Does anyone have suggestions for what to check into and be aware of before buying a franchise?
I am exploring the idea and want to make sure I know how to check things out thoroughly. I appreciate any suggestions or resources to check into.
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May 23, 2010 @ 2:44 pm
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swami said,
May 23, 2010 @ 3:28 pm
For example, an In-N-Out in a non-competitive area can be very profitable because they have the best burgers but a very simple menu. Conversely, McDonalds tries to be all things to all people with the result that the bulk of McDonald’s profits are from selling more franchises. The individual stores themselves don’t make that much money.
Second would be the area for the franchise (will you have a problem with crime? Can you find enough workers to staff the place with trustworthy individuals? Do the people there even want this thing?)
Third is the amount of work required of you. Are you training the workers yourself? (In-N-Out sends everyone to their academy in, I think, El Monte. Or is it Baldwin Park?)
And that’s only a start.
bake said,
May 23, 2010 @ 4:18 pm
With literally thousands of franchises in business today, you can quickly become mentally exhausted when researching which opportunity is the best. There is no “best franchise” out there that all franchise seekers should sign on for. Do you honestly believe that there is this line of people a mile long outside of Mcdonald’s franchise development office? Of course not. How come?
The answer is rather obvious. What is best for you may not be best for me. Maybe you love the idea of managing 10 or 20 employees and would thoroughly enjoy the pride and prestige of franchising for the world’s best known fast food brand. Someone else may have just been laid off after 20 years of service for a computer software company and now wants to pursue his dream of a franchise opportunity that is home based and requires zero employees. You see, it all depends on your unique values and interests. The product or service you offer should be secondary to the type of lifestyle your business will allow you and your specific role as a franchisee.
That being said, however, there are several essential features to look for when evaluating any franchise business. Here are the top six:
Stable industry. You need to be marketing something that will be profitable no matter the economy. One example is a disaster restoration franchise in which the franchisee organizes the clean-up process for businesses when fires or water damage occurs. As the franchisee, you are assured immediate payment by the insurance company to clean up the water damage or rebuild after a fire and those repairs need to happen immediately.
A necessary, recession-resistant product or service. Choose something that consumers either don’t have time to do/make or despise doing and, thus, would rather pay someone else for. Stay away from fads, as they are unpredictable and don’t provide longevity.
Market potential versus the competition. It’s wise to choose a franchise that has little or no competition from other similar, established franchises. You wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) locate a Quiznos franchise within a block of two Subways that have been there for two years and are always crazy busy. Ideally, pick a franchise where your main competition comes from small mom and pop stores, which allow you to dominate and thrive.
The leader in it’s category. A major contributor to your potential success a franchisee is teaming with a franchise in which they are the undisputed leader.
A dominant brand. Brand recognition is huge. Aamco = transmissions. Fantastic Sams = hair care. This is a major reason to franchise in the first place.
Growth Opportunities. Look for a franchise that encourages you to buy a 3-pack or a 5-pack. Or one that markets the rights to become an area developer or a master franchisee. These are strong indicators that the franchise is thriving and planning to expand and grow the business.