You are excited to own a business, but you want something with a proven track record and support from an established brand. You are considering buying a franchise.
However, as much as it is a great chance to be an entrepreneur, purchasing a franchise business is not an easy, straightforward task. There is a significant risk of losing your financial investment if you do not avoid common mistakes when buying a franchise.
In this article, we will explore the seven most frequent franchise-purchasing mistakes to avoid to secure your bank account.
Not researching the franchise brand and reputation
One of the most significant risks when buying a franchise is not researching the brand and reputation of the company you intend to join. A franchise is an extension of its brand and reputation, and this can significantly impact your business’s profitability.
Here are a few key points to remember:
• Conduct Market Research: You should evaluate the local competition, market conditions, demand, and competitive advantages of the franchise before investing.
• Check Franchise Success rates: Check the franchisor’s history, financial background, and existing franchisee satisfaction rates to help you understand the franchise’s strength.
• Identify your risks: Learn about the risks associated with the industry, the business model, and the franchisor’s operations. This information is important in assessing the longevity, stability, and sustainability of your franchise.
You must conduct extensive research on the franchisor before making a significant financial investment decision. This way, you can minimize the risk that comes with buying a franchise business and protect your money in the long term.
Underestimating the total investment and operating costs
The initial franchise fee is only a small part of investing in a franchise. After purchasing it, you are also required to build premises, invest in operational equipment, hire and train employees, and more.
Failure to fully understand the total investment requirement for owning a franchise can put your business at risk.
Here are some key considerations to avoid this mistake:
• Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): The FDD outlines the investment requirements, ongoing fees and royalties, estimated startup costs, projected operating expenses, and more. When you receive this document, make sure you read, understand and scrutinize it.
• Estimate Profitability: Consider your potential revenue, expenses, and how much working capital you’ll need throughout the startup phase to ensure a profitable business.
• Create a detailed financial plan: Create a comprehensive plan that includes a long-term financial plan and cash flow projections. This will help you stay on track and avoid any unexpected financial setbacks.
It’s not enough to rely solely on the franchisor’s projection or the initial fees. Adequate research should help you understand the total costs of owning a franchise and prepare for that investment thoroughly.
Rushing the decision without proper due diligence
We know that you want to get in the game, but there is a time and place for everything. One thing you should not do is rush into buying a franchise business without taking adequate time to do due diligence and research.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
• Evaluate your options: Take your time to compare franchise brands, weigh the pros and cons of each brand, and examine investment options before settling on any specific franchise.
• Conduct a thorough analysis: Analyze the financials, marketing plans, future projections, business models of each brand to make the right decision for your business needs.
• Seek third-party help: Speak with a franchise attorney, financial planner, and other professionals who specialize in franchising to help you make an informed decision.
You can avoid making snap decisions that could negatively impact your financial investment by maintaining composure throughout the sourcing and investment processes.
Not hiring a lawyer to review the franchise agreement
Have you ever heard the phrase “The devil is in the details”? The same applies when purchasing a franchise business: “You’ll have to sign a Franchise Agreement Document” — which is a legal and binding document.
There could be many traps hidden in the agreement that can put your financial investment at risk, so make sure to hire a lawyer to help you review the agreement.
Here are some tips to follow:
• Seek legal advice: Ensure that an experienced franchise lawyer who is knowledgeable about franchise law reviews the franchise agreement.
• Scrutinize before signing: Take your time to read, understand, and scrutinize every detail of the agreement before signing.
• Exercise your rights: If there is anything that requires clarification or renegotiation, ensure that you understand and have legal representation to protect your rights.
Getting legal advice will ensure that any risks associated with a contract or agreement are recognized and reduced before they could seriously harm your finances.
Not having a solid business plan and financial projections
If you can’t plan for the business, you can’t plan for the profit. Failing to create a business plan, including financial projections, is a major mistake when considering purchasing a franchise business.
Here are some significant factors to keep in mind:
• Experience: Identify the necessary experience, skills, and qualifications required to operate the franchise successfully.
• Business Plan: Create a comprehensive business plan that includes marketing, operations, and sales strategies, and cash and asset management implications.
• Financial Projections: Project monthly and yearly revenue, expenses, and benchmarks.
You are in a better position to manage your franchise and increase profitability if you have a strong business plan, financial projections, and benchmarks in place.
Not paying attention to the training and support provided
Franchise brands have established operating procedures and best practices that govern how their franchisees conduct business. Failing to take advantage of the training and support available can put your investment at risk.
Here are some considerations for maximizing the training and support offered:
• Take advantage of the Initial training: Attend the initial training program to understand the franchisor’s system, best practices, and operations.
• Leverage Ongoing Support: As needed, seek guidance and support through the franchisor’s support system, peer-to-peer support in the franchise community, marketing, and promotional support.
• Seek Higher Education: Participate in webinars, workshops, or conferences to remain informed of the latest industry trends, changes in market trends, and to help you run your business more effectively.
It is possible to successfully implement the required operating practices that maximize profitability by making the most of all the resources, training, and support that are available to you as a franchise owner.
Overlooking the importance of marketing and advertising
Marketing brings brand recognition to the general public, which is critical for mobilizing a profitable business. Failing to have an adequate and effective marketing strategy can put your investment at risk.
Here are some considerations for an effective marketing campaign:
• Leverage National Advertising: Most Franchisors have a national marketing program, which helps maximize brand awareness and customer base.
• Develop a local marketing plan: However, in addition to national advertising, develop a local marketing campaign alongside the franchisor’s campaign to promote franchise within the neighborhood.
• Engage and Network: Engage with customers, strive for referrals, and network alongside other business owners.
By having a marketing campaign targeting both national and local levels, you can drive awareness, establish yourself within the community, and maximize profitability.
Buying a franchise can be a daunting yet exhilarating task. How well you succeed in franchise business is dependent on several factors, including research, thorough analysis, adequate financing, effective marketing, and utilizing all support structures.
Avoiding the pitfalls outlined above is crucial to securing your investment, operating profitably, and achieving long-term success in your franchise.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the R3volution Brands family. Contact us now and let us guide you towards a brighter future for your franchise, with solutions and support.
