Have you ever wanted to be your own boss, but didn’t want to start a business from scratch? If so, buying a franchise might be the right choice for you.

When you purchase a successful franchise, you’re buying the right to sell a product or service using a system developed by the franchisor. You usually receive the right to use a trademarked name, training in profitably operating the business, advertising support, and other needed assistance. In exchange for these benefits, you’ll generally need to pay an initial fee and a royalty based on a percentage of sales.

Doing Your Research

After researching which franchises might be a good fit for you, ask each franchisor to send you its Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. This federally required document contains a wealth of important information, such as a sample franchise agreement, start-up costs, annual fees, and other key elements of your franchise investment. Take this information to your accountant and attorney for their review.

Also, plan on talking to other franchisees to see what their experiences have been. Ask them if they’re profitable. How long did it take to become profitable? Are they satisfied with the support they receive from the franchisor?

Financing Your Franchise

Once you’ve selected the best franchise for you, you’ll probably need to obtain financing. The bank will typically ask for a forecasted set of financial statements detailing your expected income, expenses, and cash flow for the first few years of business. These statements not only will help you qualify for the loan, but also they’ll give you a good feel for how profitable your new venture might be.

TAX ADVICE AND LEGAL DISCLAIMER: All content included on this website including attachments, is not meant to be used and cannot be used as tax advice or legal advice nor can it be used to avoid penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable law, nor may any content here be used to promote to another party any matter addressed by or on this website.