How to buy a franchise and make it work for you

Buying a franchise can change your life. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to expand or an aspiring entrepreneur, understanding what a franchise is will set the stage for your journey.

A franchise is a business model where individuals (franchisees) operate their own business under the brand and system of an established company (franchisor). This setup allows you to leverage the brand's reputation, proven business model, and support systems.

Franchises span various industries, giving you plenty of options to find one that aligns with your interests and expertise.

Types of Franchises

Understanding the different types of franchises helps you decide which one suits your goals and resources best.

Job Franchises

These are typically small-scale, home-based franchises. They require a lower initial investment and are often run by the owner alone or with a small team. Examples include cleaning services and mobile repair businesses.

Product Franchises

In this model, franchisees sell and distribute products. Think of car dealerships or vending machine routes. The franchisor supplies the product, and you handle the sales.

Business-Format Franchises

This is the most common type. Franchisees operate under a complete business model provided by the franchisor, which includes everything from marketing plans to operational guidelines. Fast-food chains like McDonald’s fall under this category.

Investment Franchises

These are large-scale investments, often requiring significant capital. They usually involve real estate and large facilities, like hotels or fitness centers.

Conversion Franchises

Existing businesses rebrand under the franchisor’s name. This type is common in real estate and plumbing industries. It allows businesses to leverage the franchisor’s brand while maintaining their operations.

Benefits of Buying a Franchise

You might wonder, why buy a franchise instead of starting a business from scratch? Here are some compelling reasons.

Established Brand Recognition

One of the biggest advantages is immediate brand recognition. Customers trust established brands, which can lead to quicker business growth.

Proven Business Model

Franchises come with a tried-and-tested business model. This reduces the risk compared to starting a new business, as you’re following a blueprint that works.

Training and Support

Franchisors provide comprehensive training and ongoing support. Whether it’s initial training to get you started or continuous support to help you grow, you’re never alone in your journey.

Marketing Assistance

Franchisors often handle national and regional marketing campaigns, saving you time and effort. This can include everything from TV ads to social media strategies.

Shared Resources

Franchisees benefit from bulk purchasing and shared technology. This can lower your operational costs and give you access to better tools and resources.

How Does the Franchise Business Model Work?

Before buying a franchise, understand how the model works. The relationship between the franchisor and franchisee is symbiotic but comes with its own set of rules.

• Franchise Fees and Royalties: You’ll pay an initial franchise fee to get started and ongoing royalties based on your sales.
• Operational Guidelines: Franchisors provide detailed operational guidelines to ensure consistency across all locations. This includes everything from store layout to customer service protocols.
• Support Systems: Franchisors offer various support systems, including training, marketing, and sometimes even HR support.
• Compliance: You must adhere to the franchisor’s standards and policies. This ensures that the brand remains consistent, no matter where the franchise is located.

Understanding these elements helps you navigate the franchise landscape more effectively and make informed decisions.

Steps to Buy a Franchise

Buying a franchise can feel overwhelming, especially with so many steps involved. But don't worry — we’re here to break it down into manageable chunks. Here’s your roadmap to owning a franchise.

Evaluate Your Financial Situation

Before diving in, assess your financial health. Determine how much capital you have available and what you can afford to invest. This isn't just about the initial franchise fee; consider ongoing royalties, marketing fees, and working capital for day-to-day operations.

Research Franchise Opportunities

Start by exploring various franchise opportunities. Use franchise directories, attend expos, and read industry publications. Look for franchises that align with your interests and expertise. Want a head start? Check out some franchise opportunities to get a feel for what's out there.

Contact Franchisors

Once you’ve shortlisted potential franchises, reach out to the franchisors. Request their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This document contains crucial information about the franchise, including fees, legal obligations, and financial performance.

Review the FDD Carefully

The FDD is your holy grail. Pay close attention to:

• Fees: Initial franchise fees, ongoing royalties, and any other charges.
• Obligations: Your responsibilities as a franchisee.
• Financial Performance: Historical data on franchisee earnings.

Attend Discovery Day

Discovery Day is your chance to visit the franchise headquarters, meet the team, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations. It’s a crucial step in evaluating whether the franchise is the right fit for you.

Secure Financing

Explore various financing options. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loans specifically for franchise purchases. Traditional loans and personal savings are also viable options. Make sure you have a solid financial plan in place.

Hire a Franchise Attorney

Don’t skip this step. A franchise attorney will help you understand the legal implications of the FDD and franchise agreement. They can also assist in negotiating better terms.

Sign the Franchise Agreement

Once you’re satisfied with all the terms and have secured financing, it’s time to sign the franchise agreement. This formalizes your relationship with the franchisor and sets the stage for your new business venture.

Financial Considerations

Money matters. Understanding the financial aspects of buying a franchise can make or break your decision. Here’s what you need to know.

Initial Investment Costs

The initial investment includes the franchise fee, equipment, inventory, and setup costs. This can range from a few thousand dollars to several million, depending on the franchise.

Ongoing Fees

Most franchises require ongoing fees, such as royalties and advertising contributions. These are usually a percentage of your gross sales and are paid regularly.

Financing Options

Explore different financing options to fund your franchise:

• SBA Loans: Backed by the government, these loans offer favorable terms.
• Traditional Loans: Available through banks and financial institutions.
• Personal Savings: Using your own money can reduce debt but also increases personal risk.

Creating a Business Plan

A solid business plan outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. This is crucial for securing financing and guiding your business operations.

Evaluating Potential Earnings

Analyze the financial performance data provided in the FDD. Look at historical earnings, market conditions, and potential profitability to set realistic expectations.

How Much Do Franchise Fees Cost?

If you want to buy a franchise, how much it costs is probably the first question you have.

Franchise Costs

Here are the fees you can expect when buying a franchise.

• Franchise Fee: This is the initial cost you pay to the franchisor to use their brand and business model.
• Operating Costs: These include ongoing expenses such as rent, utilities, and salaries. Additionally, the investment required for a franchise location includes costs like leasehold improvements, equipment, and initial inventory.
• Royalty Fees: These are ongoing payments to the franchisor, usually a percentage of your revenue.
• Marketing Fees: Contributions to the franchisor’s marketing fund, which helps promote the brand nationally.

Financing Options

If you don’t have the liquid capital to buy a franchise outright, several financing options are available to you.

• SBA Loans: SBA loans are popular for franchise owners because they are specifically designed to help small businesses launch. The most common and flexible SBA loan program is the SBA 7(a) loan. Those who qualify can secure up to $5 million for 10 years (for operating costs) and 25 years (for real estate).
• Business Term Loans: A Business Term Loan provides you with the entirety of the borrowed funds in one lump sum. This sum will be paid back over a set amount of time known as a “term.”
• Business Lines of Credit: A Business Line of Credit is different from a Business Loan in that instead of drawing one lump sum in a large amount, you draw only the money you need and only pay interest on the amount you withdraw.

Legal Aspects of Buying a Franchise

Legal considerations are a critical part of buying a franchise. Understanding these can protect you from future headaches.

Importance of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)

The FDD is a legal requirement that provides detailed information about the franchise. It includes 23 items, covering everything from the franchisor’s background to financial performance representations.

Common Legal Pitfalls

Beware of hidden fees, restrictive clauses, and overly optimistic financial projections. Make sure you understand every aspect of the FDD before signing anything.

Role of a Franchise Attorney

Hiring a franchise attorney can save you from costly mistakes. They’ll review the FDD, help negotiate terms, and ensure you understand your legal obligations.

How to Prepare for Franchise Ownership

Preparation is key to successful franchise ownership. Here’s how to get ready.

Self-Assessment

Evaluate your skills, experience, and suitability for franchise ownership. Are you ready to follow a set business model, or do you prefer more flexibility?

Understanding Franchisor Expectations

Franchisors have specific standards and guidelines you’ll need to follow. Make sure you’re comfortable with these expectations and ready to comply.

Training and Support

Take full advantage of the training and support provided by the franchisor. This often includes initial training, ongoing support, and access to a network of other franchisees.

Building a Support Network

Connect with other franchisees and industry experts. Join franchisee associations and attend industry events to build a strong support network.

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Tips for Successful Franchise Ownership

Success in franchising doesn’t happen by accident. Here are some tips to help you thrive.

Maintain Clear Communication

Effective communication with your staff and franchisor is crucial. Use tools like Homebase’s Team Communication to keep everyone on the same page.

Focus on Customer Service

Customer satisfaction is key to your franchise’s success. Prioritize excellent service and actively seek customer feedback.

Monitor Financial Performance

Regularly review financial statements and key performance indicators (KPIs). This helps you stay on top of your business’s financial health.

Adapt to Market Changes

Stay informed about industry trends and market conditions. Be ready to adapt your strategies to stay competitive.

Utilize Homebase Tools

Leverage tools like Homebase’s Scheduling and Time Tracking to streamline operations and boost productivity.

Is Buying a Franchise Worth It?

Finally, the million-dollar question: Is buying a franchise worth it? The answer depends on your personal and financial goals. Franchising offers the benefits of a proven business model, brand recognition, and support systems. However, it also comes with financial commitments and operational guidelines. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if franchising aligns with your aspirations.

Small Business Ownership Is on the Rise

The financing company Guidant surveyed small business owners across America in 2023 to identify the latest trends in small business ownership. One of the key findings was that franchise ownership is growing, highlighting the increasing responsibilities and considerations for becoming a franchise business owner. Out of the surveyed respondents, a whopping 46% were franchise owners.

Why Start Your Own Business?

Entrepreneurship can be a very fulfilling endeavor. It gives you independence, a sense of ownership, and the ability to make your own way. There are many paths and motivations for owning a business. You may be passionate about a certain product or industry, or simply crave more independence in your professional life. Whatever your reasons, starting your own business opens the doors to countless experiences and opportunities.

There are some drawbacks, however. Being your own boss means you are responsible for everything. Overhead starts to compound, supply chains get backed up, employees become unreliable — you can start drowning when you try to do it all.

A more structured and less risky approach to small business ownership is franchise investments. Buying a franchise means the burdens are not all on you. There is support, help, and an infrastructure to help you succeed.

How Homebase Can Help You

Homebase takes the chaos out of small business operations by offering an all-in-one solution for scheduling, payroll, and time clocks. Explore the easy-to-use interface that makes daily business run seamlessly and without hassle. Trusted by over 100,000 small businesses, Homebase makes work simple and easy.

Starting a franchise can be overwhelming, but managing your team doesn’t have to be. Let us do the heavy lifting.

Get started for free.