Four Basic Steps to Evaluating a Franchise System

Posted by Jim Otto

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New businesses are formed every day.  And businesses close their doors every day as well!  The chances of starting a blockbuster business on your own are small.  This is why the whole idea of buying a franchise business is a popular one!  Those businesses should have a track record of being successful, and should have systems in place that you can replicate. 

Running a business can be hard work, and it can encompass many challenges that most people have never encountered. But it's arguable that when you invest into a  franchise system, you have a greater chance of success. Plus, most  franchises (like Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids) do offer the advantage of a successful business history and scalability. However, as implementing a salon franchise system does take effort, you'll want to make sure all your questions are answered through doing a little research. 

How can you research a franchise system?  Because our expertise is in a salon franchise - we will address that situation directly, however most of these apply to any type of franchise system.

1.  Contact salon franchises, reach out to the franchisors, and compare business models!  Which one suits your interests?  Which one has the best opportunity for financial success, etc.

2.  Look at the Franchise Disclosure document and the Franchise Agreement.  Many people confuse these documents.  The Franchise Disclosure document lays out the facts about a franchise, how much it costs, the fees, history, current franchise locations, etc.  This document also lays out the details of the training that they offer - this is an important area to compare systems.  The more training, the better!  The Franchise Agreement is the document that you must sign to become a franchisee of the system.  Here is where the fine print details lay.  How is the Royalty collected, how can I advertise, what is my territory, etc.

3.  Talk to current franchisees.  These are the ones who have been through what you are thinking about pursuing.  They are free to tell you actually more than the franchisor can tell you!  The franchisor is bound by rules the FTC puts out about what they can and cannot say to any prospective franchisee.  But, the franchisees can tell you whatever they would like to tell you!

4.  Seek out a franchise business that currently has a long track record of success. Keep in mind that the franchise system itself may be younger than the actual concept itself.  Find out how long the franchisor has had a history with the concept itself.  Have they really figured it out before offering the franchise? For example, here at Shear Madness Franchising, we franchise Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids salons the Franchise system was started in late 2010, but the first salon has been inexistance since 1997!  

We have worked with our franchisees in growing their business, and truly want to help ensure sure they are on a path to franchise success. Why? Because we understand that having someone who can offer expert advice on growth and scalability is one of the significant advantages of franchise ownership!

Are you interested in learning how YOU can join the Shear Madness Haircuts for Kids family and run your own successful small business? We are one of the fastest growing kids hair salon franchise systems in the industry today! If you would like to learn more about small business marketing, great marketing strategies, resources for small businesses, business tips, how to grow a small business, or how to become a successful owner of your own kids hair salon franchise business, please click below or call 1-888-98 GONE MAD!

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