Things to ask yourself before starting a franchise business: The franchise is a formula for business collaboration that ensures greater reliability when starting businesses. And it is certainly true in the case of chains with a reputation and a track record of seriousness. But as in the USA, there is no effective surveillance of the trade authorities that prevents anyone from granting franchises. Without any responsibility for the future of the business. It is necessary to make sure. More news in the free magazine economists Franchises.
Also, you can easily assume that every entrepreneur/investor who bet on a franchise has previously opted for a specific sector. Who has seen the future of commerce, or what activity will have the greatest pull shortly? It is time for him to analyze what they offer thoroughly. And what those ten brands that usually exist in any sector demand.
Thus, these are the 11 questions that you cannot stop asking the chosen brands so as not to regret later.
Things to ask yourself before starting a franchise business
When investing in any business, it is essential to clarify all doubts from the beginning. As a result, things go as smoothly as possible. As an entrepreneur, you have to choose the franchise as a business model. Before deciding, you should review aspects related to the capital and the franchisor’s service.
In this sense, seeking advice on franchises is key to avoiding making mistakes in the choice. However, some questions may help you clarify the investment landscape. Remember that the more you know about the industry, the better you can meet the challenges that come your way.
1. How much will it cost me?
It is the first question to ask yourself because you may find a franchise that interests you. But requires a greater investment than you can afford. Or, on the other hand, you may know how much you need for the initial investment. Still, it would be best to consider other expenses such as necessary licenses, monthly royalties, inventory, workers’ salaries. And other investments necessary to start the operation.
As this is a new business, you will not guarantee profitability immediately. It is advisable to budget for expenses for the first year or at least for the first six months. This way, you will feel less pressure to make the necessary payments.
2. Do I need a partner?
You may need to consider the option to capitalize on the investment. Or even support the business’s management. Consider the financing of the investment and take into account the management needs.
3. Does the franchisor offer financial assistance?
That may be another option in case you need capital. And it is that some franchisors have agreements with other entities to offer to finance to franchisees. Investigate the existence of this possibility in the franchise that interests you. And analyze the offer they propose. Compare alternatives and don’t compromise before checking out what other options you have.
4. Is the franchise well established?
It is important to know the history and time it operates as a franchise. How many businesses the chain has. And where they are located. A network is considered consolidated if it has 50 or more units. But if it is a new brand, this number will be much lower for obvious reasons.
5. What is the expected profitability of the business?
Although, opening a franchise guarantees a part of the success. There is no guarantee regarding profits to being a business with proven strategies. However, considering the experience of other businesses. You can estimate the potential profitability and a time for the return on investment. These are data that the franchisor must provide in the business plan.
6. What are the conditions to set my zone of exclusivity?
In some cases, the franchisors establish an exclusivity zone in the contracts in which it is guaranteed. That it will open no new business units. It delimitation zone may be larger or smaller depending on the locality, but the contract must state this. But if the brand needs to be present in a nearby area. It is usual to offer the franchisee the possibility of opening a second store.
7. Do I have the right profile?
As many individuals as business leaders, not everyone can manage a team. That is also the case in the franchise world. There you expect both willing and creative people. But also ready to follow the franchisor’s recommendations.
Remember that you will not be the only master on board. From the point of view of the layout of your store or the products on sale. And that you will also have to pay the franchisor a percentage of your turnover giving. You have the right to use its brand. A team spirit and a desire to work in harmony are essential elements.
8. Which sector of activity to turn to?
More than half of franchisees are the result of professional retraining. That means that going into franchising is the perfect way to change professional careers. How is this possible? Thanks to the initial training through which all franchisees pass. During which they are taught all the basics of their profession. But also the management of a business, the recruitment of staff. And you have to know-how necessary to exercise their profession. The future profession in peace.
In the end, the game is wide open, and we have to move towards an attractive sector. Because, unlike the salaried workforce, being a franchisee represents a real choice of life. That is with heavy working hours, at least at launch.
It’s up to you to choose by going towards beauty, automotive, services, catering. So many sectors during the recruitment phase.
9. How to choose the right brand?
After choosing the sector of activity comes the more difficult one of the right brand. Because the franchise has nearly 2,000 networks in France, each has its advantages to attract candidates for entrepreneurship.
First of all, whether they are dedicated magazines or Internet sites, the media. It is quite easy to find essential information on a particular network. And to compare them between them to make a choice.
Another bias: visiting trade fairs such as a franchise. Because nothing beats a meeting with your future franchisor. Going to a trade show also allows you to see as many brands as possible in a minimum of time. And discover new concepts that are still emerging but have a bright future. It is not uncommon to find franchisees already in place in this type of salon. That have come to provide their testimonials. It will not spare you to go to the store yourself to discuss with your future colleagues. And discover behind the scenes.
10. How much do I have?
Rather, creating a traditional business, it’s better to set up your own franchise business. That allows you to know the investment to be expected to enter a network from the start.
The bank generally completes up to 70% of the candidate’s contribution. It is still necessary that the loan file be calibrated in the art rules. And that the profile corresponds to the franchisor’s expectations in terms of background and motivation.
11. How does the franchisor support me?
Who says franchise says training and this component is essential for the future success of your business. The adventure begins with an initial training period that can last a few days. It is for a simple concept or extends over several weeks in the case of more elaborate points of sale. Such as in auto centers or restaurants.
12. What or who is behind the central?
In other words, does the franchise belong to a well-known brand? Usually the supplier of the main product or service marketed in its establishments? Does your management team come from previous franchising experiences? Were they successful or unsuccessful? What organizational structure does the center have? And to whom should I contact in case of queries regarding the business’s operation?
FAQ on Things to ask yourself before starting a franchise business
What questions do you have before you inquire about a franchise?
Get 5 key questions to ask to acquire a franchise:
- How does this franchise work?
- What kind of entrepreneurial or apostolic is obedient to the franchise?
- What is the best venture of the empire?
- Does the empire have a standardized operating system?
- What is the real cost of this franchise?
What is a commercial franchise contract?
The franchise agreement is made when you grant another right to use your name, your brand. And your commercial system for para in exchange for a counter-benefit for their exploitation. In commercials, franchises are very profitable to your commercial system.
What is the function of a franchise?
This figure is the responsiveness in the terminal operators that the negotiable is viable. And could be a profitable trace of inaccuracy. For that matter, it should encapsulate the specific questions: Franchise management. Gestation and redesign of human resources. The motivation of the employed.
Conclusion
Starting a franchise business is never easy. But doing this through a franchise avoids many pitfalls, especially thanks to the support offered by this system. It does not spare the candidate the obligation to ask himself essential questions before giving substance to his project. We have identified these questions to be carefully studied to put all the chances on their side. Hope these will help you in your business.
