If you are an entrepreneur looking for a great business opportunity, you may be interested in franchising. This is one of the most successful business models in the country and can be a great option for building and growing a business. Like any business venture, however, franchising can have its advantages and disadvantages so it’s important to understand all the different facets of this business model in order to decide if it is right for you.
Advantages of Franchising
Franchising can be a great opportunity for existing brands that have a strong and steady track record of success. For some existing business owners or entrepreneurs, franchising can be a great move that comes with many advantages.
1. Business Assistance
Unlike starting your own business, franchising comes with business assistance from the franchisor. In some instances, the franchisee may quite literally receive a turnkey business. Others may not make it quite that easy, but they do offer plenty of knowledge and advice about the business. One of the advantages that can make franchising appealing is the fact that you have access to plenty of assistance to guide you through the process of owning and operating a business.
2. Brand Recognition
Another huge advantage to franchising is brand recognition. When you start a business from scratch, you have to spend time and money marketing your new business. With a franchise, your brand is already well established and people automatically know what they can expect from your business.
3. Capital
One of the biggest hurdles with starting your own business is the capital that entrepreneurs must invest into their business. Franchising provides opportunities where the franchisee provides the capital for the franchised location. This means there is lower risk for the business owner as opposed to opening an independent business.
4. Lower Failure Rate
In general, franchises have a lower failure rate than independent businesses. When you buy into a franchise, you know you are buying into a successful brand that already has an existing customer base. They already have a proven business concept so you have reassurance that there is a demand for your product or service.
5. Legal Protections
Franchising is regulated at state and federal levels and franchisors must adopt a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) in order to franchise the business. These laws can be a shield to protect you against a slew of legal ramifications.
Disadvantages of Franchising
1. Limited Creative Opportunities
When you start your own business, you have the freedom to operate your business any way you choose. With a franchise, however, you will have to adhere to existing rules so you won’t have as much creativity when it comes to marketing or designing a logo for your business.
2. Lack of Control
Franchisees have limited control over the daily operations of their business. You will be required to comply with existing management operations, procedures, training standards, and hours of operation. You are also limited to offering only the approved products or services that have already been established by the brand. You will also be required to rely on the franchisor’s suppliers and vendors.
3. Initial Cost
The initial cost to buy into a franchise is typically more than you would spend to open an independent business. You will have to pay an initial fee to cover the cost of licensing the rights to their brand in addition to training expenses.
4. Potential for Conflict
While one of the benefits of owning a franchise is the support you receive, this can also have the potential for conflict. As you begin to get more involved in the business, there may be aspects that you don’t agree with but you will have limited freedom to make changes. This can set the stage for potential conflict.
5. Lack of Financial Privacy
The franchise agreement will state that the franchisor can oversee the entire financial system. All financial information will be shared with the franchisor, leaving you little privacy in this area.
If you are interested in learning more, contact us today at 1-800-501-1245 to request information about training courses from the Management Training Institute as well as other corporate training programs offered through our parent company Bold New Directions.