Franchising and the Economy Infographic
In all the talk about deficits,unemployment, and the precarious state of our nation's economy, one of America's most powerful engines for recovery is often (and foolishly) excluded from the conversation -- a classic case of missing what's right under our nose. Developed and perfected right here in the U.S., the franchise business model represents the ideal blend of national heft and local business, accounting for hundreds of thousands of stores, millions of jobs, and billions in annual output.
Measuring the Impact of Franchising on the U.S. Economy
Few people realize how critical franchising is to our economy, but as the infographic below illustrates, some of the most celebrated brands in the U.S. today were launched during times of deep recession, and franchised businesses as a whole continue to serve as a model workhorse for productivity and wealth creation in our nation.
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Before Buying a Franchise Identify Your TRUE Investment
Your approach as a potential franchise buyer is to identify the real investment dollars you’ll need to get the franchise to profitability. The initial source of this information is Item 7 in the FDD. Item 7 is a schedule that details the estimated investment in the franchise. This schedule includes the cost of various items, including: the initial franchise fee, training related expenses, rent, insurance, professional fees for legal and accounting services, supplies, equipment, licenses and permits and additional working capital. Depending upon the specific franchise, there may be added categories. When reviewing the Item 7 schedule it’s important to know that franchisors are not required to list every type of fee or expense that might be part of the investment in the franchise but rather the likely investment needed to start the franchise. As you work to establish your investment number keep in mind the words “estimated” and “typical.” Item 7 is a guide, and as such, you should use this information accordingly.
DOs and DON’Ts for Prospective Franchisees
Of course, new concepts and geographically-focused concepts may have no or only a limited number of franchisees. These opportunities should not simply be avoided wholesale; however, in these cases it will be particularly important to have candid and open discussions with the franchisor’s owners and representatives.
Social Media Tips for Franchisors and Franchisees (from a Franchise Lawyer)
No, these aren’t marketing tips. I can’t help you get more Twitter followers, and I can’t help direct more traffic to your Facebook page. What I can do, however, is provide information that might help keep you out of trouble while you do these things on your own.
