Franchise FAQ

is buying a franchise better than starting your own business

by Davin Blick Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Bottom line, franchises have a higher overall success rate than startups. Franchises operate under a predetermined business model that has already brought success while independent businesses make adjustments and decisions to their business model as they go.Jul 19, 2020

Should I buy a franchise or start my own business?

Buying a franchise is very different from starting a mom-and-pop business. Since there is an already established system in place, there is a higher likelihood of success. If you invest in a proven franchise opportunity and follow the system the franchisor has put in place, you should be on your way to running a successful business.

What to consider before buying a franchise?

What to Consider Before Buying a Franchise

  • Make Sure Your Family is On Board. Owning a franchise—or a business of any kind—is truly a family affair. ...
  • Count Your Cash. ...
  • Reach Out to Other Franchisees. ...
  • Do Some Soul Searching. ...
  • Test the Product. ...
  • Understand What You’re Getting Into. ...
  • Talk to a Franchise Consultant. ...
  • Come Up With an Exit Strategy. ...
  • Consult With Franchise Experts. ...
  • Do Your Due Diligence. ...

What are the steps of buying a franchise?

  • Matches your financial resources
  • Provides you with the lifestyle you imagined
  • Uses your particular skills and experience
  • Provides a recession-resistant product or service
  • Has a majority of happy and successful franchisees
  • Employs an experienced and enthusiastic staff of personnel who will help you achieve your dreams of business ownership success

Should you buy a franchise business?

Others also have their unique reasons on why they buy a franchise business. One of the few good reasons of buying a franchise business is that it lets you avoid all those potential risks experienced by other start ups. This is also a one way of being smart.

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Is it better to own your own business or a franchise?

Franchises have a higher rate of success than start-up businesses. You may find it easier to secure finance for a franchise. It may cost less to buy a franchise than start your own business of the same type.

Why franchising is better than starting your own business?

Franchise: The Pros 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.

Does owning a franchise means you own your own business?

A franchise is a business that allows license-awarded individuals to use their name, trademark, systems, support and operations as their own for the cost of a franchise fee and royalty costs. Purchasing a franchise means buying a business that already exists and has made a name for itself.

Is it worth it to purchase 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 is the most successful franchise ever?

The 25 Highest-Grossing Media Franchises of All TimePokémon – $92.121 billion.Hello Kitty – $80.026 billion.Winnie the Pooh – $75.034 billion.Mickey Mouse & Friends – $70.587 billion.Star Wars – $65.631 billion.Anpanman – $60.285 billion.Disney Princess – $45.187 billion.Mario – $36.143 billion.More items...

How many franchises fail each year?

9) CurvesYearFailuresFailure Rate201729447.7%201819847.4%201912337.8%Total 3-year (2017-2019)615189.2%Jun 16, 2022

What are the disadvantages of a franchise?

There are 5 main disadvantages to buying a franchise:1 - Costs and Fees. ... 2 – Lack of Independence. ... 3 – Guilt by Association. ... 4 – Limited Growth Potential. ... 5 – Restrictive franchise agreements.

Am I guaranteed success if I buy a franchise?

A: Just as there's no absolute guarantee you'll succeed as a franchisee, there's no guarantee someone starting a franchise company will succeed. The easiest way to answer your question is to first identify the four stages of growth that most franchise companies go through.

How 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.

What is the failure rate for a franchise?

Coincidentally when I was with NatWest I managed the survey for the last 22 years. 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.

Can I own a franchise and not work there?

Many franchises are set up to run as “semi-absentee” ownership models. This means that the owner does not need to manage the business full time. They can hire people to run the day-to-day operations of the business, while they continue to work for another company – or enjoy more leisure time for family and hobbies.

What is the most profitable franchise to own in 2022?

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

What are the three reasons to buy a franchise instead of starting a new business?

8 Reasons to Consider FranchisingIt gives you independence with guidance. ... It has the benefits of a big company. ... It's easier to get funding. ... It's less risky than starting a business from scratch. ... You can ask for help if you need it. ... You have access to proper training.

Why would someone want to start a franchise rather than start a business from scratch?

Franchises Have a Stable Foundation Part of the reason individuals join a franchise instead of starting from scratch is because a strong business foundation already exists. The brand, marketing, future plans, customer base, and almost everything new business owners worry about are already established.

What is the importance of franchising?

Franchising offers people a chance to own, manage, and direct their own business without having to take all the associated risks. This aspect has allowed many people to open businesses of their own who might never have done so otherwise. Franchising plays a significant role in the U.S. economy.

Why is franchise better than any other type of business compare using two factors and be able to explain each factor?

An investment in a franchise is much easier as compared to any startup business as it provides an opportunity to invest in an existing, successful business model that most often comes with proven track records, a successful training program, a solid supply chain and expert technical support.

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 many startups fail in their first year?

It is a sad reality that startups have a higher failure rate, especially when compared to franchise businesses. Studies have found that as many as 25% of startups fail in their first year, an even bigger 50% fail in 5 years and only 30% make it to 10 years. This makes it an even tougher gamble for you to succeed if you decide to build your own startup.

What does it mean to buy a franchise?

Buying a franchise usually means you get all the details on owning a franchise, so you won’t need to start figuring out branding or struggling to give the visibility of your products in an overcrowded market. You can just sit back and enjoy the visibility the brand already has.

Can you have cushioning with a franchise?

While with a franchise you will be entitled to training and support from the franchiser, with your startup you have no such cushioning, you are left to try out your theories by yourself and gamble on their success.

What is a franchise consultant?

A franchise consultant works with franchises every day and can help you negotiate good terms when you are buying a franchise as well as help you be successful once you have launched your new business.

What is MBB management?

As a franchise consulting company in Philadelphia, MBB Management specializes in bringing you the best tools and expert knowledge to help you achieve maximum success and growth with your franchise.

What does a franchise do?

With a franchise, you will have a support structure to help you get started. Your franchisor usually provides training for you and your staff and will help you find your location and prepare for your grand opening. This can be really helpful, especially if you have never owned a business before.

Why do people shop at franchise stores?

Most people when they shop prefer to shop at places that have a good reputation, a business they feel they can trust. When a consumer chooses to shop at a franchise, especially at a particular store location they have never been before, they are making their decision based on brand recognition. Not everyone will take a chance on a store or restaurant they know nothing about.

Can you add your own special touches to a franchise?

Despite the rules and regulations that are usually in place when you join a franchise, there is still a lot of room for creativity and your own input. You can add your own special touches to your location to make it stand out. You just need to make sure you follow all the rules and regulations you agreed to you in your contract. Some franchises are going to have more regulations than others so make sure you ask about this when researching different franchises.

Building a brand vs buying one

The strength of a proven and recognized brand is one of the biggest advantages of the franchise model. Do you know how hard it is to build a new brand from scratch? Think about it, noone knows who you are, what you do, what you sell or if they even need your product or service. Gaining that trust is very difficult.

Operations: Autonomy vs. Control

Another important distinction between owning a franchise vs. your own business, is how the operating system works, also knows as “operations.” With a franchise, you will invest a fee to gain a license to operate a branch of an already branded business with a proven operating system.

Survival Rates

Another intimidating factor for those looking to start your own business from scratch is the massive failure rate that can suck your savings and investment dry. This is especially frustrating for those who will be using a bank loan, borrowing from friends or even cashing in their life savings to fund the business.

Innovation vs Stagnation

Innovation will pose a challenge no matter which way you go. For the franchise with great amounts of resources to throw behind researching and developing their products and services, the only limitations are the established ways of doing things.

Lifestyle Differences

Finally, it is the lifestyle you imagine for yourself that will play a very large role in which of these two options will be best for you. Many people hope to start their own business to enjoy the autonomy and flexibility that being your own boss can provide, but there are some things to consider here.

The bottom line, should you franchises or start your own business?

So which decision is the best for your situation? Will one option ultimately lead you to greater rewards than the other? These questions will be affected by a great many factors specific to you and your personal capacity. One of the most important questions you will need to ask is which of these options will cost you more.

You start with an established business model

Starting your business from scratch can be quite tiring and need tons of planning and importantly a large investment for all the expenses the business faces in its initial stages. When investing in a franchise many of those expenses are cut out. Firstly you start off with an already successful and proven business model.

Investing in upcoming Technologies

Investing in upcoming technologies like digital marketing, web development, Android/IOS development can give you a huge return over investment. As more and more people are connecting to each other through the internet, products like websites, apps, and digital marketing services are sky-rocketing.

You benefit from existing Brand Awareness

While selling new products the brand name becomes one of the crucial parts of the selling process. People tend to buy more products from an experienced and trusted company. Getting a franchise of a proper company can help you sell more products and improve your customer base accordingly.

Are Franchises Successful?

The bottom line is yes, under the right conditions. A Signarama franchise opened in the right area, and run by an ambitious, talented, and passionate individual will be successful. A Signarama franchise also has a better chance of successes starting a business from scratch, even under similar conditions.

Why do people join franchises instead of starting from scratch?

Franchises Have a Stable Foundation. Part of the reason individuals join a franchise instead of starting from scratch is because a strong business foundation already exists. The brand, marketing, future plans, customer base, and almost everything new business owners ...

Does Signarama have backing?

Many new business owners have only themselves to rely on. In contrast, someone joining a Signarama franchise has an entire company backing them up and giving advice. Franchise owners can take advantage of the abundance of knowledge and experience other franchisers have to make sure their franchise succeeds. And we want you to succeed, because when you join a franchise, you become part of our franchising family.

Is franchising a good idea?

We believe that franchising is a great way to make it in the business world. Franchising has many benefits that don’t come with starting your own business, and franchising avoids many of the hardships and struggles start-up businesses tend to have. Below are three major benefits franchising has over starting your own business.

Is franchise good for a start up?

2. Franchises Still Offer the Start-up Experience. There is something extremely satisfying and fulfilling about starting a business from scratch. However, there is also tons of risk involved in starting a business. Starting a franchise provides the same satisfying experience of starting your own business without much of the risk.

Is it better to start a franchise or start a business?

3 Reasons Why Opening a Franchise is Better than Starting a Business. If you want to become a businessperson, there are many different ways to accomplish your dream. You can join a stable business and through the years work your way to the top. You can start your own business, cultivating a new idea and hoping it takes off.

Are you prepared to start a business from scratch?

According to Hanlon, launching a new enterprise requires ingenuity, passion, persistence and "enough confidence and thick skin to listen to people tell you how many colors of wrong they see in your big picture."

What are the attributes of a startup?

From a practical standpoint, Kara Harvey, CEO and founder of Elder-Well Franchising System, says startup entrepreneurs need the following attributes: Flexibility to commit to long hours and choose the business before other obligations. Basic business skills and knowledge.

Why is buying a business important?

According to Wolf, buying a business is typically best for entrepreneurs who have a substantial amount of capital to invest and a clear vision for their own long-term business goals.

What challenges did Wolf warn prospective business buyers about?

Wolf also cautioned prospective business buyers about potential transition period challenges: Will existing customers know or trust you as the new owner? Has the previous owner prepared you to take over with a solid plan? Are you prepared to deal with existing employees who are uncertain about the new leadership and changes?

Why do people buy businesses?

Buying a business can alleviate a lot of the stress and uncertainty of a new startup, but this path comes with its own difficulties.

Is it difficult to secure startup funding?

Adequate personal capital, as it is often difficult to secure startup funding.

Do you need creative freedom when buying a franchise?

You'll also need to be comfortable with less creative freedom over branding, messaging and operations when you purchase an existing business , especially if it's a franchise.

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Overview

  • You know that you want to run your own business but can’t decide whether you should buy a fra…
    When it comes to starting a business, there are pros and cons to choosing to open a franchise or start your own venture.
  • Franchise owners benefit from being part of a larger, successful company that has already pave…
    Individuals who believe they can build a better mousetrap and want the freedom of entrepreneurship may be better off launching their own startup.
See more on investopedia.com

Franchise: The Pros

  • At its best, franchising provides an opportunity to buy into an existing, successful business mod…
    Depending on the franchise you select, you may have the choice of either purchasing a fully operational location or starting from the ground up at a new location. The former option enables you to step right in and take over a business that has an existing customer base, documented ca…
See more on investopedia.com

Franchise: The Cons

  • Franchising also poses challenges. Purchasing a franchise can be an expensive proposition, wit…
    While general statistics cite franchise failure rates at an average of anywhere from 10% to 20%, 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%. Cl…
See more on investopedia.com

Startup: The Pros

  • If you’ve got an idea, you may be able to turn it into a business. Sam Walton did it with Walmart, …
    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 wha…
See more on investopedia.com

Startup: The Cons

  • When you start your own business, you are on your own. Much is unknown—will the product sell…
    If your business is going to survive, you alone will have to make that happen. To turn your dream into a reality, you can expect to work long, hard hours with no support or expert training. If you try this on your own without any experience, the deck is stacked against you. If this sounds like too …
See more on investopedia.com

The Bottom Line

  • 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 freedo…
See more on investopedia.com

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