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Debunking Franchise Myths

Written by: Mary Tomzack

Article Overview: We all know the upside to franchising: proven systems, training and support, purchasing power, brand recognition, and lower risk of failure top the list. But before you utter those three little words, "it's all good," take a reality check. Consider this list of common myths surrounding franchising and get the true facts...

Debunking Franchise Myths

Debunking Franchise Myths
We all know the upside to franchising: proven systems, training and support, purchasing power, brand recognition, and lower risk of failure top the list. But before you utter those three little words, "it's all good," take a reality check. Consider this list of common myths surrounding franchising and get the true facts.
Myth: Success is guaranteed.
Fact: Franchising does increase your chances for success over going it alone, but it's not a magic solution. Any venture involves risks; a proven system merely lowers those risks.
Myth: You can be your own boss.
Fact: Yes, you will enjoy some perks as a business owner, but you still have to follow someone else's rules-the franchisor's. You may not have the power to make even the most basic decisions about hours of operation, pricing, suppliers, and marketing.
Myth: It's cheaper than starting from scratch.
Fact: The cost of starting a franchise is about the same as starting your own business when you consider the real estate, build-out, equipment, supplies, and advertising. You might get some price breaks from group purchasing, but royalty fees will offset any savings.
Myth: It's easy.
Fact: Don't assume that once you make your investment it's not going to be as hard as a regular non-franchise business. With a franchise it's going to be an easier transition and a lower chance of failure, but there's no way around it-running a business is hard work.
Myth: Bigger is better.
Fact: Bigger companies do offer some advantages like large-scale advertising, sophisticated systems, and more capital to support the brand. But smaller franchisers are often more flexible and responsive to franchisees.
Myth: A high-priced franchise will yield a bigger ROI.
Fact: Often the opposite is true. The price of the franchise has little to do with profit potential. You need to take into account numerous factors such as market conditions, system efficiency, location, and your own knowledge of the industry.

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Article Tags: brand recognition, common myths, debunking, franchise business, franchisees, franchisers, franchisor, group purchasing, magic solution, proven system, proven systems, purchasing power, risk of failure, royalty fees, running a business, sophisticated systems, starting from scratch, starting your own business, system efficiency, true facts



Related Forum Posts
Re: Enticing Franchises - Top 9 List - All Franchise listed above are in millions of dollars. Do you have the list of Franchise in thousands
Re: Info for would be franchisers... - [quote="Sebastien":1d29sdv1]Like Franchise Times, Franchise Update is a very practical magazine. There is no blah blah, just straight facts that anyone in the franchise community can relate to. I just want to mention that all these magazines are NOT franchisee oriented. I mean these magazines are for franchise professionals. If you're looking to buy a franchise, you won't find much information in there. To answer your question, getting published in Franchise Times was fairly easy. I don't want to brag too much but I think I am known in the franchise industry. I was the marketing guy at Franchise.com for a few years before joining my new company, the World Franchising Network. So people know me and I have a very good relationship with Nancy Weingartner, the Managing Editor at Franchise Times. I was talking with her at the last Franchise Expo South in Miami and she mentioned she'd like me to be profiled. I was like "ok, sure!". I like this franchise executive profile thing in Franchise Times as it is rarely BS. People are usually really natural in there.[/quote:1d29sdv1] Thanks for the follow up Sebastien! And I can't say that I'm surprised that networking with the right people and managing your relationships with them properly are the keys to being published. I guess the old adage holds true of "it's not who you know, but who knows you" that's important.
how much for a franchise fee? - Dear Colleague There is no easy answer to this question. Things to consider: [list=] The sizeof the Franchise Clent base Expected Turnover Intellectual Property costs (recoup) Number of Franchises Number of employees Original Set up costs Franchise admin costs An example: A franchise that I was involved in setting was to a simple "lawn mowing/home repair" franchise. The Franchise included national/local advertising - preparation of client lists - general admin - central accounting etc The Franchise involved 300-500 clients - and an annual turnover of about $300,000 . The annual franchise fee was $30,000. Hope that this gives you some idea Take care Ian[/list]
Re: Franchise Surveys - Another good tool to researching a franchise is to speak with their existing franchisees. This contact information is included in most Franchise Disclosure Documents. In order to get a Franchise Disclosure Document or FDD as it is often referred to, you will have to complete a basic franchise application. The franchisor will then usually provide you with the FDD at that time. Included in that book of information is a list of the existing franchisees, the contract, the investment information etc... This information is required by Federal Law to be disclosed to your prior to making a purchase. So be sure to do your research and start with the Franchise Documents to get the initial information.
Re: Info for would be franchisers... - [quote="Sebastien":2gam0klq][quote="BuzzAroundBooks":2gam0klq]Like Franchise Times, Franchise Update is a very practical magazine. There is no blah blah, just straight facts that anyone in the franchise community can relate to.[/quote:2gam0klq][/quote:2gam0klq] That is really what I look for in any industry publication. We lead busy lives and when people fill their magazines with fluff, not only does it benefit no one, but it makes us truly appreciate those that don't. Thanks!


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