If you are looking to buy a franchise then you have the choice to
either go through a franchise broker or buy your franchise direct from
the franchisor.
Buying your franchise through a broker will present you with a limited
set of opportunities, quite simply they represent several franchisors
and as such will be looking to ensure you purchase one of them, this
obviously narrows your choices down a lot. The franchise broker also
takes a large percentage of the franchise fee which of course cuts down
on the funds the franchisor receives, this lessens the pot for
marketing and the like however by increasing the franchise network a
broker is also providing a valuable service to further growth.
Buying a franchise direct from the franchisor means doing the research
yourself and you will find a multitude of resources to help you do
this, from online franchise directories to offline publications and
exhibitions. The obvious advantage in buying a franchise direct is
that you get a wide variety of choice however with that choice it is
down to you to do all the due diligence and ensure the franchises you
are looking at are viable opportunities and the right franchise for you.
Whichever route you go down, either buying a franchise direct from the
franchisor or using a franchise broke, your main aim should be to
ensure the franchises you are looking at are likely to be opportunities
that will work well into the future. Do beware of time limited
franchises that may work now but have a short shel life, you also need
to be confident in your abilities to run the franchise, with this in
mind and when dealing with a franchise broker do not be pushed into a
decision to buy if you feel uncomfortable in any way at all.
