3 Pros and Cons of Franchising to Consider

Deciding to start a new business is not something to take lightly or do on a whim. This rings true not only for independently run business entrepreneurs but also for franchise owners. This process involves countless hours of researching and questioning to ensure due diligence is carried out correctly. Weighing the pros and cons of franchising beforehand can help immensely as you contemplate this transformative career opportunity. To help get you started, we’ve outlined both the pros and cons in this article.

Advantages of Disadvantages of Franchising to Consider

Once you begin researching if owning a franchise business in Charlotte, NC, is the right move for you, consider the three pros and cons of franchising discussed below.

3 Franchising Pros

After purchasing your franchisor’s brand rights, you’re granted many perks as a franchisee. Among these include:

1. Direction and Assistance

Getting a business up and running may unarguably be one of the most complex parts of becoming a business owner. Fortunately, many franchisees don’t have to worry about the nitty-gritty tasks involved with starting a business from the bottom up. Although contingent upon the terms set in the franchise agreement, you will most likely be given a handful of tools and resources to use at your disposal. Equipment, supplies, and marketing materials are often provided upfront.

2. Established Brand Recognition

Brand recognition is another significant perk potential franchisees get to use to their advantage. Rather than spend time and money acquiring a customer base, you’ll already have a network of clients or customers familiar with your brand name and services.

3. Purchasing Power

Due to the network size of many established franchises, franchisees aren’t typically burdened with paying full price for the products, supplies, and inventory needed to run their business. Instead, they rely on the buying power their franchisor has access to. Items are often purchased in bulk at a fraction of the cost, which may help lower operating costs significantly.

3 Franchising Cons

Among the franchising pros comes a set of drawbacks to entering into a franchise system. Here are a few worth acknowledging:

1. Regulations and Restrictions

While it’s true that franchisees are their own boss in the sense that they can hire and let go of employees and manage day-to-day operations, there are still rules and limitations that come with franchise ownership. Most franchises expect owners to understand and enforce their proven business models. Apart from reporting to the franchisor, expectations include abiding by the terms outlined in the franchise contract. According to the SBA, some business decisions and aspects the franchisor controls include but are not limited to:

• Site selection
• Franchise location
• Opening day
• Hours of operation
• Pricing
• Marketing
• Signage

2. Upfront Costs and Fees

Despite some of the materials and resources provided upfront, a new franchise startup may prove to be a costly endeavor. Among the startup costs and initial franchise fee required after buying a business, you’ll be responsible for paying numerous ongoing fees essential for maintaining operations. Such expenses include advertising fees, royalty fees, and training costs.

3. Conflict of Interest

As with most business relationships, there’s always the chance conflicts of interest can arise down the line. Franchisee relationships are unfortunately not immune to this, even with franchise agreements in place. From contrasting opinions and work styles to opposing business visions, ongoing discord can hinder growth and success, and in most cases, the franchisee doesn’t have the upper hand.

These are some considerations to think about as you meet with potential franchisors and examine the franchise system as a whole. Before buying a franchise in Charlotte, NC, consider seeking expert advice from a professional broker. The experts at VRBB can help you find what you’re looking for based on your interests, skills, and budget. We’ve helped countless individuals find their ideal match, from fast-food chains to fitness franchises and clothing retailers. Contact us today to find opportunities within the greater Charlotte area!

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ABOUT AUTHOR Adam Petricoff

Adam has over 25 years of sales, marketing and management experience working with a variety of different industries including textiles, hospitality, healthcare, distribution, and manufacturing. Adam is a native of Cincinnati, OH but is happy to call Charlotte his home after moving to Charlotte in 1998. He received his B.A. in Political Science from The American University in Washington, D.C. Adam loves to play tennis, volunteer at his house of worship and travel with his wife of 21 years and his two teenage children. When on the road they love to seek out local ice cream shops.

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