Franchise FAQ

what to know about opening a franchise

by Hanna Armstrong Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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6 Important Things To Know Before Opening A Franchise Business

  • Make Sure The Brand Is Reputable The brand should have a good reputation. ...
  • Research The Location Thoroughly The location is one of the most important factors in a franchise business. ...
  • Consider If This Type Of Business Suits You Owning a franchise can be extremely rewarding, but it’s not for everyone. ...
  • Be Prepared To Spend More Than Just Money ...
  • Do Your Research ...
  • Be Patient ...

Full Answer

What do you need to know to open a franchise?

  • Set Realistic Goals. Franchising is more of a marathon than a sprint. ...
  • Research Your Competitors. ...
  • Develop Your Franchise Offering for Both Individual and Multi-Unit Sales. ...
  • Make Sure Your FDD Is Compliant for Every State. ...
  • Learn Franchising and Get Involved in the Franchise Community. ...

What are the steps to open a franchise?

Steps to Open a Franchise

  • Choose a franchise. This is arguably the most important step. ...
  • Connect with the franchisor. Reach out to the company (there is likely a form, like this one ), to get more information about the company. ...
  • Choose a location. What area will your franchise location serve? ...
  • Create a business plan. ...
  • Open your business. ...

How long does it take to open a franchise?

The overall range to open a franchise can be anywhere from as soon as 2 months to as long as 12-18 months. There are three basic location types of a franchise, each with a different timeline for opening. Let’s take a look below at how their timelines differ.

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...

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What do you need to know before buying a franchise?

What Should I Consider Before Buying a Franchise?The type of experience required in the franchised business.The hours and personal commitment necessary to run the business.The track record of the franchisor, and the business experience of its officers and directors.How other franchisees in the same system are doing.More items...

How profitable is owning a franchise?

Buying a franchise might seem like easy money, but those royalties and fees will quickly cut into profit margins. The majority of franchise owners earn less than $50,000 per year.

Is becoming a franchise worth it?

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.

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.

How often do franchises fail?

A five-year study by the franchise consulting firm FranNet reported that 92 percent of their franchise placements were still in business after two years and 85 percent after five years. Because yes, sometimes franchise businesses can rise and fall like independently owned companies.

What is a major pitfall of franchising?

Hidden Fees: In addition to receiving a percentage of the revenue, a franchise may have additional costs, such as fees for entry, training and marketing. You should carefully review the franchise disclosure documents to make sure you understand all of the fees you will be expected to pay as a franchisee.

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...•

Do franchise owners have to work?

Owning a franchise unit can be demanding, requiring work of 60 to 70 hours a week, but owners have the satisfaction of knowing that their business's success is a result of their own hard work. Some people look for franchise opportunities that are less demanding and may only require a part-time commitment.

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.

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

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.

Who is liable in a franchise?

Franchises offer limited liability for the franchisee from any legal suits brought by customers or employees. This means that the franchise owner's personal assets cannot be affected by the outstanding debts of the franchise.

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 do 7-Eleven franchise owners make?

The average salary for a Franchise Owner is $68,300 per year in United States, which is 51% lower than the average 7-Eleven salary of $140,208 per year for this job.

Is owning a franchise a full time job?

Buying a franchise doesn't have to mean making a full-time commitment. Believe it or not, there are many franchises that can be run on a part-time basis, especially when you first start out.

Is owning a franchise passive income?

Using the definition above, yes, a franchise can definitely be passive income! In fact, many franchises are set up with the goal of passive income in mind. That's why some franchisees end up owning multiple locations of the same franchise, with a separate staff and minimal oversight to run each one.

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...

What can franchisees see in a franchisor?

Often, the franchisees in attendance will see presentations about what the franchisor can offer in terms of support, and can ask questions. If done at the corporate office, a tour of the different departments and introductions to franchisee training and support personnel are common.

What is a soft opening for a franchise?

A soft opening is designed to smooth out problems with the operation of the business before the big marketing blitz, and hopefully larger crowds that will come with the grand opening. Some franchisors also arrange for a corporate trainer to be on hand at the franchise location during the opening days.

What is the most appealing aspect of franchising?

One of the most appealing aspects of franchising to those wanting to open a business is the training component . Franchisors usually provide training, in a combination of classroom and practical experiences, to at least the franchisee and another manager. A copy of the franchise operations manual is also typically presented at this time.

What is franchise consultant?

Much like a real estate agent is a good ally in the purchase of a home, a franchise consultant has industry-specific knowledge and can relate possibly complicated topics (including aspects of franchise agreements and disclosure documents) to you in a more understandable way.

What is the fastest way to start a medical billing business?

American Business Systems is the fastest way to start your medical billing business, guaranteed. With over 20 years of experience, ABS is the nation's largest network of Certified Medical Revenue Managers.

Is a franchise agreement a cause for concern?

If the franchisor does have a rigid franchise agreement, that isn’t a cause for concern. Remember, franchises are based upon a proven system and consistency of the brand. Conversely, if the franchise agreement for the brand you chose is overly negotiable, it could be cause for deeper investigation.

Do franchisors do soft openings?

Estimates for these initiatives will usually be a part of the start-up costs quoted in the FDD. Some franchisors will do a 'soft opening' before the 'grand opening'.

How to start a franchise business?

Your business model is up to you; however, you should always include: 1 The term of the franchise agreement (that is, how long it will last); 2 The geographic areas in which you are willing to place your franchises; 3 How big of a geographic area you are giving to each franchisee; 4 Training requirements; 5 How much the franchise fee will be; 6 How much the royalty percentage will be; 7 Whether you will provide equipment and products or the franchisee will provide same, and whether there will be an arrangement to split the costs; 8 Marketing strategies for the franchises; 9 How much net worth and business experience the franchisees need; and 10 Whether you prefer each franchise to have an owner/operator or master franchisees that develop more than one franchise.

What happens when you create your own franchise?

If you create your own franchise, you get to determine how your stores will look and what products and services the stores will offer.

What are the benefits of franchising?

Financial benefits. The franchisor can often negotiate lower costs for the items you sell if all of his franchisees use the same suppliers. This means that you have a higher profit. You also have access to marketing departments, and existing business infrastructure that you would not otherwise have access to if you set up an independent small business. This often includes preferential rates - discounts given to franchisees due to the large numbers using that particular supplier.

How does a franchisor help you?

Ongoing training. The franchisor usually offers ongoing training to keep you up to date on sales practices, laws and regulations in your chosen industry and how to run your business. The franchisor’s success is dependent upon yours, so they will invest time and energy in making sure you know what you’re doing and will help you make the franchise succeed. You will have a support system that you can access immediately.

How much does it cost to start a franchise?

The overall startup costs can run anywhere from between $50,000 to $200,000 - which is quite a wide range. Do your research on all the costs and when in doubt, round up.

How long do you have to wait to get a franchise agreement?

You must wait at least 10 days with this document before you can receive the franchise agreement.

How long does a franchise contract last?

You will need to consider developing an exit plan when the term ends. Terms are usually anywhere from 5-10 years, usually with an option to renew (though at a cost).

1. What is Franchising?

Want to know more about franchising? You've come to the right page. Read on for details about this business system that helps companies grow worldwide.

3. Choosing the Most Profitable Franchise for You

Finding the right franchise for you is a highly individual effort. This article gives you tips to guide you in the quest of finding a profitable franchise.

4. 11 Key Steps in Opening a Franchise

Buying a franchise is a long and involved process, but this infographic explains everything you'll need to know about it. If you're ready to buy a franchise, be aware of every step along the way by reading this infographic.

5. Franchises vs. Business Opportunities

While they are similar, and have many overlapping features, business opportunities and franchises have distinct differences that should be acknowledged before an entrepreneur signs on the dotted line to proceed with either.

6. The Cost to Start a Franchise and Financing Options

"How much does it cost to start a franchise?" is one of the most frequently asked questions from prospective franchisees. But the answer—as it rarely is—isn’t as easy as the question.

7. Basics of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)

After doing some research and identifying a few franchisors you want to move forward with in the buying process, you’re ready to make contact. This is when you will receive the FDD, a very important document in becoming a franchisee.

8. Creating a Business Plan for Your Franchise

To get the money you need to open a franchise, you will need a solid business plan. A business plan will also guide you in staying on track as your franchise grows.

What Makes a Successful Franchise?

If you’re new to franchising, it can be tough to know what makes a franchise successful. Factors for success include industry and location, but it also has to do with the company’s success as a whole. That is why Superior Play is such a great option. To illustrate our point, let’s look at the practices of the Superior Play Franchise.

What is the owner operator model?

The owner/operator model gives you the opportunity to make an immediate career change and assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations of your franchise. You have total control, which is one of the big reasons many entrepreneurs ditch their day job for a new entrepreneurial adventure. Excitement is ahead!

What is a franchise?

A franchise is a contractual relationship between an individual (franchisee) and a business (franchisor). The contract allows the franchisee to distribute the franchisor's products and use its name and brand.

What do franchises teach you?

Your franchise will often provide training on marketing, management, and business basics you’ll need to operate the business.

What happens if you get approved for a franchise?

Once your application is approved, the franchisor will provide you with a franchise agreement. This is the actual contract you’ll sign to become a franchisee and own and operate a business under the franchisor.

What are the requirements for a 7-11 franchise?

Franchisor requirements. A franchisor often has requirements of a franchisee before they can offer a franchise agreement. 7-Eleven, for example, requires new franchisees to have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, an excellent credit score, and retail experience.

How much does it cost to franchise a business?

Before you pursue a franchise opportunity, make sure you can cover the initial costs, which typically range between $20,000 and $50,000 and can be as much as $100,000, depending on the size of the franchise. Luckily, there are options for financial assistance, such as an SBA loan or bank loan. These can bolster your initial cash investment in the business.

What is a franchise disclosure document?

A franchisor is required to provide you with a franchise disclosure document (FDD) before any contracts are signed. It will include information regarding initial fees, estimated initial investment, and much more.

What is franchising in real estate?

Real Estate - The franchisor often provides recommendations for location types and can advise you on what will work best for your business. For example, McDonald’s has specific requirements for their locations (e.g., a building area of 4,500 square feet and on-site parking). 2. Franchisor requirements.

Make Sure The Brand Is Reputable

The brand should have a good reputation. If the franchise has had multiple lawsuits or complaints filed against it, do not invest until you look into further information about these accusations. You can research this online by doing google searches on the business name itself and phrases like “lawsuits”, “complaints”.

Research The Location Thoroughly

The location is one of the most important factors in a franchise business. It’s crucial to know whether or not it will be easy for your customers to get there, and if enough people are living nearby that can even afford your products/services.

Consider If This Type Of Business Suits You

Owning a franchise can be extremely rewarding, but it’s not for everyone. Franchises offer turnkey businesses with proven systems and support, but you’ll need to be comfortable following someone else’s lead. If you’re the kind of person who likes to blaze your trail, owning a franchise may not be right for you.

Be Prepared To Spend More Than Just Money

Be prepared to spend more than just money. While it may be the case that you have enough capital for a full franchise fee and some initial equipment purchases, there will likely still be additional expenses along the way before your business is up-and-running.

Do Your Research

Franchises can be a great opportunity, but it’s important to do your homework before signing on the dotted line. Make sure you know what you’re getting into and that the franchise is a good fit for your goals and lifestyle.

Be Patient

Owning a franchise business is not a quick way to get rich. It takes time and hard work to make your business successful. Be patient, take things one step at a time, and don’t give up if you don’t see results right away. Franchising can be a very rewarding experience, but it doesn’t happen overnight.

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Reasons to Consider Starting A Franchise

Reasons to Consider Not Starting A Franchise

  • As with everything, franchises also have some drawbacks. Some of the drawbacks of owning a franchise include: 1. You can't change the business model. This can mean very repetitive work, where you are beholden to another person. 2. Buying into a franchisecan be very expensive since a lot of the work is already done for you.You also have to pay fees ...
See more on upcounsel.com

Common Mistakes Made by Franchisees and Franchisors

  1. If a franchiseeattempts to change the business model of the franchise, they run the risk of voiding the contract and being completely debranded. Even tiny changes could negate the agreement.
  2. A franchiseealso needs to understand all the costs behind the franchise. The franchisor should provide this to you, which spells out everything, but there are hidden costs that will not be incl…
  1. If a franchiseeattempts to change the business model of the franchise, they run the risk of voiding the contract and being completely debranded. Even tiny changes could negate the agreement.
  2. A franchiseealso needs to understand all the costs behind the franchise. The franchisor should provide this to you, which spells out everything, but there are hidden costs that will not be included...
  3. A franchisor must enforce the business model. Otherwise, stores could start losing money and eventually go out of business. Franchisors often fail to prepare all the appropriate documents, includin...
  4. Both franchisees and franchisors must go in with the right mindset. For franchisors, rememb…

Talk to A Lawyer

  • If you need help starting a franchise or buying a franchise, you canpost your question or concern on UpCounsel’s marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo V…
See more on upcounsel.com

What You Need to Know About Opening Your First Franchise

Franchise Ownership Models

Owner-Operator Model

Why Owner-Operator Franchises Work

Choosing A Successful Franchise Industry

How to Determine A Successful Location

What Makes A Successful Franchise?

Consider Opening A Superior Play Franchise

  • Once you’ve decided you’d like to open a franchise, it’s essential to research and find a brand that embodies your passions. In franchising, you’re essentially purchasing a brand, so you need to make sure that brand’s industry, history and corporate values resonate with you. At Superior Play, our business revolves around play. While that may sound ...
See more on superiorplay.com

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