Latest Q & A
Asking for case studies
Is it reasonable to ask and expect a franchisor to provide a full list of their franchisees and contact details, and let you contact anyone on the list to hear about their experiences?
Funding a home-based franchise
I am interested in investing in a home-based franchise, and would need to borrow around £10,000. Should I just get an overdraft rather than a specific franchise loan? Am I entitled to see actual accounts that support the financial projections that my prospective franchisor has provided me with?
The lettings market
I am interested in opening a lettings Franchises. How well is the lettings / property management market doing at present for franchisees? Or would you be able to tell me where I can market information on franchises?
Franchise banking
I’m not convinced the bank manager at my local branch is knowledgeable enough about franchising to advise me on financial arrangements – what should I do?
Working from home
My franchisor wants me to move into retail premises but I am happy running my business from home. I want to maintain a good working relationship but I’m worried my franchisor may penalise me for staying home-based. What should I do?
Ongoing franchise fees
Why do some franchisors charge ongoing fees when others only ask for an initial one-off payment?
Protecting your interests
I am looking seriously at buying a franchise. I have received a copy of the franchise agreement and it seems to lean very much towards protecting the franchisor’s interests. Is this typical? Am I right to be concerned or am I being too cautious?
Selling a franchise
I am considering selling my franchise, as I want to retire. How do I go about getting a valuation and what costs will be incurred?
Why franchising?
I’ve always wanted to work for myself and now I have managed to secure the financial backing to either start my own business (I have a few original ideas) or join a franchise network. Why should I choose to invest in a franchise rather than reap all the profits of my own business?
Guaranteed franchise earnings
If my new franchise does not achieve the guaranteed earnings my franchisor claimed it would before I signed the agreement, do I have any recourse?
Proof of concept for franchises
I am considering taking on the UK master licence for a US franchise, but how can I be sure the concept will work in a different country?
Franchise agreements
How many different agreements will I have to enter into when buying a franchise?
Been duped by fake BFA member
I signed a licence agreement with a franchosor. The company claimed to be a member of the BFA. The operating manual contained only details of customers needs. I'm horror struck to find that the BFA unaware of the company and that the manual is full of different figures than agreed. I feel I’ve been duped! Are there associations out there to help?
What market research should I do?
What type of market research should I do before investing in a franchise?
Should I only invest in a BFA member?
Should I only join a franchise network that is a member of the British Franchise Association?
