Buying a Franchise (New or Resale) – Essential Facts that you need to know.

by Franchise Strategist on October 3, 2009

This article is written and owned by Norm Friend

First-timers to the business world might find buying a franchise an easy and effective option. The two ways of acquiring a franchise are acquiring a new franchise or purchasing an established franchise unit from the current franchisee (in other words, a resale). Buying an existing unit can be a good investment, and depending on the circumstances, some franchisers may have some for sale from time to time.
Depending on the price and the reason it is underperforming, if you have the opportunity to purchase a franchised unit that is not operating to its full potential, which is part of a good franchise system, it may be a good investment . For example, if the location is good and what is required to raise the performance is related to such matters as inferior customer service, poor budgeting, lack of cost controls, and inefficient inventory management it may be a good investment, as these things typically do not require major investment.
Everything is relative so you when you evaluate the business opportunity you have to take the price into consideration. If the seller is asking full value and not discounting the price to reflect the situation it may not be such a good investment. You will need the franchisor’s approval to take over the franchise and in most cases you will be required to attend and pass the franchisor’s training program.
As in any business investment, you must carry out proper due diligence. Unfortunately, a large number of people view franchising as some sort of magic wand or guarantee of success, and fail to follow accepted business practises. Franchising is not a guarantee of success or the accumulation of great riches. Franchises vary in their performance, and, although, some franchisees enjoy a good return on investment in addition to paying themselves a good management salary, but others work harder than they ever imagined with little or no franchiser support, no profits, and no chance of selling their business. If the franchise is part of a solid franchise system, then franchising is usually a safer investment than opening a similar independent business.
When considering a franchise it is essential that you carry out greater due diligence than if you were buying an independent business. Additionally, if you are interested in acquiring a resale franchise, both the franchise and the business itself, require scrutiny and due diligence on . Success in franchising is based on mutual dependence, so it naturally follows that the search for a franchise is a mutual investigation process. It is important to evaluate both the franchisor and the franchise. In addition to any legal disclosure requirements, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) has mandatory disclosure requirements for its franchisor members.
Reputable franchisors go to great lengths to select a franchisee. Take care. A franchiser should investigate you as thoroughly as you investigate them. If this does not happen, then you should be very wary. If a franchise is awarded to a franchisee that is unable to operate it successfully, the franchisor will suffer almost as much as the franchisee that fails. Not only does the franchise unit fail to produce an ongoing revenue stream for the franchisor, but it can also take up a tremendous amount of the franchisor’s time and effort to either salvage or resell the franchise.
A franchiser is obviously not gambling its entire reputation on you. However, you are probably betting a good deal of your future on the franchisor, so don’t hesitate to ask a lot of questions. A franchisor that is offering a legitimate opportunity and has nothing to hide should have no hesitation in providing the necessary information to a qualified franchise prospect and should respect the fact that you are investigating them in much the same manner as you are being investigated.

Article Source: http://www.articleviral.com

Norm Friend is widely recognized as an expert in expansion strategies, franchise development and franchisee recruitment with over 20 years experience in all aspects of franchising and alternative expansion strategies and can offer advice and consultation on expand your biz by franchising and Franchise Brokers.
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