only include business models that the SBA determines are eligible under the SBA's affiliation rules and other eligibility criteria. If the applicant's brand meets the FTC definition of a franchise, it must be on the directory in order to obtain SBA financing.

Does the SBA include franchises in the FTC?

To help minimize confusion over brands that may appear to be franchises but that do not meet the FTC definition, SBA will include such brands in the Directory at their request if they are eligible in all other respects. Lenders will be able to rely on the Directory and will no longer need to review franchise or other brand documentation ...

Does the SBA have an affiliation review?

If a brand agrees to use SBA Form 2462 (Addendum to Franchise Agreement), SBA will only conduct an eligibility review and will not conduct an affiliation review.