Franchise Lawyers Severn MD

If you’re considering buying a franchise, then you already know that you need to do plenty of due diligence on the franchisors you’re considering. Not all franchise opportunities are created equal , and it’s up to you, the entrepreneur, to ferret out the one that is a perfect fit.

Here are three more ways you can make a wise decision about a franchisor:

Talk to existing – and former – franchisees

This may be the single most effective way to really get a handle on whether a franchise can be successful, how the franchisor operates, and other essentials of what it would be like to be part of “the system.” UFOCs include the last known contact information for many of these former and continuing franchisees. Reputable and confident franchisors also will encourage you to call as many of these people as you want and help you reach them.

Call as many as you need until you get consistent answers you’re sure of.

“Franchise owners usually have no axe to grind,” says Martin Bahner, a former Siemens executive who now runs the CertaPro painting franchise in Doylestown, Pa. “They don’t want to drag someone else into a trap just because they’re in it.” And on the other hand, failed or booted franchisees can tell worthwhile tales, too.

“Maybe you determine that the failure of that franchise was the guy’s fault, not the company’s,” Bahner says. “In any event, they’re definitely important to talk to.”

Many franchisors have also put together an association of franchisees that...

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