Franchisee Resource Center
Your headquarters for guidance and information on researching, finding, and launching a franchise.
Whether you are just starting to look into franchise ownership or are ready to figure out financing options our courses will give you the information you need to be ready to become a franchise owner.
We'll help you quickly build your franchise ownership profile, then present you with a personalized list of franchises you can open - based on your goals, investment budget, interests, and more!
Franchises vs. Startups, What Makes More Sense for You?
In order to decide which alternative (franchise vs. standalone startup) is the wisest choice for you, you need to understand the advantages and challenges of both options.
The Ideal Franchisee - The Franchisee Point of View
Possessing an entrepreneurial mindset is a plus but one should also have the employee mindset as well. This lies in the fact that even though the franchisee must have the steely determination and drive to launch a business, they must be willing to be restrained and follow the directions of the franchisor. The level of control for a franchisee is noticeably less than of that of being an owner of your own independent business. However the level of risk presented to a franchisee is less than that of an independent business owner. Therefore this type of business is preferable for those looking for less risk. If we were to prepare a checklist of the traits, which were to be present within the ideal franchisee, it would appear something as:
The Franchise Site & Franchise Location Selection Worksheet
Identifying the major traffic patterns, the availability of parking close by, the cost of utilities, the rent per square foot and various other aspects are just a few of the factors to consider when locating your franchise site.
Tips for Attending a Franchise Show
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your franchise show attendance:
Meeting the Franchisor - Maximize Your Benefits From Discovery Day
Whether it is a “Discovery Day” or other term that the franchisor uses, most franchisors require prospective franchisees to visit their corporate headquarters as a pre-requisite to buying a franchise.
What Draws Investors to Franchising
Most prospective franchisees are drawn to the business by previous frustrating experiences in their past employments. This could have been caused due to lack of control over one’s work environment, being bound to report to superiors and insufficient room to exercise one’s authority at their work place. The micro- managing bosses, unresponsive organizational structures, or lack of voice in the organizations process are a few of the reasons why many people decide on investing in franchises as their new career. By investing in this business they take control over their own life with a little risk as compared to starting their own business from scratch.
12 Questions You Must Ask When You Interview Existing Franchisees
Even the most honest and forthcoming franchisor can’t tell you what it’s like to be a franchisee. You should take the time to call existing franchisees and get some candid answers to your questions. Be careful that you don’t get a limited list of hand-picked contacts. It would be a waste of time to talk only to the most successful operators or those who are coached to give the “right” answers. Calling franchisees at random will give you the clearest picture of what you’re getting into. Here are some questions you should ask.
Choosing a Service Franchise or a Product Franchise
Most of the franchises offering Product oriented goods have very stringent rules. Since their brand is associated with a tangible good they must guarantee the desired quality from the consumer’s expectation. Franchisees must purchase the goods from a designated supplier and must keep items in their inventory as suggested by the franchisor. This can be company regulated policies or simply to help the franchisor launch some of their new products.
