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Researching Franchises Via Expos

Written by: Anne Barr

Article Overview: There are several sources of researching franchise opportunities. An increasingly popular choice is the Franchise Expo. This article describes what to expect at a Franchise Expo.

Researching Franchises Via Expos

For anyone interested in franchise opportunities, there are several sources of information.
Internet, specific websites, franchise brokers/consultants, business brokers, magazine / newspaper publications, seminars and workshops, to name a few.

Becoming increasingly popular is the Franchise Expo. Franchisors are attracted to the Expo format because they can expose their brand to many people in one or two days. Furthermore, the ability to visit “in person” or face-to-face is definitely preferable to answering an internet inquiry or speaking to someone by telephone only. Expo attendees favor the Franchise Expo format because it allows them to explore many franchise opportunities in one place, in a casual and non-pressure atmosphere. They can ask questions and speak directly to franchise representatives, collecting brochures and materials on those concepts that spark a desire to know more.

Most Franchise Expos offer educational and informative seminars on the franchise industry. These seminars are typically presented by industry professionals who are experts in their field, such as CPA’s, tax attorneys, franchise attorneys, SBA lenders, construction companies.

Franchise specialists educate the audience on the process of exploring franchises, research and due diligence, understanding the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC), Franchise Discovery Days, the do’s and don’ts and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Besides the general franchise industry information, topics covered include funding your acquisition, selecting the proper tax entity when setting up your new business entity, site selection and build out. Most presenters will also provide beneficial materials in the form of “hand-outs” for interested attendees.

Some Franchise Expos charge an “entry fee” or small fee to attend. Others are “no cost”. Depending on the Expo venue, there may be parking charges or fees. In addition, attendees are asked to pre-register and/or register at the event. Since name tags are most often necessary to get into the exhibit hall, pre-registration will speed up the process of getting you in the door. Otherwise, there will be registration desks at the event where you can obtain your nametag. Headcount or attendance numbers are important for the host venue, to ensure proper staffing for the event, exhibiting franchisors want to know for future reference, and sponsors need to know if the event was worth their participation. Sponsors are usually financial institutions, franchise attorneys, CPA’s, constructions companies and other companies providing services to new franchisees and/or the franchise industry.

Especially for anyone who has ever considered franchise ownership, the Franchise Expo is an excellent way to learn some facts you may not know, check out new franchises expanding into your area, and spend a fun couple of hours during your weekend.

Related Articles
  How to Sell Franchises at Trade Shows
  Own Your Own Franchise and never get Fired Again
  Franchising FAQs
  Be in Business for yourself, but not by yourself
  CHOOSING A FRANCHISE BUSINESS

Article Tags: business ownership, franchise research



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