Here Are Many of The Questions That We Get
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're just starting to explore the world of franchising, you probably have a lot of questions. This page is regularly updated with fresh insights, reflecting the ever-evolving franchise landscape. Check back often for the latest answers.
What exactly is franchising and how does it work?
Franchising offers a way to own a business with the support of an established brand.
In this model, a company (the franchisor) grants individuals or groups (franchisees) the right to operate under its name, using its proven systems and products.
In return, franchisees pay fees and follow set guidelines.
The advantage?
You gain access to training, marketing support, and an operational playbook—helping you start with a solid foundation instead of building from scratch.
While franchising reduces some risks compared to independent startups, success depends on following the franchisor’s standards and best practices.
How much does it cost to buy a franchise?
Franchise costs can vary significantly based on the industry, brand reputation, and location.
Initial franchise fees range from $10,000 to over $1 million, but that’s just the beginning.
Additional expenses—such as equipment, real estate, inventory, and legal fees—can add up quickly.
Some franchises, like home-based or mobile businesses, offer lower startup costs, while restaurants and retail franchises typically require a larger investment.
Beyond the initial setup, franchisees must also factor in ongoing expenses, including royalties (a percentage of revenue) and marketing fees.
Before investing, it’s crucial to assess the full financial commitment and explore financing options if needed.
What are the pros and cons of owning a franchise versus starting my own business?
Franchising offers a faster, more secure path to business ownership with the backing of a recognized brand and a proven system.
Instead of struggling to build everything from scratch, franchisees gain access to expert training, marketing support, and an established customer base—dramatically increasing their chances of success.
In contrast, starting an independent business means facing the uncertainty of creating a brand, developing systems, and figuring out marketing strategies alone.
Without the support of an experienced franchisor, the risk of failure is significantly higher.
With franchising, you’re not just buying a business—you’re stepping into a well-oiled system designed for success.
If you want to own a business with less guesswork and more support, franchising is the smarter path forward.
How do I choose the right franchise for me?
Choosing the right franchise is about finding the perfect balance between your interests, skills, and financial goals.
The most successful franchise owners invest in industries they’re passionate about, making long-term commitment easier and more rewarding.
To make an informed decision, research different franchises by reviewing their Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), speaking with current franchisees, and analyzing market demand in your area.
Consider the investment required, the potential for profitability, and the level of support provided. Some franchises require hands-on involvement, while others offer semi-passive ownership.
Navigating these decisions can feel overwhelming—but that’s where I come in.
I’ll help you assess your options, find the best fit, and guide you toward a franchise opportunity that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
What kind of training and support do franchisors provide?
One of the biggest advantages of franchising is the comprehensive training and ongoing support that franchisors provide.
From day one, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance on business operations, marketing, customer service, and financial management—setting you up for success.
Training may take place at corporate headquarters, online, or on-site at your location, ensuring you're fully prepared before launch.
But the support doesn’t stop there. Many franchisors offer ongoing assistance, including field visits, refresher courses, operational manuals, and access to a dedicated support team.
You'll also benefit from expert marketing strategies, advertising campaigns, and the latest technology updates.
The level of training and support varies by franchise, so reviewing what’s included is crucial.
Choosing the right franchise means selecting one that gives you the tools and guidance to thrive.
What are the ongoing fees and royalties I have to pay?
Franchisees pay ongoing fees that help maintain the support, marketing, and infrastructure that make franchising so effective.
These typically include royalties—usually 4% to 10% of gross sales—national or local marketing fees, and technology costs.
Some franchises charge a flat royalty fee instead of a percentage, while others may have additional costs for training, software, or equipment upgrades.
While these fees are an investment in your business’s success, it’s important to understand their impact on profitability.
In return, you gain access to a powerful brand, expert marketing, and continuous support—advantages that independent businesses have to build on their own.
The right franchise ensures that these fees translate into real value, helping you grow and thrive.
Do I need prior business experience to run a franchise?
The short answer is no, prior industry experience is not always necessary to own a franchise.
Many franchises are designed for individuals without a background in the specific industry, providing comprehensive training to ensure success.
However, having business acumen, leadership skills, and financial management knowledge can certainly be an asset.
Certain franchises, especially in specialized fields like healthcare or consulting, may require specific industry experience or certifications.
If you don’t have that experience, selecting a franchise with robust training and ongoing support can help you overcome that gap.
Additionally, many franchisees hire managers or partners with the relevant expertise to run the business efficiently.
How long does it take to start making a profit with a franchise?
Profitability timelines for franchises can vary widely depending on factors such as the industry, location, competition, and operating costs.
For example, service-based businesses often have lower overhead and may become profitable within months, while other types of franchises may take longer to see a return.
During the early stages, managing cash flow is key, as initial expenses can be significant.
To set realistic expectations, it’s important to review financial projections, speak with current franchisees about their experiences, and understand the break-even timeline.
This will help you plan effectively and stay on track toward profitability.
What legal agreements and obligations come with owning a franchise?
Franchisees are required to sign a Franchise Agreement, which clearly defines their rights, responsibilities, fees, and operational guidelines.
Alongside this, the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provides crucial information about the franchise, including its history, financial performance, litigation background, and the franchisor's expectations.
The agreement will cover important details like branding rules, territory rights, renewal terms, and exit strategies.
It’s essential to thoroughly review both the Franchise Agreement and FDD to ensure you fully understand your obligations.
As part of my role, I’ll guide you through these documents, helping you navigate the details and make sure you’re well-informed.
How can I finance my franchise investment?
There are several financing options available when purchasing a franchise.
While personal savings are the most common method, many franchisees turn to small business loans, including those backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Some franchisors also offer in-house financing or have partnerships with lenders to help new franchisees get started.
Alternative funding sources might include home equity loans, retirement fund rollovers (ROBS), or investor partnerships.
Understanding the total investment and securing the right funding is essential for ensuring financial stability during the startup phase.
As part of my role, I can help you evaluate your financing options and determine the best path forward to make sure you're set up for success.
You can also read much more about funding options HERE on our funding page.
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Clients Say
Hear firsthand experiences from our satisfied customers.
"Thank you for your time, effort and patience to help me find the right franchise opportunity. Being a first time purchaser of a franchise, I wasn't sure what to expect; however, your guidance proved to be a tremendous time saving exercise at no cost to me. After we discussed my financial and personal goals, you really helped get me focused on those businesses that really "fit". Thank you for being involved throughout the process and answering my many questions along the way. I would recommend your service to anyone considering a franchise opportunity. I look forward to future success and wish you the same. Thank you! Warmest Regards."
"About a month and a half ago I contacted you to have you find me the right match for a franchise. Well, after our discussion, you were able to ascertain my wants, goals and needs. You matched me perfectly to the ideal business, with my background and desires. Also the financial investment was less than what I would have expected to embark on this exciting path.
Thank you for being AWESOME at what you do."
Frequently Asked Questions
How can working with you not cost me anything?
Working with us is absolutely free. Similar to real estate agents that receive a commission from the seller, we receive our broker fee directly from the franchise that you may buy.
And no, you will not end up paying more by working with us. Franchise sales and fees are federally regulated and the cost is not able to be changed regardless of if a franchise consultant broker is involved or not. What that means for you is that you get expert franchise guidance, consulting, and introductions, without any risk of a price mark up.
Why do you make it a point to state that your Q&A session is "not a sales call"?
This is a good question and one we get often. The answer is simple: buying a franchise is a big decision that involves in-depth steps and is not something that someone can be "sold". The goal here is to help inform and get you the answers you need. If you are the right fit and get your questions answered then we know you, and only you, can choose to move forward or not.
Why should I use you to help me decide which franchise to buy?
When searching for the perfect franchise for yourself, you have a few choices. One is to research online and look at websites. However, most if what you will find is flashy and meant to "sell" you on a franchise. The problem is that they know nothing about you and your unique situation. Many people find dozens of franchises online that seem great but later realize they’re not a good fit. You can waste months or even years doing this. The web is overwhelming, with many franchise companies receiving thousands of inquiries daily. Many go unanswered, as franchisors have small internal sales teams already working with qualified candidates. Without an “inside track advantage,” your inquiries might never be addressed, leaving you at a disadvantage and swimming among the pool of countless other interested buyers.
A better option is to work with a professional with strong industry connections that can quickly match you with franchises that align with your personality, goals, skills and local market. We get to know you and provide personalized guidance, helping you find a business that fits your vision and has availability in your area.
How long does the process take?
By following the right process, we are usually able to help a client become a franchise owner in about 4 to 6 weeks.