Franchise Your Business

Step-By-Step Guide to Franchising Your Business

SO, YOU WANT TO FRANCHISE YOUR BUSINESS?

Welcome to Revolution Franchise Brokers' comprehensive guide to franchising your business! Franchising can be an excellent way to expand your business while leveraging the resources and entrepreneurial spirit of others. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the essential things you need to do to franchise your business successfully.

Before we get into the steps you need to take to franchise your business, let’s take a look at what a franchise is.

WHAT IS A FRANCHISE?

A franchise is a business model that involves the replication and distribution of a proven and established brand, products, or services. In this arrangement, the owner of the original business (the franchisor) grants the rights to independent individuals or groups (franchisees) to operate their own branches or outlets using the franchisor's branding, business methods, and support systems.

Franchises provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to own and operate their own businesses while leveraging the success and recognition of an established brand. Franchisees benefit from the support and guidance provided by the franchisor, including training, marketing strategies, operational guidelines, and access to a customer base. In return, franchisees typically pay upfront franchise fees, ongoing royalties based on their revenue, or a combination of both, to the franchisor.

The franchisor maintains control over certain aspects of the franchise to ensure consistency and quality across all franchise locations. This control might involve standardized product offerings, pricing structures, design and decor, and customer service protocols. While franchisees have a degree of independence in managing their individual locations, they are expected to adhere to the overall guidelines and standards set by the franchisor.

Franchises can be found in a wide range of industries, including fast food, retail, hospitality, fitness, education, and more. Well-known examples of franchises include McDonald's, Subway, Hilton Hotels, and The UPS Store. This business model offers a mutually beneficial arrangement where the franchisor expands its brand presence and generates revenue through franchise fees and royalties, while franchisees gain the advantage of a recognized brand, established business model, and ongoing support in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF A FRANCHISE:

A franchise, in addition to its business implications, also carries a distinct legal definition. Legally, a franchise involves the granting of a license or right by the franchisor to the franchisee to engage in the distribution or sale of goods or services under the franchisor's established trademark, trade name, or commercial symbol. This license is typically accompanied by significant assistance or control exerted by the franchisor over the franchisee's business operations, such as providing guidance, support, training, and the use of proprietary business methods and intellectual property.

From a legal standpoint, the franchise relationship is governed by a franchise agreement, which outlines the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of both the franchisor and the franchisee. The agreement covers various aspects, including the terms of the franchise arrangement, the use of trademarks and branding, the scope of the assistance and support provided by the franchisor, financial considerations such as fees and royalties, territorial rights, quality standards, and provisions for dispute resolution.

To distinguish a franchise from other business arrangements, such as simple licensing agreements or distributorships, legal definitions often emphasize the substantial control and ongoing support exercised by the franchisor over the franchisee's operations. This legal distinction is crucial because many countries have specific regulations and laws governing franchising to protect the interests of both parties and ensure transparency and fairness in the relationship. These regulations might require the franchisor to provide comprehensive disclosures to potential franchisees before entering into an agreement, including financial information, franchise history, and other pertinent details.

In summary, a franchise is not only a business model but also a legally defined relationship involving the licensing of intellectual property, business methods, and branding by the franchisor to the franchisee. This legal framework ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and rights within the franchising arrangement.

How Much Does It Cost To Franchise Your Business?

Franchising is not for the faint of heart. It is a long-term strategy for growth that comes with a lot of ups and downs. In addition to being emotionally ready to take the reins as a franchisor, you must also be financially ready.

The typical initial costs of franchising your business can range from $50,000 to $300,000+. The average initial costs for franchising your business are $175,000. This includes all of the legal setup, initial marketing, consulting fees, and technology implementation.

The initial investment does not include the working capital needed. Be certain that you have the necessary capital to operate the franchise entity at a loss for at least 2 years. The bulk of the franchises income will come from royalties, and it will take a long time before the royalty revenue will be substantial enough to offset your operating costs.

The Steps to Franchising Your Business

Self-Assessment and Preparation

Before you embark on the journey of franchising, it's crucial to assess whether your business is ready for this expansion model. Consider factors such as:

- Profitability: Is your business financially stable and consistently profitable?

- Replicability: Can your business model be easily replicated in different locations?

- Uniqueness: Do you have a unique selling proposition (USP) that sets your business apart in the market?

- Operations: Are your processes and operations well-documented and standardized?

- Branding: Is your brand recognizable and attractive to potential franchisees?

Develop a Franchise Business Plan

Craft a comprehensive business plan specifically tailored for your franchise model. Outline your goals, target markets, marketing strategies, and operational guidelines. This plan will serve as a roadmap for both you and your potential franchisees.

Financial Modeling

Create detailed financial projections for your franchisees, including startup costs, ongoing fees, and potential revenue streams. Transparent financial expectations will attract potential franchisees and help them make informed decisions.

Franchisee Selection

Your first ten franchisees will determine the long-term success of your franchise system. Be very mindful of this when vetting potential franchisees. Carefully screen and select all potential franchisees, but especially the first ten. Look for individuals who align with your brand's values, have the necessary skills, and are committed to following your established business model. Conduct thorough interviews and background checks.

Training and Support

You must provide comprehensive training to new franchisees to ensure they understand your business model, operations, and brand standards. Ongoing support, including marketing assistance and operational guidance, will help franchisees succeed and maintain consistent brand representation.

The most common issue new franchises face stem from a lack of initial training. Don't overlook this step! Having a great business is irrelevant if the new franchisees don't have the ability to execute at an expert level. Err on the side of too much training. Never has a franchisee said, "the franchise provided too much training".

Your first several franchisees will be the best sales tool you have to continue to grow your system. Fail them, and your entire system will fail.

Legal and Financial Consultation

Franchising involves legal and financial intricacies that require expert guidance. Seek legal counsel experienced in franchise law to help you navigate through:

- Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): This legal document outlines all the necessary information about your franchise opportunity, including fees, obligations, and rights of both parties.

- Franchise Agreement: This contract defines the terms and conditions of the franchise relationship.

- Intellectual Property Protection: Ensure your trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets are adequately protected.

Operational Systemization

A successful franchise relies on consistent operations across all locations. Document your business processes, from customer service and product delivery to employee training and quality control. A well-documented operations manual will maintain brand consistency and ensure smooth replication.

Franchise Marketing

Develop a marketing strategy to attract potential franchisees. Utilize various channels, such as social media, industry events, and franchise expos. Highlight the benefits of your franchise opportunity and showcase your successful track record.

Marketing of your franchise is substantially different than marketing your business to consumers. Be sure to use the services of marketers that are familiar with franchise marketing.

You'll also want to enlist the help of franchise brokers/consultants during your initial launch phase (and potentially forever) to help drive franchise leads to your system. These brokers/consultants have relationships with clients that may be a perfect fit for your franchise, and you won't have to pay them anything until a franchise is awarded. This means your marketing costs are simply a part of Costs of Goods Sold, thereby dramatically reducing your overhead.

Technology

Whether you like it or not, we live in a digital world. If you are planning on creating a franchise that can keep pace with the modern world, you must have a technology first mindset. The best franchises understand the importance of implementing and improving the best business and marketing technologies.

The technologies that you implement must be easy to use, and helpful for the operation of the business model. Technologies like: Customer Relationship Managers (CRM), Marketing Technology (MarTech), Point of Sale (POS), Data Analytics, Bookkeeping, Reputation Management, Financial Technology (FinTech), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), are all critical to have in place before franchising your business.

Launch and Expansion

Assist franchisees in finding suitable locations and support them during their grand opening. Monitor their initial performance closely and offer guidance as needed. Once the first franchise is established, use its success as a stepping stone for further expansion.

Remember, you are partners with your franchisees. Their success will determine your success. Be sure that you are with them every step of the way at the onset of their new business. They will eventually be able to thrive without your direct involvement, but don't ever leave them on their own. Remember, they're in business for themselves, not by themselves.

Next Steps

Franchising your business can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful planning, legal compliance, and dedication to maintaining brand consistency. By following these steps and seeking expert guidance along the way, you can set the foundation for a successful franchise network that benefits both you and your franchisees. Remember, each business is unique, so tailor these steps to fit your specific circumstances and industry.

If you believe you’re ready to begin the process of franchising your business, then we want to meet you. You can schedule your FREE strategy session HERE.

What Our Clients Say

Peter Johnson,

Boulder, CO. (Painting Franchise Owner)

Jason Revere was amazing to work with. He got me the exact franchise I wanted. Thanks, Jason.