Advantages of Owning a Franchise

When determining if you want to own a franchise, there are several benefits to consider.

  • Established success. An existing franchise already developed its success, so a new franchisee can use these established procedures to also become successful.
  • Recognized branding. A new business can have difficulty with customers recognizing the brand. Using a franchise's logos, signage, and packaging can help people recognize the business.
  • Corporate support. A franchise gives you access to help and support from a dedicated corporate staff. You might also receive reference materials and invitations to training programs to start your business.
  • Buying power. Larger, more established businesses have more purchasing power, so this can reduce the costs for a new franchisee. This can also reduce costs on supplies and increase profits.
  • Engage with larger companies. Starting a business on your own can result in purchasing fewer items, resulting in an overall high cost of goods and services. It's also difficult to compete with national chains. But if you opt for a franchise, you can compete with other local big businesses.
  • Lower risk. Startups have a tendency to fail, but buying into a franchise can improve your chances of success.
  • Inventive technology. Franchise software can help you create financial reports, including consolidated reports if you own more than one franchise.
  • Overall profits. Franchise businesses can create a higher return on investment even if they have higher franchise costs.
  • Help with real estate or construction. Many franchises have documents to help you find the best site and negotiate the best deal. In addition, franchises can help you design the interior layout and select the right contractors.

Disadvantages of Owning a Franchise

Keep in mind that along with advantages, there are some downsides to owning a franchise.

  • Lack of flexibility. One of the main disadvantages is that you must abide by the guidelines and rules stipulated by the franchisor. Although you might claim to work as an independent business owner, you don't have full control of the business. Some franchisors can dictate the location, hours of operation, pricing, signage, and franchise resale terms.
  • Cost. Established franchises are expensive to operate. In addition to the franchise fee and royalties, you must pay a percentage of your franchise's business revenue to the franchisor each month. The franchisor might also ask for additional fees, such as advertising costs.
  • Inconsistent support. Not all franchisors provide the same level of assistance once a franchise opens. Some give help for the startup process and then let you take over, while others offer training but don't follow up afterward.
  • Financial gamble. Buying into a lesser-known, inexpensive franchise is risky. Just because it has franchise opportunities doesn't mean you will have success.

Franchisees Perspective on Collaboration

Using the franchise organization model gives you the chance to grow under a familiar brand. Although owned and managed independently, all franchisees share benefits of the franchisor, including the following:

  • You get access to group advertising not usually available to independent business owners.
  • You own a business and make daily decisions on your own by using the experience of successful business people.
  • You can sell products and services in markets that other companies have difficulty with due to higher operating costs and lower employee motivation.
  • You gain access to trademarks, patents, designs, and other proprietary information that customers recognize.
  • You receive training from successful business people.
  • You become part of a consistent operation because all franchises share the same facility appearance, same products, same service, and same customer brand awareness.
  • You have a lower risk of failure and loss of investments than if you started the business on your own.
  • You obtain support from the franchisor before and after launching the business.
  • You learn how to enhance your management skills by using an established business model.

Franchisors Perspective on Collaboration

Franchisors also benefit from franchising their business. Among the benefits received include the following:

  • The franchisor has a chance to rapidly expand.
  • The franchise spreads the brand's awareness, thanks to a large network of owners.
  • The community of franchise owners grows due to a large group of supporters.
  • The franchisor can provide new products and services thanks to more testing and input.
  • The franchisor also receives brand recognition nationally and globally.

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