Franchises are like food: There's something out there to suit everyone's tastes. As such, a franchise can be the perfect business for a budding entrepreneur. The options are incredibly diverse, and the business models — already developed and refined by someone else — proven. With a minimal investment, franchisees get the inspiration and support they need to become the business owners they dream of being.
So, where to start? Franchise opportunity listings are the ideal spot to begin your research. In reviewing them, be sure to consider:
- Demand
- Competition
- Cost
- Commitment
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Start on the Web
You'll find a huge number of franchise offerings on specialty Web sites, with listings conveniently sorted by business type (such as automotive, restaurant, home-based) and location. You can see the investment needed for each franchise and read a pitch from the franchisor about the training and support they give their franchisees. Online contact forms will put you in touch with the franchisor for more information.
I recommend:
Go to Franchise Solutions, Franchise Gator, Franchise Opportunities or type "franchise opportunities" into your favorite search engine.
Browse association listings
For more exclusive listings plus educational material, try local and national trade groups.
I recommend:
The International Franchise Association (IFA), the American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD) and the American Franchisee Association (AFA) are the country's main franchisee trade groups; visit their Web sites to browse electronic opportunity listings, order print directories and more.
Consult business directories
Business directories can be excellent places to find just about anything — including franchise opportunities.
I recommend:
Search business directories at AllBusiness and Yahoo! for a wealth of franchise opportunities.
Look to trade magazines
B2B magazines often function as virtual libraries for entire industries. Many collect and publish classified ads especially for their niche readers.
I recommend:
Franchise Times and Franchise International feature dozens of franchise listings online and in print and offer industry news and surveys as well.
Ask a search firm
Too busy to spend your time sifting through hundreds of franchise listings? Hire a professional to do the searching for you.
I recommend:
Entrepreneur Connections offers a free consultation service, called FranChoice, designed to connect entrepreneurs with the franchise opportunities that are most suitable to them based upon their needs and goals.
Avoid traps
Don't rely on listings alone to sell you on a concept. Do some research and consult existing franchisees to get an honest picture of the opportunity.
I recommend:
FranSurvey.com rates franchise opportunities using information gathered from existing franchisees.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Once you've identified a potential opportunity, research the franchisor further at Hoovers. Also, request from the franchisor a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC), which will contain all the information you need about a given opportunity.
- The most useful franchise listings will include a company history, unit count, geographical opportunities, application prerequisites and investment requirements.
The official source of Franchise Opportunity Listings is
the Small Business Franchises page at Business.com
Recommended Solution Providers
Worldfranchising.com: Portal to the Franchising Industry
Directory of franchise opportunities with links to industry experts, statistics and a "Franchise University" with free, online tutorials.
FranchiseOpportunities.com
Database of franchise opportunities with a buyer’s guide, faq, consulting, legal and financial information, glossary and tips.
Franchise.com
Global multi-search directory with information for franchises, real estate and financing and research articles and tools.
BizBuySell: Franchise Directory
Search directory for franchise opportunities by industry.
BizQuest.com: Find a Franchise
Franchise opportunities with resource articles, free consultation, pre-investment checklist and financing information.
SmallBusinessOpportunity.com: Franchise Opportunities
Listing of small business franchise offerings with a form to request information directly from the franchiser.
Franchise Leader
Directory of franchise opportunities with news and information for franchise buyers and sellers.
GlobalBX: Franchise Directory
Directory and resource center with pros and cons, legal considerations, checklist before buying and guide to choosing the right franchise.
AllBusiness.com: Franchise Directory
Directory searchable by industry category or by total investment.
Franchise Solutions
Directory, resources, FAQ and industry news.
Franchise Buyer
Free consulting service for entrepreneurs matching buyers with franchise opportunities.
Your Franchise Network
Directory, news, resources and articles.
Francorp
Consulting and development programs including strategic planning, operations, marketing, training, legal and support services.
Best Sites to Learn More
SBA.gov: Consumer Guide to Buying a Franchise
Guide prepared by the Federal Trade Commission addressing obligations as a franchise owner and how to shop for franchise opportunities.
About.com: Franchises
Articles and resources for entrepreneurs.
Inc.com: Franchise Resource Center
How-to guides, articles, columns, expert advice, tools and recommended resources.
Entrepreneur.com: Franchise Zone
How-to guides, expert advice and a ranked franchise listing.
BizJournals: Franchise Center
News, articles, trends, reviews and profiles of franchise opportunities.
AllBusiness.com: Franchise
Advice, articles, research and basics on buying, selling and financing a franchise.
American Association of Franchisees & Dealers
National non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers with a franchise buying guide.
Franchise Times Magazine
Franchising news and information source with links to franchise opportunities.
Franchise Registry
Lists names of franchise companies whose franchisees have been accepted for a streamlined review process for SBA loan applications.
International Franchise Association
Membership organization of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers with buying guide and database of franchise opportunities.
FRANdata: Franchise Business Intelligence
Database of information products, research and analysis about the companies that franchise and the brands they manage.
Small Business Brief: Franchises
News and articles archives.
Franchise-chat
International news stories, resource articles, expertise and advice.
Best Blogs and Forums
International Franchise Association: Discussion Forums
Forums for the global community, finance, administrators, prospective franchisees, training and operations, and tech issues.
Small Business Forum: Franchising
General discussion with threads on specific franchise businesses.
Franchise-chat.com: Forums
Forums on buying a franchise, franchising a business, resources and events.
Franchise Doctor's Blog
Offers tips on buying a franchise.
Franchise Road Stories: Blog
Writings about franchising including industry news, trends from a "behind the scene" view.
Useful Franchise Facts
Sharing opinion, academic theories, practical ideas and experiences from readers.