Do you have what it takes for Franchise Approval?

Do you have what it takes for Franchise Approval?
by: Ed Charkow

Deciding to start your own franchise is just one of the first steps to getting started. Buying a franchise is a lot like dating. You and the company have to be a good fit. The company you are considering starting a franchise with must fit your needs, and you must meet the guidelines they have set up.

You may be thinking, “I have the money, I will just sign up and get started.” It’s just not that easy. The companies want to make sure you will be successful and a large part of that will come in the form of discussions, questions, paperwork, and if you’re still both attracted to each other – FINAL APPROVAL!

Chances are if you’re a true entrepreneurial spirit, your nature won’t be right for most franchisors. Franchisors want you to be able to follow a system that they have proven to be successful. A good example of this is “the golden arches”. You won’t ever go into one that doesn’t follow the rules and guidelines set down by the franchisors. They may for a little while, but they will and can lose their franchise license. There isn’t room for innovation in franchise companies. They don’t want someone to cause any trouble and rock the boat on their proven business systems.

If you’re capable of following a PROVEN system for business success you will be a good franchise owner though. There will still be thousands of questions and they are looking for a specific type of person.

The franchisors want someone with an entrepreneurial spirit to be self sufficient, but with out enough free spirit to re-invent the wheel. The companies usually prefer you to have some management experience or extensive experience in the field.

Your personality is the next thing that will be reviewed on your “date” with the franchise company. If your wishy-washy and don’t know what you want, you can probably count on this being your last date with that company.

Just like when you meet a new prospective person to date, you check out their outfits, car, etc... You don’t want to end up dating a beach bum right? Well the franchisors don’t want to be dating someone who doesn’t meet their financial guidelines. If you’re planning on borrowing the funds to start the franchise, you may have a rude awakening. Even if your credit is good, and you qualify for a home equity loan, you may find the bank will not lend it to you for starting a business.

Make sure you have your finances in order. Prepare a financial statement that includes your net worth, and what assets are able to be turned into cash in a decent amount of time. Franchisors are going to home in on your net worth and liquidity before anything else. Having cash on hand is much more important that having the ability to borrow funds. Financing debt on other debt is not attractive to many franchisors.

The franchisors will also look at your marketing skills, and your ability to work the schedule the franchise takes to run. If you are used to working a normal 8 to 4 job and suddenly find yourself having to be at “work” 7 days a week it WILL affect your life. Can you make that type of change?



About the Author

Ed Charkow is the webmaster for http://www.start-a-biz.info, a leading resource for franchise start up advice.

Buying a Franchise

Buying a Franchise
by: John Mussi

Buying a franchise is not for everyone. This guide will help you evaluate whether buying a franchise is right for you. It will help you understand your obligations as a franchise owner. Many people dream of owning and running their own business but are often let down by the reality of doing so.

By purchasing a franchise, you often can sell goods and services that have instant name recognition and can obtain training and ongoing support to help you succeed. But be cautious. Like any investment, purchasing a franchise is not a guarantee of success.

A franchise typically enables you, the investor or "franchisee," to operate a business. By paying a franchise fee, which may cost several thousand pounds, you are given a format or system developed by the company ("franchisor"), the right to use the franchisor's name for a limited time, and assistance.

While buying a franchise may reduce your investment risk by enabling you to associate with an established company, it can be costly. You also may be required to relinquish significant control over your business, while taking on contractual obligations with the franchisor.

Outlined below are some of the main points you need to consider before buying a franchise:

Franchise fee: Your initial franchise fee, which may be non-refundable, may cost several thousand to several hundred thousand pounds.

Royalty payments: You may have to pay the franchisor royalties based on a percentage of your weekly or monthly gross income. You often must pay royalties even if your outlet has not earned significant income during that time. In addition, royalties usually are paid for the right to use the franchisor's name.

Advertising fees: You may have to pay into an advertising fund. Some portion of the advertising fees may go for national advertising or to attract new franchise owners, but not necessarily to target your particular outlet.

Controls: To ensure uniformity, franchisors typically control how franchisees conduct business. These controls may significantly restrict your ability to exercise your own business judgment.

Terminations and Renewal: You can lose the right to your franchise if you breach the franchise contract. In addition, the franchise contract is for a limited time; there is no guarantee that you will be able to renew it. A franchisor can end your franchise agreement if, for example, you fail to pay royalties or abide by performance standards and sales restrictions. If your franchise is terminated, you may lose your investment. Franchise agreements typically run for 15 to 20 years. After that time, the franchisor may decline to renew your contract.

Before investing in a particular franchise system, carefully consider how much money you have to invest, your abilities, and your goals.


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About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk/ website.

Starting a Franchise

by: Kevin McNally

Franchise oppotunities are all around us today. You may pop into Starbucks for coffee and then head for lunch at MacDonalds before returning home and ordering your dinner from another local franchise, Pizza Hut. Many of the most popular outlets you visit may be franchises as they offer the security of a brand name and the attraction of starting your own business.

The world of Franchise is certainly complex but many people are now seriously looking at starting a franchise as they look to leave their routine day jobs and embark on an exciting business opportunity and run their own business. Indeed many franchise fairs and seminars are now the perfect location to meet franchise experts and discuss funding and business plans to determine what type of niche you may quickly recoup your investment with.

Selecting the correct franchise opportunity is vital and you should research the company history and seek advice from current franchise owners before making important decisions. Many franchise opportunities allow you a great degree of freedom with your marketing and advertising, however many others have trademark guidelines and company policies which you must be aware of before launching a promotion.

Joining your local chamber of commerce or business club is a good first step as many business owners have experience in the franchise industry and also have a great network of contacts that could give your franchise business a great head start. Your local business enterprise will also be able to help you formulate a business plan and budget as well as possibly providing a small grant for start up costs.

Starting your own franchise has never been easier and you could even lead you on the road to becoming a multi franchise where you also recruit others to join your network.



Webmasters feel free to publish this article providing you leave the resource box below.

Kevin McNally
http://www.qwfranchise.com
Quality World Franchise

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin McNally
http://www.qwfranchise.com
Quality World Franchise
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