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Guide to Franchise Opportunity Listings
Buying a franchise? Where to look and what to look for
By Matt Alderton
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Uncommonly
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Franchises are like food: There's something out there to suit everyone's tastes. As such, a franchise can be the perfect business for a budding entrepreneur. The options are incredibly diverse, and the business models — already developed and refined by someone else — proven. With a minimal investment, franchisees get the inspiration and support they need to become the business owners they dream of being. So, where to start? Franchise opportunity listings are the ideal spot to begin your research. In reviewing them, be sure to consider: - Demand
- Competition
- Cost
- Commitment
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
 Start on the Web
You'll find a huge number of franchise offerings on specialty Web sites, with listings conveniently sorted by business type (such as automotive, restaurant, home-based) and location. You can see the investment needed for each franchise and read a pitch from the franchisor about the training and support they give their franchisees. Online contact forms will put you in touch with the franchisor for more information.
I recommend: Go to Franchise Solutions, Franchise Gator, Franchise Opportunities or type "franchise opportunities" into your favorite search engine.
Browse association listings
For more exclusive listings plus educational material, try local and national trade groups.
I recommend: The International Franchise Association (IFA), the American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD) and the American Franchisee Association (AFA) are the country's main franchisee trade groups; visit their Web sites to browse electronic opportunity listings, order print directories and more.
Consult business directories
Business directories can be excellent places to find just about anything — including franchise opportunities.
I recommend: Search business directories at AllBusiness and Yahoo! for a wealth of franchise opportunities.
Look to trade magazines
B2B magazines often function as virtual libraries for entire industries. Many collect and publish classified ads especially for their niche readers.
I recommend: Franchise Times and Franchise International feature dozens of franchise listings online and in print and offer industry news and surveys as well.
Ask a search firm
Too busy to spend your time sifting through hundreds of franchise listings? Hire a professional to do the searching for you.
I recommend: Entrepreneur Connections offers a free consultation service, called FranChoice, designed to connect entrepreneurs with the franchise opportunities that are most suitable to them based upon their needs and goals.
Avoid traps
Don't rely on listings alone to sell you on a concept. Do some research and consult existing franchisees to get an honest picture of the opportunity.
I recommend: FranSurvey.com rates franchise opportunities using information gathered from existing franchisees.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Once you've identified a potential opportunity, research the franchisor further at Hoovers. Also, request from the franchisor a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC), which will contain all the information you need about a given opportunity.
- The most useful franchise listings will include a company history, unit count, geographical opportunities, application prerequisites and investment requirements.
The official source of Franchise Opportunity Listings is
the Small Business Franchises page at Business.com
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 Recommended Solution Providers | Back to top |
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Directory of franchise opportunities with links to industry experts, statistics and a "Franchise University" with free, online tutorials.
Database of franchise opportunities with a buyer’s guide, faq, consulting, legal and financial information, glossary and tips.
Global multi-search directory with information for franchises, real estate and financing and research articles and tools.
Search directory for franchise opportunities by industry.
Franchise opportunities with resource articles, free consultation, pre-investment checklist and financing information.
Listing of small business franchise offerings with a form to request information directly from the franchiser.
Directory of franchise opportunities with news and information for franchise buyers and sellers.
Directory and resource center with pros and cons, legal considerations, checklist before buying and guide to choosing the right franchise.
Directory searchable by industry category or by total investment.
Directory, resources, FAQ and industry news.
Free consulting service for entrepreneurs matching buyers with franchise opportunities.
Directory, news, resources and articles.
Consulting and development programs including strategic planning, operations, marketing, training, legal and support services.
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 Best Sites to Learn More | Back to top |
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Guide prepared by the Federal Trade Commission addressing obligations as a franchise owner and how to shop for franchise opportunities.
Articles and resources for entrepreneurs.
How-to guides, articles, columns, expert advice, tools and recommended resources.
How-to guides, expert advice and a ranked franchise listing.
News, articles, trends, reviews and profiles of franchise opportunities.
Advice, articles, research and basics on buying, selling and financing a franchise.
National non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers with a franchise buying guide.
Franchising news and information source with links to franchise opportunities.
Lists names of franchise companies whose franchisees have been accepted for a streamlined review process for SBA loan applications.
Membership organization of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers with buying guide and database of franchise opportunities.
Database of information products, research and analysis about the companies that franchise and the brands they manage.
News and articles archives.
International news stories, resource articles, expertise and advice.
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 Best Blogs and Forums | Back to top |
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Forums for the global community, finance, administrators, prospective franchisees, training and operations, and tech issues.
General discussion with threads on specific franchise businesses.
Forums on buying a franchise, franchising a business, resources and events.
Offers tips on buying a franchise.
Writings about franchising including industry news, trends from a "behind the scene" view.
Sharing opinion, academic theories, practical ideas and experiences from readers.
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