Franchise Blog

Are you new to franchising or an old hand at being your own boss? The executives at Franchise Business Review share their insights into the ever-changing and ever-challenging world of franchising.

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Should you invest in a PuroClean franchise?

Q: I was looking into a franchise called PUROCLEAN. They are a disaster restoration company that claims to have an edge over all others. They also claim that the return on investment is fantastic. What do you think about the company? Is this market too saturated with too much competition that I wont be able to survive? How much do you think its worth investing in them? Thanks for any help - Jim
Jim - Thanks for your question...
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Is Now the Right Time?

Recently, I have been receiving dozens of emails every week from people wondering if now is the right time to invest in a business. This morning I received an email from a guy who's thinking about investing in a handyman service. My advice to him applies to anyone looking at buying a franchise right now - or really any time for that matter.
Here's my advice...
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Franchises vs. Business Opportunities

Q: What has been the feedback on waste management consulting companies such as Environmental Waste Solutions? Do you think that it is a good opportunity?
Thanks, Idrees
A: Survey says... NOT a good opportunity. Read more...
 
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Hungry for Franchise Success?

Whether you’re a fast-food junkie or just an occasional eater, quick service restaurants (QSR) are as American as baseball and apple pie. From Main Street to Wall Street, and just about every highway exit and rest area nationwide, QSR franchise options have exploded in recent years.
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Evaluating Franchises in a Down Economy

Just because the economy is down doesn't mean that a smart investment decision can't be found. In fact, I would argue it is actually a great time to look at investing in a new business -- as long as it has a history.
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Interviews, Interviews and More Interviews

We've been busy this week interviewing some of the best minds in franchising. We already have an archive of almost 40 interviews and this week alone we've added interviews from Two Men and a Truck, Bruegger's, Snap-on Tools and more.
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Bad Economy, Good For Franchising

It's common knowledge that the US franchising industry expands as the US economy dips. At first blush this doesn't make sense but let's break it down.
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FBR 50 Awards Announced

When nearly 45,000 franchisees talk about their franchise systems, they have something to say. The 2008 Franchisee Satisfaction Awards presented by Franchise Business Review highlights those franchises whose validation among their franchisees was superior in the industry.
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FBR 50... The Anticipation is Building!

Just a few weeks away from the 2008 FBR 50, we are keeping busy collecting data, measuring franchise systems, and growing our client list!
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Franchising Going Green?

Franchising follows trend of capitalizing on the Green Movement. more >

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Validation is Easy... HA!

I've heard franchisors mention that validation is easy for their prospective investors. What planet are these guys from? Have they tried it themselves? more >

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Where Is All the Financial Information?

Why Financial Details on Franchises Aren't Easy to Find more >

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Expectations and Angry Franchisees

Even the franchise systems with the happiest franchisees have dissatisfied owners. The reasons why these people are unhappy are a varied as the people themselves. more >

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Marketing your franchise to a moving target

Reaching the 21st century consumer. more >

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Advertising Funds - Part II

Part II of a look at advertising funds for franchise companies. more >

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Advertising funds for franchises

As part of many franchise agreements, franchisors require franchisees to contribute to an advertising fund. Sometimes these funds are national (i.e. McDonald's) ... more >

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Make sure your spouse is on board with the franchise!

Including your spouse in your search for a franchise may help ease their worries and make for a more successful business AND marriage! more >

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Home based franchising

A few examples of franchises offering home based opportunities more >

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Things I've Learned... Continued

One of the things I realized early on here at FBR is how hard it is to find a good franchise information online. If you've done some research yourself you know what I'm talking about. If not, do a Google search for "franchise." Go ahead, I'll wait... What did you get? more >

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My First Post!

I'll start with the most obvious lesson in franchising: if someone out there has found a profitable business model, someone is offering a franchise of that model. Honestly, the number of franchise opportunities available is astounding and there is no doubt one that a perfect fit for you... more >

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Richard Branson's "Luck"

I just read this in the May 14 issue of The New Yorker and wanted to pass it along. Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin Atlantic (and about 130 other "Virgin" brands) says about entrepreneurship
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The Art of Selling ... What techniques work well for you?

The ability to market (sell) your business to the public could be one of the most important steps to succeeding. Franchisors are not only selling products to consumers ... but they are also convincing other entrepreneurs to buy in to their businesses. more >

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Getting things done

Entrepreneurs are often go-getters; people that can do anything ... for anyone ... and, yes, sometimes overcommit. I recently read David Allen's, Getting Things Done and found it one of the most helpful books I've read in 2007. A quick excerpt on the five phases of project planning. more >

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Betting on the established brand or the hot, new franchise concept?

I am often asked whether or not it is a good idea to invest in a “hot, new franchise concept” or to go with a “safe” established brand. Certainly, established franchise brands typically have a higher success rate as compared to younger franchise systems. Yet, while investing in a new franchise concept may come with higher risks, the return on your investment, if successful, may be higher as well. Which is right for you? The answer really depends on two factors: you and the franchise itself. more >

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Not Necessarily a Franchise

It’s a common misunderstanding that businesses with many locations are all franchises. In fact, many of the places you frequent on a daily basis are NOT franchises at all, but corporate-owned and operated stores. For example, FedEx/Kinkos, The Gap, Red Lobster and yes, even Starbucks are NOT franchises. more >

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Show Me the Money!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked by someone thinking about investing in a franchise “How much money can I make?” It’s far and away the number one question prospective franchisee want answered. And why not? Isn’t money the primary reason most people go into any business? I love my job and the work I get to do helping people discover the best franchise opportunities in the marketplace today – but heck, if it weren’t for the equity I’m building as part of owning my own business, I’d rather be fishing! more >

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The ultimate form of entrepreneurship

A few questions to start: What are the keys to franchising? How do you (or I) know if franchising is right for me? And the frequently asked, “What are the hot franchises right now?” Most of these questions will be covered in the articles and resources section in the upcoming Franchise Center and while I may not know what the hot concepts are, I can try to provide you with the information and guidance to make a more educated decision yourself. more >

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Life Is Short

Last week was a tough week. Hundreds of people lost their lives in the escalating war in Iraq. The Virginia Tech massacre left 33 students and faculty dead and 29 others injured. A neighbor of mine was killed in a car accident, leaving behind his wife and three young kids. So much tragedy. So much loss. Yet for most of us, life continues on. more >
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PODCAST

At Christian Brothers Automotive Franchise, They Have Faith in Franchising

An Interview with Mark Carr, Chairman, President and CEO of Christian Brothers Automotive Franchise.
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PODCAST

Flexibility and challenge in the shipping business with Unishippers Franchise

An interview with Dan Lockwood, President of Unishippers.
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PODCAST

Seeking harmony with owners and their dogs at Bark Busters Franchise

An interview with Liam Crowe, CEO of Bark Busters.
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PODCAST

Strong, responsive support with INTERIORS by Decorating Den Franchise

An interview with Jeff Bevis, President of INTERIORS by Decorating Den.
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PODCAST

Interstate All Battery Centers Franchise

An interview with Mickey Elam, President of Interstate Batteries Franchising and Development.
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