Wednesday, October 1, 2008

What Makes A Successful Franchise Business Opportunity

By Myles Krueger

Let's discuss what a franchise is before we figure out what makes a good franchise business opportunity. Franchising refers to the method of practicing and using another person's philosophy of business. Franchising is a business model used in more than 70 industries.

The franchisors authorize the proven methods and trademarks of their businesses to franchisees for a fee and a percentage of gross monthly sales. Agreements typically last five to twenty years, with premature terminations of most contracts bearing serious consequences.

There are many franchise business opportunities available with companies that are offering variety of services and products. The two factors that can help you in determining which industry to choose are evaluating the skills and the experience you will need to face.

Other determining questions you should inquire about are the demand for the product in the market or the services offered by the company. Also, check on the competition in the industry, the reputation of the company and if it is an established and well-known business.

Businesses for which franchises work best have the following characteristics: those with a good track record of profitability, built around a unique concept, have broad geographic appeal, relatively easy to operate, inexpensive to operate and are easily to duplicate.

There are several things you should know about considering to be a prospective franchiser. If there is a potential company you have in mind that you are thinking about purchasing or investing in you need to make the next move. At this point, it is wise to have an attorney, an accountant, or a banker for advice.

It is best to have an accountant to analyze the fiancial needs of the business that you are thinking of and the company that you are interested in should offer a disclosure statement of the company. This statement would include the responsibilities on your part for the business.

Meet the staff of any of the franchises you are thinking of investing in and make a note of the impressions you get during your visit. Evaluate their style, professionalism and their competence that relates to their training. Do they seem happy or rushed, distracted and overwhelmed by their busy schedule?

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