Help with this page

You're making one of biggest decision of your life, so educate yourself. The articles and other resources in this section contain valuable information to consider when evaluating a franchise or business opportunity. Is a franchise right for me? How much capital do I need? What specific questions should I ask? A little time spent reading and learning now can save you a lot of heartache later!

Franchise Knowledge Center Blog

View by Subject | View by Date

Advice from the Experts
How to Avoid Franchise Undercapitalization
Posted on: 05/22/2009
One of the biggest mistakes that people make in opening a franchise business is starting undercapitalized. The good news is that making sure you have enough money to get to the starting line (opening...
How to Evaluate Your Franchise Support
Posted on: 02/01/2009
I've narrowed my search down to three franchises. All of them promise great support. How can I get a better idea of what I'll really get from each of them?

Checklists to Help You Evaluate
Franchise Genius Checklist - Is Franchising for Me?
Posted on: 02/25/2008
Franchising is a great business model, but it's not necessarily right for everyone. These questions will help you to decide if franchising is right for you.
Franchise Genius Checklist - Franchisee Research
Existing franchisees are often the best source of information when evaluating a concept. In order to make the most of your time with them, it helps to be organized and specific. This list will help.
Franchise Genius Checklist - Franchisor Research
Top 20 questions to ask franchisors as you do your due diligence.
Franchise Genius Checklist - Franchise Legal Research
It is important to thoroughly understand all legal documents prior to signing them. This is a list of questions commonly asked by franchisees during the selection process. It is only a sampling, and...
Franchise Genius Checklist - Evaluate Franchise Support
A simple checklist to help you make sure you ask the right questions of both franchisors and their current franchisees.

Franchise Categories: An Inside Look
Is a Residential Cleaning Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 10/06/2008
Residential cleaning services are something that more and more people are looking to buy. With this type of business, you'll be able to fill a growing need in the marketplace.
Is a Restaurant Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 08/27/2008
Whether you have experience in the service industry or you've always been interested in owning a restaurant, a restaurant franchise might be right for you.
Is a Smoothie Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 04/13/2009
More and more people are health-conscious these days. That is one of the reasons that owning a smoothie franchise is a smart business move.
Is a Sub and Sandwich Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 03/17/2009
As the owner of your own sub and sandwich franchise, you'll be able to feed people from all walks of life who need a fresh and tasty alternative to over-processed fast food.
Is a Technology Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 09/23/2008
If you have any experience in the computing and telecommunications industries, a technology franchise could be the perfect fit. There's no denying that technology is a booming industry.
Is a Children's Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 08/27/2009
If you've always found yourself drawn to working with children, or are a parent yourself, you'll be pleased to know that there are a wide variety of child related franchises.
Is a Pet Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 07/09/2008
A pet franchise is the perfect way to combine your love of pets with a business opportunity. If you've noticed over the last ten years, the pet industry has grown by leaps and bounds.
Is an Automotive Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 01/07/2009
If you've always been interested in cars and want to own your own business, an automotive franchise might be right for you. There are many different types of opportunities available in this industry.
Is a Commercial Cleaning Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 08/11/2008
Businesses in both retail and industrial have the need for regular cleaning and maintenance services. Even in times of economic downturn, commercial cleaning franchises thrive.
Is a Fitness Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 07/25/2008
When you own your own fitness franchise, you'll be tapping into a major need for the vast majority of the population. Each year more and more people want to lose weight and get in shape.
Is a Low-Cost Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 09/05/2008
If you've always wanted to own a franchise, you may have mistakenly thought that franchises cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. You'll be happy to know that there are plenty of low-cost franchises.
Is a Pizza Franchise Right for Me?
Posted on: 07/17/2009
Everyone loves pizza so it's no wonder that pizza franchises are a popular way to go when it comes to opening your own business. Each person in the US eats 23 pounds of pizza every year!

Get Started with Franchising
What is Franchising?
Posted on: 07/21/2009
In its most simple definition, a Franchise is a business opportunity that allows the Franchisee (possibly you) to start your business by legally using someone else's (the Franchisor's) . . .
Is Franchising for Me?
Posted on: 05/05/2008
A franchise has a lot to offer the right person. This includes a proven system of running your business that will stay with you for as long as you own your franchise. While this has proven to be a...
Narrowing Your Franchise Search
Posted on: 06/12/2008
Searching for franchises and business opportunities is easy. Narrowing the search to a manageable level, however, takes some discipline. It's also a necessary step to keeping you from becoming ov . ....
Roles and Responsibilities of Franchisees and Franchisors
Posted on: 10/10/2009
The Franchisor has built a successful business system and is willing to sell you the right to use that system, and all that goes with it, to begin your own business. An important distinction is . . .
Roles of Franchise Brokers and Consultants
Posted on: 05/23/2008
You can get help in your search for the perfect franchise or business opportunity in the form of franchise / business brokers and franchise consultants. They can help identify opportunities that . . .
What Franchisors Look for in Franchisees
Posted on: 05/18/2009
The franchise sales process is kind of a paradox: both sides want the other to like them, to show that they are perfect for each other. At the same time, both the franchisor and the prospect want . ....
Buy a Franchise vs Start Your Own Business
Posted on: 11/06/2008
Ultimately, that's up to you to decide. But it helps to layout the pros and cons to both situations. Your aversion to risk, business experience, and financial considerations should all be taken...
Franchise Advantages and Challenges
Posted on: 12/01/2008
There are advantages and challenges to nearly every business model. The key is to understand what they are and the impact they'll have on your business ahead of time so you know what to look out...
What is in a Franchise UFOC?
Posted on: 04/02/2008
There are 4 parts to a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. We list them here, along with some things to keep in mind for each section.
What is the Franchise UFOC's Role?
Posted on: 03/14/2008
The UFOC is a large, and often intimidating, document sent to prospective franchisees by the franchisor. Knowing what it contains, and what it does not contain, can help you to find the information...

 

Find Blogs in the Blog Directory

Brilliant
Ideas
Franchise Opportunity
Acti-Kare
$25,000
Acti-Kare helps seniors remain in the comfort of their own homes, and as a franchise owner, you will be able to help families in your own community help their loved ones live happier, more active lives.
more»

Franchise Opportunity
Mainstream Boutique
$20,000 - $45,000
Mainstream Boutique is an exciting retail and fashion franchise concept that sells some of the fashion world's most unique clothing, accessories and giftware at franchise-owned retail stores, and a variety of direct sales venues such as home parties and corporate sponsored events. Our clientele is all ages, all sizes and always on the lookout for something out of the ordinary at affordable prices. Our franchisees are savvy, sales-oriented, and love working with people. Whether you are looking for the perfect outfit, or the perfect business opportunity, Mainstream might be for you!
more»

Franchise Opportunity
Kidville
$60,000
Named Best of by New York Magazine and given a five star extraordinary customer rating in The Lila Guide: New Parent Survival Guide, Kidville operates large, upscale facilities, catering to young children and their families. In addition to offering a wide range of developmental classes for newborns through six year olds. Kidville also features an indoor playground, a retail boutique, the Kidville Salon and birthday parties for children up to age nine. There are currently two investment levels. 1. Our Stand Alone Annex Model (3,350 square feet) investment level is $198,150 -$262,900. 2. Our Hub Model (8,000+ square feet) investment level is $615,560 - $777,400. You are able to choose the model that best suits your community and investment level.
more»

Franchise Opportunity
The Tan Company
$187,750 - $251,000
The Tan Company is a tanning salon. The Tan Company offers 5 Star tanning facilities, and world-class skin care products in a clean tanning environment.
more»

Franchise Opportunity
Mathnasium Learning Centers
$55,000 - $74,500
Mathnasium is a learning center where students go year-round to boost their math skills. The program is for students in pre-K through 12th grade. Mathnasium's goal is to significantly increase the child’s math skills, understanding of math concepts, and overall school performance, while building confidence and forging a positive attitude toward the subject.
more»

Franchise Opportunity
The Spy Place
$50,000
The Spy Place is a retail outlet that specializes in small spy gadgets to state of the art surveillance equipment. The Spy Place offers an extensive range of consultation, installation and maintenance services for Commercial and Residential customers. We have the experience and trained professionals to solve even the most challenging security needs.
more»