Franchise FAQ

what business would you like to franchise and why

by Virgil Miller Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Why you should start a franchise?

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Franchise

  1. Track Record of Success. Any good franchise company has developed a method of doing business that works well and produces successful results. ...
  2. Strong Brand. One of the biggest advantages of franchising is that the company is building a brand on a regional or national basis that should have value in the ...
  3. Training Programs. ...
  4. Ongoing Operational Support. ...

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What are the benefits of owning a franchise business?

The Pros Of Buying A Franchise

  • Skipping Startup Stage. The most difficult part of owning a business arguably comes in the startup stage, where you have to write a business plan, conduct market research, create a ...
  • Instant Name Recognition. ...
  • Training Program. ...
  • Help With Marketing And Advertising. ...
  • Access To Increased Purchasing Power. ...
  • Easier Access To Financing. ...

What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a franchise?

These include:

  • Limited Control: As a franchise business owner, you have limited control. ...
  • Costs: Opening a franchise is not a cheap endeavor. ...
  • Potential Leadership Changes: There is always the possibility that the franchise can be acquired and new leadership will move in.
  • Lack of Privacy: Being a franchisee also comes with a lack of financial privacy. ...

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Why is franchising the best business?

Why Franchising Can Be The Best Business Decision For You

  • Low Failure Rate. You buy an existing system that has already been proven to be popular when you purchase a franchise.
  • Effective Management. Finding and keeping successful unit managers is another stumbling block facing many entrepreneurs who want to grow.
  • High-Speed Growth. ...
  • Conclusion. ...

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How Does the Franchising Process Work?

The franchising process varies depending on the type of franchise arrangement, state, and franchisor guidelines. That said, a typical franchising process will look something like this:

What is a franchise disclosure document?

The franchise disclosure document, or FDD, forms the legal foundation to sell a franchise. It is a fundamental requirement for both the federal and state franchising laws. The FDD requires a franchisor to provide all franchise disclosure documents with their respective state regulators. Also, under the FDD, franchisors can renew their agreement with their franchisees at the end of an agreement in accordance with (Sec. 8) Small Business Franchise Act.

What is franchising in business?

New locations and desirable market: Franchising is a source of capitalized expansion to new and desirable locations. Rather than franchisors putting their own money into market research, franchisees invest their funds to establish a business in a desirable location.

How to get a franchisor to offer you a franchise?

Contact the franchisor's representative and schedule a meeting . A face-to-face meeting is an opportunity for you to know more about the business and help you make an informed decision. Key questions to consider include inquiring about how long the business has been in operation, its growth plan, and risk factors. After the interview, the franchisor should offer you their franchising brochures, guidelines, and other relevant initial documentation for potential franchisees.

What is business format franchise?

Business format franchise: This is the most common type of franchise arrangement. In this model, the franchisor allows a third party to do business using their trademarks and business model in exchange for fees and a recurring percentage of sales revenue. Franchisees under this model are run according to the parent company's guidelines and rules.

What is a franchise model?

Franchising, or a business franchise model, is a contractual business model or relationship whereby an established brand, known as the 'franchisor,' allows an independent business owner, or franchisee, to use its branding, business model, and other intellectual property. In return, the franchisee agrees to pay an upfront franchise fee, plus ongoing royalties to the franchisor.

What does franchising do for you?

Quality leadership and lower operating costs: The franchisor will train you and help you identify the best strategies to manage your business operations effectively while keeping your costs low.

What is franchisee responsibility?

Franchisees are themselves responsible for the day-to-day running of their business units and they must do this strictly in accordance with the Franchise Agreement and Operating Manual. As franchisees have invested their own hard-earned money, they do not require the detailed level of management which would be needed for employees. The objectives of the franchisee and of the franchising organisation are, therefore, very closely aligned, with the success of the one depending to a great extent on the success of the other. As a result, the franchise network requires only a simplified and relatively low-cost management system. This is typically based on the close monitoring by the franchisor of the key performance indicators (KPIs) and the provision of motivational leadership.

Why do franchisees invest in their business?

Franchisees have invested in their business and know that they can benefit directly from its success. Logically, for that reason, their commitment will be much greater than that of employees, who have made no such financial investment and are guaranteed to receive at least a basic wage at the end of each month, regardless of performance. However, money is not the only driving force for better performance. Since the business is their own, franchisees will take real pride in the service which they provide and will ceaselessly strive to exceed the expectations of their customers. This commitment will also reflect in their loyalty to the franchisor’s brand, because it is also the franchisee’s brand, and they are intent on building up a business which can be sold on for profit at some future date. Of course, not all potential franchisees are so strongly motivated – nor do all have the necessary ability to succeed – so the franchisor’s initial selection process must be rigorous.

What is the benefit of self-financing?

The benefit of self-financing business units and a simplified management structure as described above usually means that franchised networks can be expanded more quickly than company-run networks. Franchising is all about replicating a clear and successful business formula and, provided the franchisor is prepared to make a reasonable investment in marketing at national level, the brand can quickly be expanded nationwide. This will in turn generate increased sales volumes and stronger purchasing power, via which the organisation can command greater discounts from its suppliers.

What happens if you leave a franchise early?

If they leave prematurely they are unlikely to realise the full potential of their franchise investment and they may possibly lose everything.

Do franchisees make a payment?

Unlike employees, franchisees make an initial payment in return for becoming a part of your business and then they continue to pay you a percentage of their revenue, throughout the duration of their Franchise Agreement. This means that the costs of setting up the franchise, training staff and launching the business are all covered by the franchisee rather than by the parent organisation. Similarly, once the business is up and running, it is the franchisee who will be rewarding you with a monthly income, rather than being paid by you as an employee. For these reasons, the franchise system can provide a very cost-effective route for business development, but only provided that the original business is successful and that the franchisor is willing to invest sufficient time and money into creating an attractive franchise opportunity.

Do franchisees live within the territory?

They will generally live within the franchise territory, be known there and will be seen as having made a permanent commitment. These are all attributes which generally do not apply to company employees and will be of enormous value in helping franchisees to penetrate their local market.

What is the benefit of franchising?

Independent business owners can join local business associations or trade groups to network and discuss common problems--but who knows more about your business than someone who's also doing it? Peer support from fellow franchisees is an invaluable benefit of franchising. Since each franchisee has an exclusive territory, cooperation is not only possible, but is built into the franchising business model through annual conferences, regional meetings, intranet sites, and daily phone calls where franchisees can share tips, ask for help, and gain from the experience of older franchisees.

What does franchising provide after opening?

After opening, any franchisor worth its salt will provide not only ongoing technical training (new haircutting styles, new tax rules, new equipment, new technologies, etc.), but also mentoring and career growth opportunities for its franchisees. This can include resolving daily problems, marketing more effectively, and hiring, training, and retaining employees. Franchisees and their managers also benefit from business coaching and training--lifetime skills that are transferable to any other franchise or any other business.

What does franchise fee buy you?

Another thing your franchise fee buys you is the right to an exclusive territory, designed to provide a sufficient number of the right kind of customers for your investment to succeed. Franchisors generally are reluctant to award territories too large for a franchisee to serve adequately (and because they want to sell as many as they can, within reason), the smarter ones will err on the side of awarding territories that give their franchisees the best chance of success.

What is franchising for yourself?

As the truism says, franchising is about being in business "for yourself, not by yourself.". For those new to the franchise business model, the notion of writing a large check at the outset (the franchise fee) and another every week or month (the royalty) may seem strange, objectionable, or even a deal-breaker.

How long does it take to become a franchisee?

In fact, they need franchisees to succeed. That's why intensive training is included in the franchise fee. It can take days or weeks, depending on the brand. Prior to opening for business, franchisees are trained in all the brand's specifics, from cash registers and point-of-sale systems to brand identity and culture, sales and marketing, and everything and anything that makes that brand unique. They also benefit from instruction in business, technical, financial, and management skills.

Why is franchising important?

From new restaurants and retail stores to products and services that make life easier, innovation is a key ingredient in success (as is consistency). But, as noted above, new businesses are prone to failure, and most new ideas take time to catch on. Franchising allows entrepreneurs to plug into a proven, successful idea and operating system, and focus their efforts on running the business, rather than on adjusting it in midstream. The wheel's been invented, perfected, branded, and marketed. As a franchisee, it's time to roll.

What are the drawbacks of franchising?

These include lack of independence (no Lone Rangers, please), inflexibility (franchisees must follow the system), and the risks associated with the brand's overall performance. For instance, if some franchisees run a sloppy operation, it reflects poorly on the entire brand; if one restaurant makes headlines for customers falling ill, it can hurt sales nationwide for months or years.

Why is franchising important?

"Franchising has allowed us to do what we love while running our very own business! It gave us the opportunity to work for ourselves and to serve a real purpose, instead of just working on the things we do well for a boss.

What do you need to know when starting a business?

When you start your own business, you must learn all these things on your own, with 'rookie mistakes' part of the learning curve.

Is franchising a good idea?

Franchising is a great way to start a business when you want to work for yourself but have only a little idea on how to start it. Coming to America as war refugees, we knew hard work and a little leap of faith could get you far in life and franchising paved the path for us.".

Is opening a franchise easy?

Paving the way for a new business isn't easy. But what if you could have all the benefits of being an entrepreneur with the resources of a bigger company? Opening a franchise might just be the right path for you.

Who is Brittney Morgan?

Brittney Morgan. Business News Daily Staff. Brittney Q. Morgan is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor, as well as a graduate of Drew University, where she majored in History. Her work can be found all across the web at Apartment Therapy, HuffPost, and more.

Can you ask for help if you need it?

You can ask for help if you need it.

Can you work with friends and family?

You can work with friends and family.

What happens when you go global?

When you go global, your market share automatically increases manifold. Even with local franchises, franchisees are generally well established in the community and that gives them an edge in gaining more customers for your company. This cannot be said for company’s own employees. So, franchisees can get better business for you at a local level and of course, at an international level as well if you go global.

Is franchising a DNA replication?

You copy-paste a tried and tested formula and the franchisee takes it from there without much expenditure of resources from your end . So it goes without saying that franchised networks can expand more rapidly than company-run networks. With the franchise plan in action, you will be free to expand geographically without the major problems of money, managers and human resource.

What do franchises do?

Most franchises provide franchisees with marketing materials and advertorial campaigns, as well as help with TV, print, and local radio ads. You don’t have to lift a finger when it comes to all things to do with marketing and advertising for your location. The franchisor, through the corporate office, will make sure that the brand is top of mind, credible, and that the message reaches the masses. Whether it’s social media marketing, in-store promotions or nationwide campaigns, franchisees can count on the franchisor to do it all.

Why is owning a franchise important?

Why? That’s because most are well-known, established brands with name recognition that you can take to the bank. If you intend to take out a loan, you’ll probably sail through without any hassle if you bought into a big-name brand.

What is the draw of buying a franchise?

The biggest draw of buying a franchise is that you don’t have to start a business from scratch. The franchisor has done all the heavy lifting. So, all you have to do is follow the tried-and-test approach to running a business and generate significant profit. Unlike starting your own business, you’ll get a shortcut to profitability through a turnkey business system.

How does franchising benefit a business?

As a franchisee, your business will benefit immensely from lower costs of inventory, stationery, and other supplies due to bulk purchasing opportunities available through the franchi sor. Often, these cost savings will contribute to your business bottom line and profit margin.

What is the responsibility of a franchisee?

As a franchisee, it’s your responsibility to make timely royalty payments to the franchisor. After all, these funds go to defray the costs of corporate administration, marketing expenses, etc.

Do franchises make a profit?

For most franchise owners, the likelihood of making a profit is almost guaranteed. After all, you are buying a business idea that has been tried, test, and proven to be surefire by the franchisor and many other franchisees before you. In fact, a battery of recent studies has shown that franchises deliver success rate of around 95%.

Is there power in numbers when owning a franchise?

As they say, “there’s power in numbers.” This can’t be truer when it comes to owning a franchise. That’s right; running a franchise business provides you with an opportunity to share your knowledge, insights, and challenges with other franchisees on the network. Besides, the franchisor and corporate office also provide ongoing technical, customer, and day-to-day support. In a way, you are in business for yourself, but not by yourself when you’re a franchisee.

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Lower Cost

Simpler Management

  • Franchisees are themselves responsible for the day-to-day running of their business units and they must do this strictly in accordance with the Franchise Agreement and Operating Manual. As franchisees have invested their own hard-earned money, they do not require the detailed level of management which would be needed for employees. The objectives of the franchisee and of th…
See more on ashtonsfranchise.com

Faster Expansion

  • The benefit of self-financing business units and a simplified management structure as described above usually means that franchised networks can be expanded more quickly than company-run networks. Franchising is all about replicating a clear and successful business formula and, provided the franchisor is prepared to make a reasonable investment in marketing at national le…
See more on ashtonsfranchise.com

Better Market Penetration

  • Franchisees are normally well established as part of the local community, either on a personal level or as a result of their past business activities and are likely to be knowledgeable about the area. This can give them a very significant advantage in gaining new business for the franchise at a local level. They will generally live within the franc...
See more on ashtonsfranchise.com

Greater Commitment

  • Franchisees have invested in their business and know that they can benefit directly from its success. Logically, for that reason, their commitment will be much greater than that of employees, who have made no such financial investment and are guaranteed to receive at least a basic wage at the end of each month, regardless of performance. However, money is not the only driving for…
See more on ashtonsfranchise.com

Less Recruitment

  • On purchasing their franchise, the franchisees are really taking a decision to stick with their chosen business for the long term. If they leave prematurely they are unlikely to realise the full potential of their franchise investment and they may possibly lose everything. Even when the time is right to sell, it is their own responsibility to find a suitable buyer. This means that the franchisi…
See more on ashtonsfranchise.com

International Potential

  • If you have longer-term aspirations to expand your business internationally, the franchise system again has many advantages. Using a system called Master Franchising, you can quickly and simply replicate the whole of the your UK franchise model in another country, leaving the Master Franchisee to adapt the model to the local market – its language, business customs and legal re…
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