Investing in a franchise can be a smart move for aspiring entrepreneurs hoping to be their own boss. Not only do franchises typically have a higher rate of success than starting a business from scratch, but there are also plenty of opportunities to invest in a franchise for under $100,000. As a result, those who may lack the resources necessary to purchase an entire franchise up front are still be able to obtain the tools, training, and guidance needed to become successful.
Whether you are a first-time entrepreneur or a veteran business owner looking to expand, the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) is here to provide support. As a membership-based franchise consulting network, our over 1,300 franchisors, franchise consultants, and vendor members have the experience it takes to guide you through the franchising process. Read on to learn more about topics such as understanding the franchise process, the benefits of franchising, and questions to ask when looking to invest in a franchise.
Franchise Process Overview
The franchise process typically involves three distinct steps, including researching, qualifying, and, finally, investing in a franchise.
Researching franchising opportunities
The research phase of the franchise process typically begins with prospective investors identifying the type of business that appeals to them. There are a variety of franchisors in most industries, so it is important to investigate the options available to you. During this stage, it is important to consider the prospective franchisor’s income potential, operation requirements, and investment range.
Qualifying for a franchise
Once you have identified an opportunity that interests you, the next step is to qualify for the franchise. The franchisor will likely have established criteria that prospective franchisees must pass in order to be approved. This typically includes such things as having a certain amount of capital or experience in business and/or management. The IFPG has a team of franchise consultants who can help advise and guide you throughout this phase of the process.
Investing in a Franchise
The final step of the process is, of course, investing in the franchise. Depending on the business, franchise investment requirements may vary. Some franchise models may require an all-cash purchase while others may offer franchisors the ability to purchase using a business loan or other financing options. Your consultant will help you determine the best financing structure for your situation.
The Benefits of Franchising
When done right, franchising offers advantages to both franchisees and franchisors. The benefits of buying into a franchise system include:
Established brand
One of the biggest advantages of franchising is the established brand. By investing in a franchise, you’re investing into a business model that has already been proven to be successful. This allows you to obtain the benefits of scale, such as name recognition, marketing support, and operational protocols.
Higher success rate
When compared to independent business start-ups, franchise businesses typically have a higher success rate. This is due to the fact that franchisees have access to the franchisor’s well established business model, customer base, and operational processes.
Ongoing support
Franchisees typically have access to ongoing support from the franchisor that includes marketing, operational, and technical assistance. This support can help ensure the success of the business and provide comfort to the franchisee that they are not alone in the process.
Questions to Ask When Investing in a Franchise Under 100k
When considering investing in a franchise that is under $100,000, there are several important questions that need to be asked.
What are the total start-up costs?
When researching different franchises, it is important to evaluate the total start-up costs associated with the investment. This may include the initial franchise fee, licensing fees, insurance, equipment, supplies, inventory, and other costs.
How much will the royalties be?
In a franchise system, the franchisor will typically collect a percentage of the revenue from the franchisee in the form of royalties. It is important to understand how much these royalties will be and what is covered in the royalty payments.
What kind of training is offered?
Before investing in a franchise, it is important to find out what kind of training is offered by the franchisor. This may include operational, marketing, and technical training to ensure franchisees are up to speed and well-equipped to run their business.
Are there any restrictions?
It is also important to understand any limitations or restrictions associated with the franchise. This may include things such as geographic restrictions, limitations on the types of products or services that can be offered, or limitations on marketing activities.
Trust the IFPG
When looking to invest in a franchise, the International Franchise Professionals Group has the experience and network of franchisors and franchise consultants ready to guide you through the process. Our purpose-driven mission is built on integrity, ethics, and collaboration. Contact us for more information on how we can help you achieve your entrepreneurial aspirations.
Topics:
