Franchising My Business

How to Franchise Your Business

Can I franchise my business? If that's on your mind, this article is for you. Before you contemplate franchising, you need to create a successful business first of course. Remember, this article is just a primer on franchising. It's best to hire a franchising consultant because there are many franchising regulations you will need to comply with. Good luck!

Does your business have a solid history of healthy bottom lines?

Franchising My Business

Is it a unique business capable of thriving in a variety of markets?

Are you interested in expanding the size of your business as well as its profitability?

If your answer to these questions is a resounding "yes", then your business may be a good candidate for franchising.

Franchising multiplies and maximizes the profit-making potential of a proven business. If done effectively, it can provide an income stream that far surpasses the returns you might expect from a single-location enterprise. This income is realized through a number of sources including franchise fees, royalties, supply and equipment sales, promotional advertising, and vendor rebates.

Even if your business is not quite ready to take the leap into franchising right now, there are a number of things you can do now to prepare for franchising down the road.

1. Demonstrate consistent returns on investment

Profitability is a determining factor in the success or failure of a franchise. Potential franchise investors are interested in putting their money in a venture that offers a guaranteed return. That's why they are willing to pay franchise fees of $100,000 or more. In exchange, it is not unusual for a franchise investor to expect a 20% annual return on their investment.

By demonstrating a consistent record of profitability, you increase the attractiveness of your business - and future franchise - to investors and franchise partners.

2. Develop and document operating systems

Efficiency is the key to running an effective franchise. Successfully franchised businesses have fine-tuned their operational procedures and documented them through easily-implemented operations manuals.

The advantage for the franchise investor is that he/she doesn't have to reinvent the wheel to find out what works. The advantage for you - the owner of the business being franchised - is that you maintain a certain amount of control over quality and operations even after you have sold a franchise to independent operators.

3. Open multiple locations

Before you decide to venture into the world of franchising, you should probably consider opening more than one location of your business yourself. The lessons you learn along the way will give you a preview of the challenges you will encounter when you begin full-scale franchising. You will discover valuable information about the systems franchising will require and start to understand which geographic locations hold the best potential for future franchises

More importantly, multiple locations will demonstrate to potential investors that your business concept is transportable and capable of prospering in more than one market.

4. Groom key employees

Long before you make the decision to franchise your business, you should begin grooming key employees who will be capable of helping you reach your goals. These employees should have a keen understanding of your business' operating systems as well as the ability to communicate their knowledge to others. A good starting point might be to identify a few, quality employees and involve them in the preparation of your business' operating manual.

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Browse tons of franchise opportunities in the Gaebler Ventures franchise directory:

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Conversation Board

What's your take on franchising my business? Have any advice for business owners on this topic?

  • Francorp posted on 6/4/2009
    Francorp
    Great comments and advice here. Well written peice on franchising and the process of how to franchise a business.
  • Jenny Hunt posted on 11/2/2010
    Jenny Hunt
    I run a successful pottery business and have been approached to franchise. Could you give me a few pointers as to whether this would be a prudent move for me? Best wishes Jenny Hunt
  • Ken Gaebler posted on 11/3/2010
    Ken Gaebler
    Jenny, make sure that the person or firm that approached you about franchising is reputable and has a track record in creating successful franchises. Get additional perspective from other franchising consultants as to whether they think your business has potential to be franchised. Finally, think through your own goals, desires and relevant skillset before making the leap to franchising. Good luck and let me know how it turns out for you.

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