Will That Franchise Work in My Community?

Guest post by: Rick Bisio
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Will That Franchise Work in My Community? - By Rick Bisio

It is crucial, as part of your franchise education, to compare your franchise territory to other territories in the system. Here are some specific areas to investigate.

Total population numbers
The majority of franchises are sold by territory. The franchisor sets the territory size required to support that particular franchise. Careful franchisors will not knowingly sell a territory that doesn’t have the population numbers to support their franchise. But they will sell territories that match their minimum criteria. If you are buying one of those marginal territories, you want to discover that up front, and you want to determine if the territory size is expected to increase or decrease in the foreseeable future. Ask the franchisor for the names of franchisees whose territories are similar in size to the territory you are considering. Call them and find out how successful they are.

Population density
Ask the franchisor for the normal radius for attracting customers. Is it 2 miles? 10 miles? Then ask for the names of franchisees who have population densities comparable to the densities in the territory you are looking at. Call them to find out how successful they are.

Demographics
A futurist named Andrew Zolli summarized the importance of demographics:

“You can't understand the future without demographics. The composition of a society - whether its citizens are old or young, prosperous or declining, rural or urban - shapes every aspect of civic life, from politics, economics, and culture to the kinds of products, services, and businesses that are likely to succeed or fail. Demographics isn't destiny, but it's close.”1

When you study the demographics of your territory, you will be considering a number of factors, possibly including gender, race, age, income, disabilities, education, home ownership, number and value of single-family homes, and employment status. Will your franchise attract a broad demographic or does it have specific appeal? If the franchise serves a market segment - say students, wealthy homeowners, or small business owners, for example, does the territory you’re considering have enough of those customers? Is their average income and education level in-line with the franchises typical customer’s income and education? Ask the franchisor which territories are similar in terms of demographics. Call them and find out how successful they are.

Perform Your Own Research to Get the Best Franchise Information
In addition to speaking with existing franchisees, do your own research on current and projected population totals, population density, and demographics, including economic trends. You should be able to find information on line. Visit your local reference librarian to see what s/he has available. Additionally, your state may offer free services.

Don’t do the mistake of founding a franchise purchasing decision on your level of enthusiasm or on what you personally think will work. Make sure you have a market, and that the market is expected to stay the same or improve over the next 10 years (10 years is a common franchise contract term).

If you are ready to work hard, becoming a franchise owner can help you reach your financial and lifestyle goals. Just make certain to eliminate as much risk as possible. Do your research before you sign on the dotted line.

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Will That Franchise Work in My Community? - By Rick Bisio

About the Author: Rick Bisio

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As one of the most respected franchise consultants in the United States, Rick Bisio has guided thousands of people to great decisions regarding business ownership and franchising. Rick has owned both franchised and non-franchised businesses. He has bought, sold and invested in businesses and worked as an advisor to others seeking the same. (Full Bio) Mr. Bisio is also the author of the acclaimed franchise book. (Learn more – The Educated Franchisee). The Educated Franchisee is an extension of the work that Mr. Bisio does on a daily basis in his franchise consulting business. In this book Rick freely shares his experiences and advice regarding business ownership and franchising. Rick also authors a monthly newsletter. (Sign up– The Educated Franchisee Newsletter.) Rick is a regular speaker on the topics of business ownership and franchising and currently lives on a small resort island in Florida with his family. If you wish to speak directly with Rick Bisio in order to discuss franchising, please feel free to Rick at (941) 778 4660 or email at rbisio@educatedfranchisee.com. Always remember – there is nothing more expensive than ignorance.
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