Every year, people in the U.S. spend about $200 billion on franchised services and products. Franchises are continuing relationships between a franchisor and a franchisee. Notably, a franchisee may also be referred to as a licensee. Franchising can be a precious business model for entrepreneurs. With that success comes challenges, however. One of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when purchasing franchises is not having a clear vision or understanding of the different components needed to make a successful franchise. There are four critical components to any successful franchise: An original concept, a tested business model, a workable and profitable plan, and the money to do it all. No matter how well organized your business idea is, if the previous four keys aren’t in place, you will not be able to achieve the level of success that you might be looking for. The main reason why most people don’t succeed with their franchising business is that they failed to plan and research it thoroughly before they committed themselves financially. If you don’t know where to start, you can visit the American Family Care – Franchise Development for advice on how you will have a successful franchise.
The success of a franchise depends on the franchisees. Knowing each franchisee well and having a solid understanding and relationship as an investor is essential. If you’re thinking about buying into a franchise, the best place to start is reading the prospectus, the legal document describing how the business works.
Mutual trust can be built upon the following four key components:
- An original concept
The first franchisor in any industry may still be good enough today to be worth investing in, but if you don’t have any unique ideas, you need to do your research before you jump in with both feet. Does your idea have what it takes? Is there a demand for your product or service? You’ll have a unique selling proposition that sets you apart from other franchisees and businesses by developing an original concept. Consumers will notice and respond to you; as they learn more about you and see your unique value, they’ll be more likely to try your product or service.
- A tested business model
Before you can buy a franchise, you must do your research. Verify that the franchise has been successful and will work in your market area. A successful franchise is a tested business model. The best franchisors have already worked out all the kinks in the business model, so the franchisee can focus on running their location and providing a high-quality customer experience. Before offering franchises for sale, any potential franchisor should have at least one prosperous place.
- A workable and profitable plan
You will also need to write a plan for your franchise unit. Make sure that the numbers work out and determine how much capital you will need to operate. It includes covering all operating expenses and having enough money for marketing, staff training, emergencies, and expansion plans.
- The money to do it all
Budget your financial resources and any financing available from banks or other sources to get started. Whether starting a franchise from scratch or taking over an existing one, you’ll need to have enough capital to purchase equipment and inventory, pay employees, and do all the other things that businesses do. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you need venture capital; it might just mean that you need to save up for a while before jumping into your new venture! But there’s no way around this step in the process—you’ve got to have some cash!
Here are some tips for how to approach financing your franchise business:
- Find a traditional bank lender.
- Get an SBA loan.
- Use an alternative lender.
- Tap into your resources.
- Raise capital with private investors.
To be successful in franchising, it is crucial to understand the critical components of a successful franchise. Many are readily visible, such as the right product, an attractive building, and professional staff. There are also crucial elements that are more subtle but just as crucial to success. These can include an original concept, the money to fund it, and a good plan. Successful franchisors are deeply aware of these components and strategically build them into their operations and franchising programs. It drives their business forward at an even faster pace.
