A: Franchising can be an excellent way to start a business. Not only does it allow you to choose from a variety of options, but it also allows you to scale your business efficiently, as a franchise has a proven model, system, and infrastructure to support you. Instead of spending months or years learning how to successfully build, market, and manage your business, a healthy franchise system has these processes in place, and many other resources available. If you’re interested in franchising but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, consider the following questions:
- Are you comfortable with the idea of being part of an organization?
- Is franchising a good fit for you personally? For example, do you prefer to reinvent the wheel or follow a methodology?
- Do you want to work with other like-minded individuals who share your passion?
- Are you willing to commit some time and effort (e.g., mornings, afternoons, weekends) to the success of the business?
These are just some of the questions that can help determine whether franchising is right for you.
So why choose a franchise? One reason may be convenience. By purchasing a franchise from a trusted source, you can access products and services from a wide range of providers without having to find each one individually. Another reason could be cost efficiency—many franchises are established businesses with economies of scale that allow them to offer lower prices than similar, independently run businesses. And finally, franchising may be right for someone who wants extensive support and resources as they grow their business. With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why franchising is such a popular business model!
So, is franchising right for you? The answer to that lies in self-assessment and conversations with franchise experts and your family. Use the checklist below to weigh the benefits associated with becoming a franchisee versus the time, energy, and investment needed to maintain a business and the franchise model itself.
The Pre-Franchisee Checklist:
- Evaluate your skill set and interests
- Consider your personal goals and lifestyle—now and for the future
- Research the different types of franchises
- Understand the associated costs
- Assess the risks and rewards
- Examine the success rate of the franchise
- Compare to other business opportunities
- Analyze your business network
- Consider the lifestyle changes that come with owning a franchise
- Understand the legal aspects of franchising
- Get advice from experienced franchisees
- Speak to industry experts for guidance
- Make sure you’re financially ready
- Research the franchisor and industry
- Understand the franchise agreement and fees
- Analyze the market conditions
- Consider the financial implications of franchising
- Understand the operational requirements for success
- Get advice from legal and financial professionals
- Take your time to make an informed decision
- Attend a Canadian Franchise Association tradeshow, seminar, or other event
Making the decision to become a franchisee can be a tough choice. It’s important to do your research and assess whether franchising is the best fit for you. Consider your goals, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as the sector you’d like to enter. Speak to existing franchisees and review their experiences to gain an understanding of what franchising entails. By weighing all the pros and cons, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether franchising is right for you.
Angelee Brown
CEO and Founder
FranOvation
angelee@franovation.com