The Most Common Questions People Ask
The franchising industry is full of thriving opportunities, but it comes with questions. If you’re not sure which questions to ask when researching franchises, we can help! We’ve broken down the most common questions potential candidates ask during the discovery process.
How much does it cost?
Arguably one of the most important questions franchise candidates ask when researching franchises is the cost to open their location and where those funds are applied throughout the process. A reputable franchisor should be able to articulate the required startup costs (typically as a range). Most franchisors even have their costs listed on their website.
Is Franchisor Financing Available?
This is not very common, but some franchisors do offer in-house financing. However, if the franchise you’re looking to invest in doesn’t offer franchisor financing, they may be able to direct you to resources or lending partners. While researching franchises you will find that many franchisors establish relationships with lenders to ensure their franchisees get the money they need to start their business with a fair interest rate.
How Much Can I Make?
A franchisor cannot guarantee franchisee revenue. However, many franchisors list an earnings claim in Item 19 of their FDD. This section is optional, and some franchisors may choose to leave out any financial performance representations. This doesn’t necessarily mean the company isn’t in good health, but the lack of information can be considered a red flag to potential investors.
How Are Territories Determined?
A large concern for those researching franchises is the risk of cannibalization. If you’re promised a “protected” or “exclusive” territory, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the terms of the agreement and understand what the franchisor can or cannot do in regard to your location/area.
What Kind of Support Will I Receive?
All franchisors provide support to their franchisees but many vary how much support and at what cost. You’ll want to get a clear picture of the support you’ll receive once you’ve opened your doors. So when researching franchises ask question such as- What kind of ongoing training is provided to you and your staff? Who can you call should you run into an issue? How often can you expect to receive on-site visits? You’ll want to ensure that you’re comfortable with the level of support you’ll be getting once you sign the franchise agreement.
What Is Your Franchisee Success Rate?
Pro-tip: the number of franchise locations only determines the size, not success, of a franchise. A system could very easily have many locations with a low success rate. This could be due to the franchisor being stretched too thin and therefore unable to provide adequate support to the franchisees. On the other end of the spectrum, if a franchise is small with a low success rate, it could indicate they don’t have enough resources.
Can I Speak with Existing Franchisees?
Also known as “Validation,” franchisors should have a list of franchisees in the FDD that you can contact to ask them direct questions about their experience with the brand. This is crucial step in researching franchises that you are interested in. You’ll want to speak to more than one franchisee, and you’ll want to ask them all the same questions. This way you’ll be able to better compare answers. Inquire about the process of starting a franchise with the brand and what their day-to-day activities look like now.
Scramblers Franchise: Crack Open the Answers to Your Questions!
At Scramblers, we’re happy to answer all inquiries you may have during the franchise discovery process. Transparency is key when establishing healthy relationships with our franchisees. We encourage questions, and after 35 years in the business, there aren’t any we can’t answer.
When becoming a franchisee with Scramblers, you become part of a family, and we provide ongoing support to our family to ensure their success. Our digital “university” allows every member of your staff to learn their role before starting in your restaurant. We also have our custom-built “coop” system – this has everything you need from hiring to daily business operations, all conveniently stored in one place. We’ve mastered the brunch concept, and with our tools and business model, you can, too.
You’ve got questions about researching franchises, and we’ve got answers. We’re very egg-cited to hear from you. Get started today!