Ask SCORE: Franchising Is Rewarding If You Do Your Homework

The Desert Sun:

Franchising has been characterized as a way to be in business for yourself without being by yourself. Rather than having to “reinvent the wheel,” a franchise owner can take advantage of tested concepts and proven operational and marketing strategies, as well as the franchisor’s institutional knowledge and guidance.

But franchise ownership isn’t an easy shortcut to success. As with any other kind of small business, it’s up to you to commit the finances, time and effort to meet both the franchisor’s goals and your own. That’s why it pays to weigh the pros and cons of franchising to make sure it’s right for you. More.