Buying a franchise is a dream for many aspiring small-business owners.
There are conflicting opinions as to whether franchises tend to be more successful than independent small businesses, but this much is clear: Franchises are expensive to buy, carry the same risks as any startup business and require plenty of sweat equity to make them profitable.
"Buying a franchise is a serious, serious business, and one should contemplate the downside," says George Naddaff, chairman of the KnowFat! chain of restaurants, who created franchises including Boston Market and
Franchising allows entrepreneurs to take advantage of a proven business model and do business under a brand name that already enjoys market recognition and a loyal customer following.
As a franchise owner you will probably get support from your franchisor, which is one advantage over owning an independent business. This often includes access to reputable suppliers as well as operational and marketing support, including national campaigns and regionally tailored promotional materials. But just how much support your franchisor gives and what your investment costs will be are two of the many questions you should ask before buying a franchise.
Do Your Homework
Franchisors must provide prospective franchise owners with the company's uniform franchise offering circular. This thick document details important aspects of the business, such as the number of franchisees, financial statements and litigation history.
You should read the uniform franchise offering circular thoroughly. Naddaff advises calling franchise owners that are listed in the circular to ask about their store financials and their relationships with the franchisor.
Franchisors are only required to provide the circular, which will also outline the services you'll receive for the initial fees you'll pay to the company. Franchisors are not required to provide you with such services as advertising, training or access to financing. The services and relationship with the franchisor depends on each company, but many franchisors will provide these services and more, depending on their policies.
The circular will also tell you about the company's management, an important consideration when buying a franchise. Take a close look at the level of turnover, any recent management changes and the business styles and histories of the top executives.
Know Yourself
You should have solid credit and cash before buying a franchise so that you know how much you can pay for the initial operating costs and fees. You should also know the industries that interest you and why.
Make sure that your personality “is one that fits,” Naddaff says. "Everybody should play to their strengths."
Naddaff has seen many entrepreneurs in their early 40s who turn to franchising because they're tired of the corporate grind or having a boss. But owning a franchise doesn't completely eliminate supervision. Check the franchisor's rules carefully and determine whether you are comfortable with the creative and other restrictions on operating your franchise.
If you already own your own business, you may be an especially appealing candidate, as you likely already have the needed resources in place, including property, personnel and clientele, as well as know-how and a proven track record, which means you can quickly be up to speed and generating income.
However, some franchisors may be wary of getting involved with an experienced business owner who long ago forged opinions and about how best to operate – opinions that may not mesh and might even clash with how the franchisor prefers to do business.
