Thursday 14 August 2014

Checklist to Review Before Purchasing a Franchise

If you are a novice business person, it might be tough to begin on your own. Cashing in on franchise opportunities can help you to learn from others’ experience. Furthermore, the franchisor can mentor you all along the way. With this type of help, you’ll reduce the chances of failure!

The business world in Miami Beach, FL,is brimming with franchise opportunities. How does one choose the most promising opportunity? Some franchisee opportunities may also turn out to be sour. You may not get the expected results. Before moving forward, apply the same diligence as you would while investing elsewhere.To protect your investment, take the time to review and consider the details carefully.

Franchise Purchase Checklist

  • Franchisee cost: Each franchisor has a franchise fee. See if the initial investment suits your budget.


  • Additional costs: You may need to purchase equipment, lease space and so forth. Work out the math to check the feasibility.

  • Restrictions on suppliers: Some franchisors allow franchisees to make their purchases from only a restricted “list” of suppliers. To avoid future losses, check the quotations of other suppliers too. You will then understand the profits/losses incurred in the deal.


  • Regional protection: Ensure that the franchisor guarantees you regional protection within your area. If he sells more franchisees within the same radius, you will suffer from limited customers and tough competition. Confirm the period of the guarantee too.


  • Franchisor’s focus: Your business will grow with the franchisors business. It is better to check the franchisor’s business interests first. Is he or she just expanding a brand name or interested in growth? You will grow only if the franchisor prospers!


  • Wing expansion: If you can expand your wings into multiple outlets, you can enjoy your own economies of scale and multiply your business exponentially. Check the level of expansion you are entitled to.


  • Franchisee turnover: Understand the franchisee turnover of the franchisor’s business. How many new franchisees have joined the company? How many franchises have been sold? You should check if the franchisees have been successful. Sometimes, franchisees are sold at higher prices, which are better than the investment. In these cases, the franchise may be running successfully but sold because of other reasons. Thorough research about the franchisee turnover rate and the sale prices will give you a complete picture.


  • Legalities: When you are considering franchise opportunities, a smart solution is to hire the services of a franchise lawyer. He or she can educate you about the points that the franchisor probably forgot to highlight. Other lawyers may not be helpful in case of rules governing franchisees. A franchise lawyer is the best choice. As laws vary from state to state, you need to choose one from Miami to set up a franchisee here.


  • Financial performance information: If the franchisor has not mentioned his or her financial performance information, then something is under wraps. Assess the financial performance information to understand a prospective business. See if the franchisor’s net worth is more than your investment. If it’s not, then the deal is not worth it.


  • Exit strategy: What are the rules if you want to end the agreement? Can you sell your franchise? Are there any charges levied for the same? Will you be able to step out, if the need arises? Clarity on these points is essential.

Extensive research is needed before making a choice. However, this route is better than faltering later. Exploring a franchise opportunity involves one of the biggest financial decisions of a lifetime.

Begin Business by Holding Onto a Strong Hand

You intend to start a business on your own. Which is a better option: sole proprietorship or franchising? You can choose any one based on the type of business you want to start.

Sole proprietorship allows you the independence to make your own decisions, policies and methods of working. On the other hand, franchisors expect franchisees to follow their rules and regulations. 
However, franchise opportunities in Fort Lauderdale, FL come with innumerable advantages. When you are taking your first step into a new venture, it may be advantageous to “hold the hand” of an experienced and established business owner to avoid any pitfalls or setbacks.

Why Franchise Opportunities, Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Are you wondering why to pursue these franchise opportunities? Here are some excellent reasons:


  • Novice entrepreneurs may end up making costly mistakes because ofa lack of experience. Franchise owners provide franchisees with a “tried-and-tested” business model, which is bound to succeed. 
  • Sole proprietors have their individual entity running a single business. They may not enjoy economies of scale in the purchase process.A franchisee is a part of a larger business organization and can enjoy increased buying power. You can save money while purchasing equipment and other office supplies.
  • Often, franchisors also extend help to franchisees on the financial front. They might provide flexibility in the payment of franchise fees by allowing them to pay from the future profits, instead of a one-time payment. 
  • When you opt for franchise opportunities, you benefit from the brand recognition of the franchisor’s brand. Entrepreneurs do not need to struggle with building a brand.Entrepreneurs do not need to bother about the extensive marketing costs or designing successful marketing and branding strategies.
  • Entrepreneurs may not possess the required knowledge in the new trade. Franchisors not only assist entrepreneurs in building their business but also provide training activities for entrepreneurs and their employees. Their experience and knowledge help the entrepreneur to overcome all possible hurdles with ease.
  • Compared with a sole proprietorship, franchisees enjoy a higher business value. They enjoy more recognition and a higher brand value.
  • Although sole proprietorship concerns may become dormant after the death of the proprietor, franchisees continue to exist as they are a part of a larger franchise operating system.

Once you are aware of the benefits of the franchise opportunities, you can go ahead and cash in on a sound franchise opportunity in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Sole proprietorship also has its own set of benefits:

  • You do not need to adhere to any list of rules. You can establish the rules for your own business.
  • You are saved from paying the franchise fees.
  • You can establish the business and create a new brand identity in your own way.
  • You can add or remove a product line as and how you wish. You do not require any head organization’s permission to do so. 
  • You can expand your wings in various directions without any limitations of other franchise operations in the same area.

Franchisees come with attached fees. Are the benefits equivalent to the fees? Is the brand value worth it?Let us know what you think.