How to Avoid Buying a Franchise that Might Go Under

Bison:

Statistics show that your chances for success as an entrepreneur are greater if you start your new business as a franchisee rather than opening a business all on your own. However, there are times when even franchise systems aren’t successful and around for the long term. Of course there are no guarantees but you can boost your chances for finding a franchise with stability by doing some additional research.

A franchise company usually begins when someone has a desire to bring a product or service to a wider audience. One or more units, often called company stores, are opened so the product or service can be tested, refined, retested and improved. Once the company stores have experienced some success, the company will begin early franchising efforts.

Opening the first 10-25 franchised units is often the most difficult phase for a franchisor. The company will have to learn how the concept works in a variety of locations and with a variety of franchisees. Marketing can be tried on a larger scale and there are hundreds of details to be modified, changed, refined and locked down.

Once this initial group of franchisees experiences financial success, the franchisor will open up franchising to a larger group. If you are a risk taker, feel free to jump in at any of the earlier stages of a franchisor’s development. If you’d rather avoid risk, confine your research on potential franchise opportunities to those companies that have survived the initial stages and have at least 25 or more successful franchise operations in place.

Yes, there are companies that are solid gold from inception. But as a general rule, the earlier you get involved in any business, the greater the risk. Not only that, by joining an established company you will also avoid many of the bumps along the road. A franchise that has reached a modest number of successful franchisees will have added sufficient infrastructure to support you and the marketing/branding efforts will help draw customers to your location.

By focusing your search on those companies who have reached this stage of development, you can increase your chances of success in finding one that will be around for the long term. Read on: