Franchise Owner to Be? 18 Key Questions to Ask Current Franchisees

Okay, so you've been investigating a franchiseeven point?
opportunity that has you both eager and excited at the4. Were opening costs consistent with the original
prospect of becoming an entrepreneur. Your franchiseprojections?
consultant has discussed the business in depth with5. What was your background prior to buying your
you, including your role as a franchisee, the financialfranchise?
requirements, skill set needed, and you've been6. Are you satisfied with the franchisor's support?
introduced to the franchisor. You have received a7. Are you satisfied with the product or service?
copy of the UFOC, which you have carefully8. Is the operations manual clear, up-to-date and
investigated with an advisor. Your family is behind youadequate?
100%. So far, everything looks great! What's next?9. Are you satisfied with the marketing assistance
A very crucial next step in the process of selectinggiven?
the right franchise is to call some current franchisees.10. Was the initial training and ongoing support
The franchisor will openly provide you with a list ofsufficient?
franchisees, and it should be a diverse list, meaning, for11. Is the franchisor fair and friendly to work with?
example, that your list will consist of 5 of the12. Does the franchisor listen and help you with your
franchisors top producers in sales, 5 averageconcerns?
producers, and 5 bottom producers. Keep in mind that13. Have any franchisees had disputes with the
there are many factors and variables for the answersfranchisor?
you receive. For example, if a franchisee is currently14. If so, what was their nature? Were they resolved
on the lower end in terms of sales for that franchise, itfairly?
could very well be that way because the franchisee15. Do you know of any disputes with competitors?
just opened their location a month ago.16. Who are the major competitors?
This list is extremely valuable to you, the potential17. What is the company's biggest competitive
franchisee, as you are able to solicit answers to keyadvantage?
questions from franchisees that are currently18. What is the company's biggest competitive
conducting business in the franchise you aredisadvantage?
considering. Usually, you'll receive the most "raw",Satisfactory answers to the above set of questions
honest, un-edited feedback from franchisees, which ismay very well put you on the road to franchising with
invaluable in assisting you in your decision makinga company that is not only in line with your values, but
process.will also enable you to attain the lifestyle you've
That being said, lets review some key questions that adreamed of for you and your family.
potential franchisee should ask a current franchisee.Register for your Free Franchise Consultation. The
1. How long have you owned your franchise?Franchising Authority will help you find your perfect
2. Is your franchise profitable?franchise.
3. How long did it take to reach your cash flow break