Franchise FAQ

what to know about owning a franchise

by Shana Cartwright Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Some basics of owning a franchise include:

  • Contract agreements — The foundation of your franchise is the contract you have with the franchisor. This franchise agreement will state renewal rights and cancellation policies. ...
  • Contracts are temporary — Your contract will be like a lease or rental of a business and will usually only last from five to 30 years. If you violate or end this contract early, you’ll likely face consequences.

Full Answer

Why you might consider buying a franchise?

Why Franchise?

  • Lower Cost. 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, ...
  • Simpler Management. ...
  • Faster Expansion. ...
  • Better Market Penetration. ...
  • Greater Commitment. ...
  • Less Recruitment. ...
  • International Potential. ...

What to know before buying a franchise?

4 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Franchise:

  1. Practice self-reflection. When you buy a franchise, it is vital you self-evaluate whether you are suitable for this action and, if yes, what area matches your personality and skillset.
  2. Make a list of all upcoming costs. It is of the utmost importance you make a list of all your future costs. ...
  3. Know the market well. ...
  4. Research available opportunities. ...

Why you should buy a franchise?

Discover how you can be successful in your franchise venture

  • Offers the franchisor a method of rapid expansion
  • Spreads the brand messaging and awareness over a large network of franchise owners
  • Taps in to the franchise owner community’s “pride of ownership”
  • Allows the franchise owner community to grow due to a duplicable system and support

More items...

Why not to buy a franchise?

The first reason never to buy into a franchise is the restrictions that the franchisor puts in place. You’re talking location, products and fees. So the franchisor is always gonna tell you where your location is. They will give you a set territory.

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Is owning a franchise profitable?

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.

How much do a franchise owner make?

The Numbers According to a survey done by Franchise Business Review involving 28,500 franchise owners, the average pre-tax annual income of franchise owners is about 80,000 dollars.

What is the downside to a franchise?

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.

What do you need to know before franchising?

7 things to investigate before you buy a franchiseLearn everything you can about franchising. ... Understand the franchise agreement. ... Read the disclosure statement carefully. ... Identify your financial risks. ... Understand your territory. ... Consider restraint of trade. ... Find out if there are ongoing fees.More items...

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.

How do franchisees 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.

Why do franchises fail?

Overseeing and managing a large franchise system requires a significant amount of liquid capital. If a franchisor does not have adequate reserves, or if a large number of franchisees are struggling to make their monthly royalty payments, then this could lead to systemic failure and widespread franchise closures.

What are 3 disadvantages of franchising?

The franchise agreement usually includes restrictions on how you can run the business. You might not be able to make changes to suit your local market. You may find that after some time, ongoing franchisor monitoring becomes intrusive. The franchisor might go out of business.

Is it better to own or franchise?

Success Rates for Franchises vs. 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.

What is the most profitable franchise?

Top 14 Most Profitable FranchisesMcDonald's. Units in operation: 39,360. ... Dunkin Donuts. Units in operation: 12,800. ... Taco Bell. Units in operation 12,800. ... Subway Franchise. Offers Financing: Yes. ... Anytime Fitness Franchise. Units in operation: 4,904. ... Sonic. Royalty: 2.5% - 5.0% ... Planet Fitness. Royalty 7.0% ... Orangetheory Fitness.More items...

Is it hard to run a franchise?

Running your own franchise is still hard work, and there are drawbacks to opening a business that requires operating by someone else's rules.

How much money do you need 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.

How much do 7 Eleven franchise owners make?

The estimated base pay is $82,642 per year. The estimated additional pay is $58,474 per year. Additional pay could include bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips.

What is the most profitable franchise?

Top 14 Most Profitable FranchisesMcDonald's. Units in operation: 39,360. ... Dunkin Donuts. Units in operation: 12,800. ... Taco Bell. Units in operation 12,800. ... Subway Franchise. Offers Financing: Yes. ... Anytime Fitness Franchise. Units in operation: 4,904. ... Sonic. Royalty: 2.5% - 5.0% ... Planet Fitness. Royalty 7.0% ... Orangetheory Fitness.More items...

Are franchises 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.

How much does a McDonald's franchise cost?

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 is a successful franchise?

A successful franchise is already known, and when you open your doors, you’re ready to generate revenue. As a franchise owner, you benefit from corporate advertising and marketing campaigns.

What is franchise business?

A franchise has a proven business model. All the startup work is already complete, including; product and marketing research. The setup of your business is already laid out. The company will also determine if the franchise is fit for the area you’re planning to operate.

What happens if a small town does not support the franchise?

The franchises know the numbers and conduct research. If a small town’s population does not support the franchise’s success, your application will be denied. And that’s a good thing because that protects you from investing in something that obviously won’t succeed.

Why is franchise important?

A franchise is a great way to get started in business because it has a proven model that’s already profitable. Unlike starting a business from scratch, when you’re open for business, you start to bring in revenue a lot quicker because of the franchise’s reputation.

How to find out how much a franchise owner makes?

To find out how much a Franchise owner makes, you first have to define which franchise you plan to operate. Each one is different, and each franchise performs differently. For example, A well-known global franchise will allow the owner to make a healthy profit compared to an unknown local one.

Why is my success rate so high?

After all, your success rate is drastically increased because you’re working with a proven business model. Everything is figured out for you. You don’t have to worry about what products and services to offer. The design of your franchise is worked out for you. You have proof because it’s working in other locations.

Can you add or eliminate products and services to a franchise?

You can’t have sales or promotions unless approved by the head office. You can’t add or eliminate any products and services unless approved by the head office. The look and feel must be standard to match other franchises; you can’t be creative.

What Is A Franchise

A franchise is a license that is issued by the franchisor to an individual (franchisee) or group of persons to sell its products in a particular location.

Types Of Franchise

There are different types of a franchise which will be discussed under this heading.

How Does Franchise Work

In the franchising world, the franchisee gives monetary value in exchange for the franchisor’s knowledge and experience. With this, the franchisee can speed up his business since he will be treading on the already built experience of someone else. He knows things to avoid and areas to focus his strength on.

Benefits Of Franchising

It is no longer a surprise when potential entrepreneurs choose to franchise over setting up their business. This is basically because of the numerous benefits that both the franchisees and the franchisors stand to derive. These benefits are so numerous out of which the following have been extracted.

Things To Investigate Before You Buy A Franchise

Purchasing a franchise might be the best way for an individual to start as a business owner due to the several opportunities that await such a person some of which have been listed above.

Steps To Owning A Franchise

If you are currently reading through this article, it implies that you are planning to embark on franchising to become your boss.

Common Terms Used In Franchising

It is important to know some of the jargon often used in franchising. Here is a list of a few.

What are the parts of owning a franchise?

There are a few different parts of owning a franchise, including doing your research, getting hands-on, understanding your finances and launching your business. Understanding each is key to picking the right franchise and getting off on a positive foot for future success.

What is a franchise agreement?

Your formal contract is called the franchise agreement, and it’s a document you should review very, very carefully. This is a binding document that lists your fees, obligations and more. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask them.

What is a franchise discovery day?

If possible, attend a Discovery Day. A large portion of franchises, both big and small, offer what’s called a “Discovery Day” in which prospective franchisees spend time at the corporate headquarters or in an existing franchise location.

Why is it important to have a consistent experience across locations?

No matter how well you do, you’ll always be paying some form of franchise fees to headquarters, which means all of the money you make isn’t your own.

Is it bad to own a franchise?

Potential drawbacks to owning a franchise. Of course, owning a franchise isn’t all roses. First and foremost, there’s the upfront cost. Franchises can be expensive, especially in high net-worth and busy markets, which means a big investment for a business that isn’t established yet.

Is it possible to start a business from scratch?

Beginning a business from scratch can be a huge undertaking that not everyone is game for — you have to think of everything from beginning to end. With a franchise, customers already know your brand name, operating procedures are established and the greater marketing plan generally comes directly from corporate.

Is lack of flexibility a problem for entrepreneurs?

A lack of flexibility may also feel a bit stifling for some entrepreneurs; the corporate framework can be very helpful at times, but if you want to break out of the box with new ideas or offerings, you might not be able to. After all, you’re representing not only your business, but also a larger company as a whole.

Why buy a franchise?

Buying a franchise can be a great move for a would-be entrepreneur who doesn’t want to create a new business from scratch. In theory, franchisees acquire a model that already works on every level, from branding to pricing to marketing. A ready clientele eagerly spends on Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s and 7-11. The market has tested the best recipes for glazed crullers, Egg McMuffins and the right combo of energy drinks to stock next to the register. But making a go as a successful franchisee can be a lot more complicated than simply finding an appealing brand and plunking down some cash. For a taste of what can go wrong, see Forbes’ piece about the problems at sandwich franchise Quiznos, which paid $206 million to settle a suit brought by franchisees who claimed the chain had oversold its markets and excessively marked up supplies.

What to do before buying a franchise?

They recommend you do these 12 things before you buy a franchise. Give yourself a personality test. There’s a reason military veterans tend to be successful franchisees, says Brown. They’re used to following the rules and operating within a highly regulated system.

How long does it take for a franchise to become profitable?

The FTC’s guide says it may take a year to become profitable. You should have access to capital that will cover both business expenses for six months and personal living expenses for a year. Beware of franchise consultants. Most franchise consultants are paid salespeople, according to Sean Kelly.

What to consider before starting a franchise?

You’ll need to account for the cost of the opening inventory and required working capital, as well as ongoing fees and payments.

What laws apply to franchises?

State and federal laws will apply — In the U.S., states regulate franchises. There are also regulations established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that will impact your business.

What are the pros and cons of buying a franchise?

Some benefits of owning a franchise include: Skipping the startup stage. Instant name recognition. Training. Knowing the demographics and locations that work best for the franchise. Easy access to financing because banks and lenders are more likely to loan money to a franchise.

What happens if you violate a franchise agreement?

If you violate or end this contract early, you’ll likely face consequences. Business advisory fees — When you work with a franchise, you’ll also need to pay your franchisor for training, equipment and business advisory services when you first open. Ongoing fees — As a franchisee, you won’t keep all your sales income.

How long does a franchise contract last?

Contracts are temporary — Your contract will be like a lease or rental of a business and will usually only last from five to 30 years. If you violate or end this contract early, you’ll likely face consequences.

How to find the best franchise location?

One way to determine the best location for your franchise is to look at the locations of your competitors. Get permits or license s — Check with local and state officials in your area to confirm which licenses and permits you’ll need. Depending on your industry, you may need extra permits like a liquor license.

What to know before working with a franchisor?

Not only is it important to see how long they’ve been operating but also how they’ve evolved and made money throughout their time in business.

Legal and Accounting Fees

When considering whether or not to buy a particular franchise, a franchise attorney can be a great resource. The attorney will go over the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with you. Although this massive document may be intimidating, an attorney can walk you through the important parts.

Working Capital

Your franchisor can help you determine the amount of working capital you need to get your business started and running through the first year or so. Depending on the business, it is important to have enough working capital to cover two or three months to as much as two to three years until the business is off the ground.

Franchise Fee

In general, most franchise fees are between $20,000 and $50,000. Mobile businesses or home-based businesses could be less than $20,000. In addition to covering the costs of training, the franchise fee also covers support and site selection.

Build-Out Costs

For brick-and-mortar franchises, build-outs can be expensive. When you’ve decided on a location and the franchise you want to purchase, the franchisor can help you calculate your overall build-out costs. This includes expenses for construction, fixtures, appliances, furniture, signage, and equipment.

Supplies

It depends on the business when it comes to the supplies that are needed. For example, a restaurant needs appliances, salons need sinks and beauty tools, business offices need copiers, computers, and other supplies. The franchisor should have an estimate for you in regards to how much supplies should cost.

Inventory and Overhead

If you own a retail business or sell a specific product, inventory becomes an expense. While every business is different and has different requirements, you could see costs for inventory go between $20,000 and $150,000.

Travel and Living Costs While Training

While training may be covered by the franchise fee, there are added costs including travel and other expenses that fall on the franchisee. The franchisor provides the franchisee with training, but as your business grows, other employees will also be required to take the training.

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Owning A Franchise

Is It Better to Start A Business Or Buy A Franchise?

Cost

Earning Potential

The Success Rate of A Franchise

The Process of Owning A Franchise

  • Every franchise has its regulations and requirements to get accepted as a franchisee. Some of the requirements and qualifications for many franchises include the following: You will probably have an interview to determine if you are the right fit. You must meet the financial requirements, and this could include a credit check to determine how you h...
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Red Flags When Considering A Franchise

What Is A Franchise?

Why Would You Choose A Franchise Over Starting Your Own Business?

What Are The Steps For Owning A Franchise?

  • Research:Research the franchise you are interested in owning. It should be a well-established company with an excellent reputation and solid sales record. Cost & fees: Understand the franchise costs and fees. Ensure you fully understand not only the cost to own the franchise but also the potential profitability. Application: Be prepared for the app...
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Conclusion

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