Franchise FAQ

what to ask a franchise owner

by Krystal Hansen II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Here are some questions you should be sure to ask:

  1. Are you happy with your franchisor? ...
  2. How long did it take for you to realize a return on investment?
  3. Approximately how much are you earning? ...
  4. How many hours a week do you spend working on the business?
  5. Did the training your franchisor provided really prepare you to run this business?
  6. Were there any hidden fees or unexpected costs?

If a franchisee has agreed to talk to you, download this template for suggested questions you may ask.
  • How long have you been in business?
  • What made you choose this franchise?
  • How would you rate your relationship with the franchisor?
  • How would you rate the initial training?
  • How would you rate the marketing programs?
Jul 7, 2019

Full Answer

What questions should you ask a franchisor before buying a franchise?

So, just as you should ask the franchisor about the level of training they will provide, be sure to vet their response with the actual experiences of franchisees in the system. 3. How much support does the franchisor give you on a day-to-day basis?

What does it take to become a franchise owner?

While it can be thrilling, empowering, freeing and life changing it can also be scary and daunting. As a franchise owner you will need to put in long hours and hard work — at least for the first few years as you get your business off the ground. Patience and dedication are important for any new business owner and that includes franchise owners.

What are the expectations of a franchisee?

As a franchisee there are many expectations placed on you regarding payments, operations and other obligations per the franchise agreement. It’s important to have a discussion with the franchisor to gain a clear understanding surrounding what is required of you as a unit operator.

How do you find the right franchise partner for You?

As Chris Mehalic, Franchisee of Truly Nolen said, “My advice to those considering a franchise would be to spend far less effort identifying the ‘perfect’ brand and focus on your own core values, goals, personal strengths and preparedness. From there, finding fit will come very naturally with many quality franchise partners.”

image

What questions should I ask a franchise?

Overall Questions to ask the Franchisor:Where will your franchise be located?What is the success rate of existing franchises?What method is used to protect franchisees from poorly performing franchises?Is there a franchise owners association?Is there a franchise advisory council?More items...

How do you talk to a franchise owner?

The best way to do this is actually to start talking to current franchisees. The best way is to this is to call or visit a franchisee, don't just email them. You might need to be a bit persistent, but if you are then you can get all of your questions and concerns answered.

What 3 things are typically included in a franchise agreement?

Franchise agreements vary between different franchises, but these seven areas should be addressed in every franchise agreement.Use of Trademarks.Location of the Franchise.Term of the Franchise.Franchisee's Fees and Other Payments.Obligations and Duties of the Franchisor.Restriction on Goods and Services Offered.More items...

How do you ask for franchise information?

Exploring a Franchise Opportunity? 5 Key Questions to Ask.How does this franchise work? ... What training and ongoing support is provided franchisees? ... What is the company's competitive advantage? ... Does the company have a standardized operating system? ... What's the real cost of buying this franchise?

How do you approach a franchise?

How to Write a Franchise ProposalReview Franchise Requirements. Franchise owners publish information that sets out the scope, benefits and requirements of their franchise. ... Develop a Structure. ... Provide an Overview. ... Describe Your Experience. ... Introduce Your Team. ... Describe Market Potential. ... Make Financial Forecasts.

How do franchisees communicate?

How to Improve Communication with Your FranchiseesEnsure consistency with your franchisees. ... Prioritize face-to-face communication. ... Create feedback loops with your franchisees. ... Document meetings and action points. ... Provide franchisees support. ... Help franchisees market effectively. ... Employ tools to support and automate.

What should I look for in a franchise agreement?

Important Elements of a Franchise AgreementGrant of rights. ... Relationship. ... Schedule. ... Fees. ... Personal guarantee. ... Franchise territory. ... Length of the agreement. ... Ending the agreement.More items...•

How much is the average initial franchise fee?

between $25,000 to $50,000Franchise fees are typically between $25,000 to $50,000 on average. 2) Startup Costs: These are the expenses you'll incur to get your new business open and operating. Initial investment costs vary widely from franchise to franchise.

What do franchise fees include?

The franchise fee covers the cost of your application, training, initial marketing and advertising, sales commission and general costs incurred by the franchisor's corporate team in getting you all set up.

What are the key questions to be assessed by the franchisee in evaluating the franchisor?

What to consider when evaluating a franchise opportunityThe market. Has a defined market been determined? ... Company history. ... Financial statements. ... Level of investment. ... Training and support. ... Territory. ... Royalties. ... Restrictions.More items...

What important questions should you ask before becoming a franchise in a company like Sonic?

Five Questions to Ask Franchisees Before You Become OneHow well did your first unit opening go? ... How well do the marketing programs work? ... How well does everybody get along? ... How much money can I make? ... If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy this franchise?

What additional information would you request from a franchisor before signing a franchising agreement?

Franchisor Disclosure a copy of the Code; a disclosure document; a copy of the proposed franchise agreement in its final form; and. a short information sheet outlining the risks and rewards of franchising.

What do franchise owners have to do?

As a franchisee, a business owner is responsible for the following: Paying the franchise fee and paying royalties to the franchise to help run the larger business. Finding, leasing and building out a location for the franchise. (As mentioned previously, most franchises will help extensively with this.)

How much do franchise owners make?

When researchers accounted for the inflations caused by the few top franchises, it was established that the average annual income of 51 percent of franchisees is less than 50,000 dollars. The study also found that only 7 percent of franchise owners earn over 250,000 dollars a year.

Whats a franchise owner?

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. The franchisee receives continuous guidance and support from the franchisor.

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.

What to talk about before signing a franchise agreement?

Also, before signing a franchise agreement, talk with your spouse and anyone else who will be affected by your decision and make sure they understand the commitment necessary to get a business off the ground.

How to validate a franchise?

Another way to validate franchsies is reviewing satisfaction reports that FBR compiles for top brands. These reports offer deep insight into franchisee survey responses across several categories. Looking at aggregate response data in combination with speaking to individual owners is an effective way to vet brands before buying.

What is the final step in the research phase of your franchise journey?

The final step in the research phase of your franchise journey is speaking with other franchisees. As Cindy and Phil Bacon, franchisees of FASTSIGNS said, “Do your due diligence and contact as many franchisees as possible.” Current franchisees can be the best sources for unbiased and unfiltered information and can help you validate or invalidate the franchises you are considering.

Why is franchising important?

Franchising offers an exciting opportunity for eager entrepreneurs who are interested in running their own business but are hesitant about starting from scratch. Buying a franchise often comes with less risk than a traditional startup and offers franchisees an accelerated path to profitability.

Why is it important to ask franchisors the right questions?

Asking a franchisor the right questions in the right way is critical to learning more about the brand and whether it will be a good fit for you. The trick is to ask open-ended questions that will really make franchisors think before they answer.

What is franchising beauty?

This established system is the beauty of franchising as it offers reduced risk, streamlined business operations and a quicker runway to profitability. But in order for the system to work franchisees must fully comply with and follow the system laid out by the franchisor.

How long does a franchise contract last?

Franchise agreements may run for as long as 20 years. Renewals are not automatic. At the end of the contract term, the franchisor may decline to renew or may offer a renewal that doesn’t have the same terms and conditions as your original contract.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9