How to Franchise Your Business

What is a Franchise Business?
​The Federal Trade Commission basically says a franchise business model is a system in which an individual or company (the franchisor) licenses the use of its trade name and know-how to another party (the franchisee) in exchange for a fee.

The franchisee typically agrees to abide by the franchisor’s guidelines and operating procedures, which may include using the franchisor’s recipes, marketing materials, and management systems.

The success of a franchise depends on the strength of the franchise system as a whole, so it’s important for franchisors to maintain a great business relationship with their franchisees and offer good support.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Franchising Your BusinessAn existing business can franchise itself in order to expand its operations without having to start from scratch. Before you decide to take this step, let’s take a look at the pros and cons that franchise owners face:

Franchising Pros:

• Fast expansion. You can expand your business quickly and relatively cheaply. This is because you’re licensing your business system to someone who already has the infrastructure in place to support it.
• Less risk. Franchising is a less risky way to grow your business than starting new locations from scratch. This is because the franchisee takes on most of the risk associated with setting up and running the new business.
• Motivated franchisees. Prospective franchisees are motivated to make the franchise successful because they have a financial stake in it. They’re also more likely to follow your operating procedures and guidelines because they don’t want to jeopardize their investment and want to be a franchise success story.
• Increased revenue. A well-run system can bring in more franchise sales, and generate a steady stream of customers and revenue for the franchisor. It can also help build brand awareness and customer loyalty.
• Build equity. Franchising can help you build equity in your business. This is because you own the brand and the system. As the franchisor, you also collect a percentage of each franchisee’s revenue.

Franchising Cons:

• Give up some control. You will have less control over how your franchisees operate their businesses.
• Big investment. You will need to invest time and money in developing a strong franchising system.
• Bad apples. Some franchisees may not always follow your operating procedures perfectly.

Should You Hire a Franchise Attorney?
When you are buying a franchise, you will be required to sign a franchise agreement. This document is important, as it outlines the terms and conditions of your relationship with the franchisor. It’s a good idea to have an attorney review the agreement before you sign it, to make sure that you understand what you are agreeing to. You should also consult an attorney if you have any questions about the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which is a document that all franchisors are required to provide to potential franchisees.

How to Franchise a BusinessLet’s have a look at the steps you’ll have to complete during the franchising process:

1. Confirm Your Business Is Ready

The first step is to make sure that your business is ready to be franchised. This means that it should have a franchise business plan, a proven business system or model, a solid track record of success, and a clear brand identity.

2. Protect Intellectual Property

The next step is to protect your intellectual property (IP). This includes the name of your business, its logo, and any trade secrets or proprietary information. You will need to register trademarks and copyrights, and you should also consider getting patent protection for any inventions or processes that are central to your business. Hiring an experienced franchise consultant can be helpful during this process.

3. Create a Financial Disclosure Document

In order to sell franchises legally, all franchisors are required to prepare and provide Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) to potential franchisees. This document must contain certain information about the franchisor and the franchising system, including the franchisor’s business experience, litigation history, and financial statements.

4. Draft a Franchise Agreement Including the Franchise Fee

Franchise agreements are legally binding contracts between the franchisor and the franchisee. It should include provisions about the franchise fees, royalties, and other terms and conditions of the franchise relationship.

5. Prepare an Operations Manual

The franchisor will also need to prepare an operations manual, which outlines the procedures and standards that franchisees must follow. This manual should be comprehensive and easy to understand.

6. Register an FDD

In some states, franchisors are required to register their FDD with the state government. This registration process is typically handled by the franchisor’s attorney.

7. Determine a Sales Strategy

The franchisor will need to develop a sales strategy for selling franchises. This may include exhibiting at trade shows, advertising in industry publications, or hiring a franchise sales company.

What’s the Difference Between Licensing and Franchising?
Licensing and franchising are both ways for businesses to expand their reach. With licensing, a company will allow another business to use its trademarks, copyrights, or patents in order to produce or sell a product. Franchising is similar, but the company will also give the other business permission to use its business model and training manuals. The franchise development process is when a company is looking to expand by franchising. During this process, the company will evaluate potential franchisees and choose the best one to partner with.

Is It Profitable to Franchise Your Business?
The profitability of franchising your business depends on a number of factors, such as the strength of the franchising system, the quality of the franchisees, and the overall demand for the product or service. If you’re thinking about franchising your business, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced franchise attorney to discuss the potential risks and rewards of offering a franchise opportunity.

How Much Does It Cost to Franchise a Business?
The cost of franchising a business varies depending on the size and scope of the franchising system. The initial investment for a franchise can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars. In addition to an initial franchise fee, there are ongoing costs of franchising including royalty payments, marketing fees, and compliance costs.



Source: smallbiztrends
Image: Envato Elements

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