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15 Replies Last post: May 19, 2008 5:55 PM by Iwrite

Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise?

Dec 27, 2007 3:55 PM

Click to view pegcorp's profile Start-up pegcorp 2 posts since
Dec 27, 2007
Owning a franchise can be rewarding. However, CREATING a successful franchise is my dream.

Who has CREATED a franchise and what resources would you recommend?
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Click to view LUCKIEST's profile SCORE LUCKIEST 7,935 posts since
Aug 6, 2007
1. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Dec 27, 2007 4:00 PM
Peg, Tell us more about yourself. Start by writing a Business and Marketing Plan.
Then visit SCORE. SCORE is FREE.
Good luck, LUCKIEST
Click to view Lighthouse24's profile Mogul Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
2. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Dec 27, 2007 4:28 PM

My recommendation would be:

1. Go to work for a successful franchise (ideally one related to the industry you hope to enter). While you're doing that, read every book you can find that was written by or about the founder of a successful franchise (Ray Kroc, McDonalds; Howard Schultz, Starbucks; Mary Kay Ash, Mary Kay Cosmetics; etc.) This will provide invaluable first hand experience at recognizing what works and what doesn't in a franchise operation.

2. Next, plan and start-up a business of your own that you intend to franchise, but do it following a "franchise-friendly" business model (which you will have learned and probably even found ways to improve on). Continue to refine the operation until you feel that every single aspect of the enterprise has a "can't fail" process built-in -- one that any franchisee could follow and be successful.

3. Finally, contact a franchise development consultant. There are people and firms who specialize in the legal, operational, and marketing aspects of launching a franchise. They know how to take a business that is truly franchise-ready and expand it nationwide (or worldwide).

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Click to view CorpCons08's profile Mogul CorpCons08 1,128 posts since
Nov 14, 2007
3. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Dec 27, 2007 5:02 PM
pegcorp,

Interesting question. I believe strongly in what Lighthouse24 has said about the situation.

I have worked with many businesses who we have developed into successful franchises. As Lighthouse said, it is a very delicate process as you have to review the legal, the financial, and the operational sides of a franchise. These franchises will be operating under YOUR name and business. If they do not operationally follow procedures, regulations, or policies, you can be on the other side of the legal repercussions.

I know it is an exciting experience, but make sure you work with somebody who has experience in establishing franchises.

CC08
Click to view LUCKIEST's profile SCORE LUCKIEST 7,935 posts since
Aug 6, 2007
4. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Dec 27, 2007 5:49 PM
peg, As I said last time SCORE here in Rockland County N. Y. has helped CREATE a franchise.
Not to mention names, but, think of Ice Cream. You MUST have a Franchise Lawyer.
Again LUCKIEST
Click to view pegcorp's profile Start-up pegcorp 2 posts since
Dec 27, 2007
5. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Dec 27, 2007 6:02 PM
in response to: Lighthouse24

I had a friend purchase a Quizno's franchise. I helped him with the ongoing staffing needs of his store. When they first opened, they quickly became the #1 store in NorCal. But after the novelty wore off, the store sales dropped off.


His biggest challenge was keeping min wage staff at an acceptable and consistant level. He is the nicest guy in the world and was a hands-on manager every day they were open. He decided to sell about 2 years ago and purchased an independent yogurt shop. He's much happier now as the restrictions imposed by the Quiznos franchise handcuffed his ability to break out of his sales slump.

The amount of money and personal time he spent in this franchise was astounding. Rather than pick apart the Quiznos franchise, I want to establish one of my own. Doesn't have to be sandwiches.

Running my own business is a dream. But I don't want the nightmare of a sole proprietorship.

What I'm looking for are stories or ideas about building a new franchise so I can boil down the key elements of success and try and bypass the common failures.

Click to view Lighthouse24's profile Mogul Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
6. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Dec 27, 2007 6:12 PM
in response to: pegcorp
You're right on target! The people who have done that successfully have almost all written books about how they did it (and many others have written books about them). There are a wealth of stories available the describe exactly how they created successful, "franchisable" businesses. I wish you the best!
Click to view MDF2008's profile Mogul MDF2008 38 posts since
Jan 20, 2008
7. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Jan 20, 2008 11:42 AM

I have created a business franchise vs buying one.
*What is your current status? *

Do you have a franchise business model in mind?

Do you have a business plan comleted?

Do you understand the legal issues in franchising?
Click to view CEO Space's profile Mogul CEO Space 271 posts since
Jan 13, 2008
8. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Jan 20, 2008 1:37 PM
I created rather than buying one.

I could write a book on that whole experience, maybe I should.

At any rate, knowing what I know now. The first thing I would do
is get involved with CEO Space and get a team and some help
and not do it all myself with only hired help.

I'll never forget my very first forum for CEO Space I attended in LA.

I was sitting in the training with a top in the world franchise attorney and in the first
10 minutes he said, this is the mistake that most franchise and licensing attorneys
makes and it cost the client millions. And I said to myself, yep, that is exactly
what my attorney did/

So, it is most important to get it straight from the very beginning.

If you want more on my own experience, email me at kathyhadley@earthlink.net
Click to view LUCKIEST's profile SCORE LUCKIEST 7,935 posts since
Aug 6, 2007
9. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Jan 20, 2008 2:32 PM
in response to: CEO Space
CEO, If you do write that book on franchising the whole experience, can I get an autographed copy.
Thanks, LUCKIEST
Click to view CEO Space's profile Mogul CEO Space 271 posts since
Jan 13, 2008
10. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Jan 20, 2008 6:12 PM
in response to: LUCKIEST

Luckiest,

Thank you for that. I giggled a bit when I read it. Actually, there are about 3 books I've been asked to write. Unfortunately, my husband is the author in the family and he is working on his on books.

I'm building up to it though. Started writing articles.

Kathy
Click to view Uncle Leon's profile Mogul Uncle Leon 50 posts since
Dec 28, 2007
11. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Feb 6, 2008 7:14 PM
in response to: pegcorp
<<He's much happier now as the restrictions imposed by the Quiznos franchise handcuffed his ability to break out of his sales slump.>>

Peg, a franchise is not for everyone. It's often better for novice business people because there are systems in place, and inter-franchise experience. By following the "model" success is more likely for novice business people than going it on their own.

Those who love business will not like following a model. They will prefer to control the various elements and "go their own direction". Of course, Peg; you are one of those who prefer the freedom to control things, and then provide the model for others to follow.
Click to view heavenly91321's profile Mogul heavenly91321 25 posts since
Feb 6, 2008
12. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Feb 13, 2008 10:34 PM
in response to: pegcorp
Absolutely AVOID Q_____......AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!! I had a client (one of my businesses is real estate--southern California, if anyone is interested) ((Yes, I know that was a shameless plug, but who can blame me)) in escrow for 6 months while we tried to satisfy all of Q______ franchise requirements, and after all that time, he went for the specialized training in Denver, and called me on day two and CANCELLED!! What about Jersey Mikes? Now they sound like something I would be interested in...I don't know if they are in your area or not, but may be worth checking in to if sammiches is your thang.... :) I am considering taking one of my businesses to the franchising level, though I am not there yet, so I will continue to watch your postings, etc....best of luck to you!! By the way, one of my goals is to write books, as well....first I have to get the five children inhabiting my life and home out on their own.... can you say EMPTY NEST!?!?!?!? :) (Love ya kids!!)
Click to view iFranchise's profile Start-up iFranchise 1 posts since
Feb 19, 2008
13. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? Feb 19, 2008 6:40 PM
My company, the iFranchise Group, specializes in working with companies that are looking to franchise. Our consulting team has worked with 98 of the top 200 franchise companies worldwide and they have more than 450 years of experience in franchising. Many of our consultants have been senior officers (Presidents, CFOs, etc.) of major franchise companies like McDonald's, Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels, Line-X, Dunkin Donuts, PIP Printing, and others. We work with both small companies and large companies who are looking to franchise, as you will see on our website. We offer everything that a company needs to franchise under one roof.

Of course, you will need to start with a successful operating prototype at a minumum.

We are happy to send you a one-hour seminar on video titled "How to Franchise Your Business" at no charge. You can go to www.ifranchisegroup.com or you can write me directly at msiebert@ifranchise.net.

Best of luck in your franchising efforts.

Mark Siebert
CEO
The iFranchise Group, Inc.
Click to view PRENEUR's profile Start-up PRENEUR 1 posts since
May 19, 2008
14. Re: Who Has CREATED vs Buying a Franchise? May 19, 2008 1:51 PM
I am offering for sale a Franchise Project of one if my clients.My client is a very successful franchise in Latin America offering a "Key in Hand" project in he US. president@expandsor.com
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