Monday, March 23, 2009

Simple Pointers On Finding A Franchise Business

By Nicky Svengali

Here are basic pointers on finding a worthwhile franchise business:

- A concession is basically a contract between the franchise seller and the franchise buyer that permits the franchise buyer to use the rights of the logos and trademarks of the franchise vendor in running the company. The franchise buyer is also permitted to offer the products of the franchisor by keeping to a legal agreement that protects the interests of both. There is usually an initial concession fee, and ongoing royalty payments.

- Experience: Have you a track record in the industry of the franchise you wish to buy? If not, have you thought about working in that type of company before committing to buying a franchise in that area?

- Purchasing a franchise may cut down investment risks as you are associated with an established company. This could be expensive for you. There are some costs that you will have to bear like the franchise fee which runs to several grand to several hundred thousand and royalty payments to be made to the owner, which are usually fixed; a cut of either your weekly or monthly gross income. Even if you have not earned a significant income through the venture it will still be necessary to pay royalties without fail.

- Competition. The threat of competition to a company is all too real. The competition can knock your business out of the running before it even begins. A franchise business in a region with tough competition has the potential to succeed more easily due to the name-recognition factor. Individuals will readily identify with a popular venture even if there are other ready alternatives.

- Fiscal Aid. With the costly nature of franchises some franchise sellers are known to proffer assistance to their franchise buyers in order to help them finance buying a franchise - you might want to investigate such assistance before coming to a decision.

- Look for discounts that numerous franchisors have accumulated and look for additional benefits. Starting a franchise has the benefit of not beginning from scratch because five percent of businesses succeed in the first five years while seventy-five percent of franchises succeed in their first five years.

- Established Businesses. It's wise to invest in concessions which have an established reputation and which have had years of success because these companies will do their best to help their franchise purchasers and stop them from failing so as to to retain their good name. The background experience they have and the quantity of support they are willing to provide rubs off on anyone looking at starting a franchise through them.

- Leasing: Will it be necessary to lease signs, fixtures or equipment and, if so, are the charges expensive or not? You should enquire whether the franchisor provides in-house financing and what the terms are. In addition, find out whether any additional costs beyond those discussed in the initial documentation are necessary.

- Franchisors are always willing to train their franchisees in all aspects of the business. Their job is making business-owners out of their franchise buyers, providing operations-training and an established business model. You can choose the business you want, get educated about it and then set to making money.

I hope these few handy suggestions will help you in buying a profitable franchise.

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