how to start up 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 about starting a franchise?

Starting a Franchise. At its heart, starting a franchise is all about licensing. In the franchise business world and using franchise business models, business owners, known as the franchisees, purchase a license to use any trademarked logos, names, and business structures or formats or systems of the franchise owner, all known as a franchisor.. Franchise expert, Joel Libava, offers his ...

What are the risks of starting a franchise?

• 1. Product risk. Decide what you are selling. ...
• 2. Market risk. Knowing your customer and why, how and where they buy related products is arguably the most important risk factor to assess before launching your product. ...
• 4. Team risk. There is no way that one person can vanquish every risk. ...
• 5. Execution risk. ...

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 can I start my own franchise business?

When preparing for your big day, a few tips can help make it a success:

• Choose a date with high traffic. Your opening date and time should be ideal for attracting as many people as possible.
• Advertise to your local market. ...
• Send press releases to local media outlets. ...
• Invite friends, family and city officials. ...
• Decorate the store with grand opening paraphernalia. ...
• Organize exciting activities on opening day. ...

How much does it cost to start a 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.

Which franchise is the cheapest to own?

12 best low-cost franchises for aspiring business ownersCruise Planners. Franchise fee: $10,995. ... Fit4Mom. Franchise fee: $5,495 to $10,495. ... Chem-Dry. Franchise fee: $23,500. ... Jazzercise. Franchise fee: $1,250. ... Stratus Building Solutions. ... SuperGlass Windshield Repair. ... Mosquito Squad. ... Pillar to Post Home Inspectors.More items...•

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.

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.

Can you buy a franchise with no experience?

There is no prior entrepreneurial experience needed. In fact, one of the main reasons many people buy franchises is because the franchisor offers training, support, and expertise that can fill the gaps in your knowledge or experience.

What is Starbucks franchise fee?

What are the Financial requirements for a Starbucks licensed store? You need to pay the licensing fee of between $50,000 – $315,000 and you must have over $1,000,000 in liquid assets to be considered for a licensed store by Starbucks.

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.

What is the failure rate of a franchise?

Pretty much every year the survey has been conducted has shown between 8-12% of franchise businesses left their franchise each year. This is for a variety of reasons, including retirement, selling, ill-health and financial failure.

Is it worth it to own a franchise?

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.

What are the disadvantages of franchising?

Buying a franchise means entering into a formal agreement with your franchisor. Franchise agreements dictate how you run the business, so there may be little room for creativity. There are usually restrictions on where you operate, the products you sell and the suppliers you use.

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 become a franchise?

It's important to have some type of work background when becoming a franchisee. You should have worked in customer service, management, or any number of careers before you can move forward with your own.

What is the most profitable franchise to get into?

Most Profitable FranchisesDunkin'7-Eleven.Planet Fitness.JAN-PRO.Taco Bell.Orangetheory Fitness.Great Clips.Mac Tools.More items...•

How much is Mcdonalds franchise fee?

McDonald's franchisee applicants must have a minimum of $500,000 available in liquid assets and pay a $45,000 franchise fee. Those looking to launch a new McDonald's franchise can expect to shell out between $1,314,500 and $2,306,500. Existing franchise prices can cost upwards of $1 million or more.

What does a Taco Bell franchise cost?

Total cost: A standalone Taco Bell franchise location is estimated to cost between $1.2 million and $2.6 million, exclusive of land and lease costs. Initial investment: Initial investments will vary significantly based on your location and the type of restaurant.

Is buying 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.

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.

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.

What are some online lenders?

Other options include crowdfunding or lenders based entirely online. Online lenders like Kiva and BlueVine aren’t part of the traditional financial industry populated by banks and credit unions. These digital lenders tend to leverage technology for more streamlined or automated approval processes. You could also use an online business marketplace like Lendio or Fundera to compare a network of funding options in one spot.

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.

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.

Why do you need a business plan?

A business plan is necessary if you plan to apply for a loan to help with startup costs. Lenders want to know that you have a viable plan for turning a profit and sustaining your business over the long haul, because it helps them evaluate whether you’ll be able to pay it back.

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.

Step 1: Research your options

In a way, this is the most fun part of the franchising process because you’re just looking on the internet, daydreaming about your business and typing in search engines phrases like “how to franchise a business” and “entrepreneur jobs” and seeing what comes up.

Step 2: Select a franchise that aligns with your business goals

As you’re researching your options and you get more serious about owning a franchise, you may want to bring in a professional to help you. There are franchise brokers, franchise coaches and even franchise coaching services, some of which are franchises themselves.

Step 3: Create an LLC or a corporation

Many franchisors prefer to work with a corporation or LLC, so if you’re going to be owning a franchise, you’ll want to do this.

Step 4: Arrange financing

Before you get in too deep, it's worth looking into financing. “When it comes to funding it's always important to get pre-qualified just like buying a home. Most people don't get pre-qualified before they start researching because they're still exploring the idea of franchising,” Rose says.

Step 5: Talk to the franchisors and franchisees

When you're looking into owning a franchise, you might encounter franchisors in a variety of ways: by reaching out directly, through their website, at a franchise convention...

Step 6: Talk to members of your community

If you’re thinking of buying a franchise in which you will have a brick-and-mortar location somewhere in a city or town, you really should think about whether your community needs another pizza delivery service, fitness center or car maintenance garage.

Step 7: Create a business plan

Even if the franchisor’s business model and business plan works, you need your own business plan, too. After all, you’re going to want to hit certain money milestones every year, and you are going to want to have a sense of how much you want your business to grow over the years.

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!

What is the difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan?

A home equity loan is an installment loan, while a HELOC is like a credit card. Before tapping equity in your home, you need to appreciate the risks. If you default, the bank can seize your home. Generally, you can get about 80% of the equity available in your home.

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.

What is the SBA loan?

In the United States, the Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees loans. Although you obtain a loan from a bank, the SBA guarantees that it will step in and repay the loan if you default. Often, SBA loans are easier to get than conventional loans. The SBA also has a list of approved franchisors.

What is a rollover of a business?

The process is called a Rollover as Business Startups, or “ROBS.”. Essentially, you start a qualified retirement plan in your new business and then rollover your retirement savings into the franchise's retirement plan. The retirement plan then buys shares in your business.

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 do franchisees get financing?

The first is having a family member or friend join in the franchise as a partner, sharing the financial and operational load of the business—and also the profits that come. The second is a family member or friend offers a loan, which the franchisee pays back.

What is FDD in franchising?

The FDD is an invaluable resource to have as you put together your budget for franchise investment. You can request an FDD, which must conform to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, from a franchisor at any time but you must receive one to review at least two weeks before signing any contracts with a franchisor.

How much does it cost to franchise a single unit?

Seid, founder and managing director of Michael H. Seid & Associates, the initial investment for a single unit franchise typically falls in the $100,000 to $300,000 range.

What is franchise fee?

The franchise fee is basically a cover charge for entry into a franchise system. Think of it as the fee you pay the franchisor for doing the legwork developing the brand, and saving you from many (not all) of the pitfalls that come with starting a business from the ground up.

Why do you need to prepare documents before meeting with a franchise lender?

Before meeting with potential lenders, it will be to your benefit to prepare your documents in advance. Not only will it help expedite the process, it will help you show the lender you can be trusted with the responsibilities of a franchise business. Lenders strive to take on as little risk as possible.

How long does it take Glenn to finance his franchise?

The process of financing his franchise with his retirement funds took Glenn around four-to-six weeks. Glenn advises others seeking franchise funding “to make sure you do the due diligence. Research the business model thoroughly. If you can afford to overfund, especially with a 401 (k), do so.

What is an executive summary?

An executive summary: An overview of the business plan and the goals you have for the business. Many have found it best to write this summary last, even though it’s presented first.

How many franchises fail?

While general statistics cite franchise failure rates at an average of anywhere from 15% to 35%, even those statistics can be a bit misleading. Some franchises fail at a rate of just 1% (arguably giving you a 99% chance of success), while others crash and burn at a rate of more than 40%. Clearly, not all franchises are created equal, so you need to look carefully before you take the leap. It’s also important to keep in mind that purchasing a franchise is like buying a blueprint for success; like all blueprints, it only works if you follow it.

What is franchising business?

At its best, franchising provides an opportunity to buy into an existing, successful business model that comes with a proven track record, a successful training program, a solid supply chain, and expert technical support. Some of the best-known franchises have impressive success rates, with the chances of failure hovering in the low single digits. By purchasing a franchise, you get a turnkey business that is ready and waiting for you to take the reins. If you are detail-oriented, good at following directions, and comfortable with established systems, franchising provides a quick and easy way to become a business owner.

How much does it cost to franchise a business?

Franchising also poses challenges. Purchasing a franchise can be an expensive proposition, with costs often running as high as $500,000 to $1 million. Franchises also come with ongoing expenses that reduce your take-home pay. There are fees that must be paid to the home office on an ongoing basis, mandates (such as remodeling at a hotel or price reductions for a promotion at a restaurant) that eat into profits, and supplies that often must be purchased at inflated prices.

Why do people buy franchises?

People purchase a franchise because the model works. It offers careful entrepreneurs a stable, tested model for running a successful business. It also requires them to operate on someone else’s business model. For those with a big idea and a solid understanding of how to run a business, launching your own startup presents an opportunity for personal and financial freedom. Deciding which model is right for you is a choice only you can make.

Why do franchise owners benefit?

Franchise owners benefit from being part of a larger, successful company that has already paved a successful path that will generate profits. While having a steady paycheck is enough for some people, being tied to a bigger organization can also be challenging.

Why is it important to build your own business?

Most important for many budding entrepreneurs, building your own business makes you the boss in every way possible. That is the beauty of being self-employed. You make every decision. You set your schedule. You run the show exactly the way you want to run it. Nobody can tell you what to do because you own the business. If you know how to build a better mousetrap or run a better business, this is your chance to prove it to yourself and to the world.

How many startups don't survive the first year?

Statistics show that 20% of startup businesses don’t survive the first year; about half make it to year five; and approximately 35% last ten years. If your business is going to survive, you alone will have to make that happen.

How much does a Chick-fil-A franchise cost?

Now that you’ve learned about Chick-fil-A’s pros and cons, your next question is probably: How much is a Chick-fil-A franchise? The initial Chick-fil-A franchise fee is only $10,000, which is significantly lower than what their competitors charge:

What are the benefits of a Chick Fil A franchise?

Alongside their devoted customers and revenue potential, Chick-fil-A offers many benefits: 1 Extensive franchisee support through their multi-week training program and development courses 2 Their initial franchise fee is significantly lower than their competitors 3 Franchisor covers the majority of startup costs, including real estate, construction, and equipment 4 Franchisor rents you all necessary equipment 5 No prior restaurant experience necessary 6 Closed on Sundays to encourage work-life balance

What does a franchisor cover?

Franchisor covers the majority of startup costs, including real estate, construction, and equipment

How does Chick Fil A achieve its success?

Chick-fil-A achieves this superior quality and consistency by investing heavily in their training programs. This franchisor leaves little guesswork to their operators when it comes to opening and running a restaurant. Operators receive the necessary training to grow their business with confidence and business savvy.

How many restaurants does Chick Fil A have?

Chick-fil-A has accomplished impressive feats since their founding in 1946. This franchise has opened over 2,000 restaurants, reported $9 billion in revenue in 2017, and is an industry leader in customer satisfaction.

How to make sure Chick Fil A is a good place to work?

Make sure that your employees are properly trained to offer the classic Chick-fil-A experience, your point of sale system is operating perfectly, your facilities are immaculate, and everybody is ready to greet your customers with a smile.

How long does it take to train at Chick Fil A?

But don’t rest on your laurels just yet. Chick-fil-A operators must complete their multi-week training program. This training course will teach you everything about starting and running a business—hiring and training employees, how to deliver outstanding customer service, and more.