|
Consumer |
|
Government |
|
Consumer Issues |
Resources
and Information |
Consumer Info |
Consumer Guide
Index
Auctions
Adoption
Auto
Biology
Business
Business
Transportation
Directory
Presidential
Address:
Women's Small Business
Owners
Cell Phones
Computer
Culture
Digital Photography
Disabilities
National
Disability Employment
Awareness Month
Disaster Help
Guide
to help
Rebuild Your Home
DVD's
Earthquakes
Electronics
Employment
Administrative Service Managers
Engineering,
Science, Computer
Systems Managers
Education
Educational Software
Distributors
Original Educational
Software
Initiative by
President Bill Clinton
Energy
Presidential Energy Address
April 2005
Spectrally
Selective
Low-E Glass
Fashion
Financial
Currency:
Buying, Selling
Redeeming
E-Commerce
Associations
Directory
Fair and
Accurate Credit
Transaction Act of 2003
Fishing
Government Info
Homeland Security
Health
FDA
News Digest
Dec. 03
Contaminated food warnings;
New Drug Treatments ... more
Health
Insurance
HIPPA
Government Health Guides
Vioxx
Identity Theft
Consumer
Confidential:
The Privacy Story
New
Law Signed
By President Bush
Information
Insurance
Jets: Private
Jewelry
Legal Guides
Machinery
Farm,
Food Processing
Packaging
Medicare
The Medicare Prescription
Drug Improvement and
Modernization Act of 2003
Patents & Trademarks
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights
Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Real Estate
American
Dream
Downpayment Act
Financing Energy
Efficient Homes
Sustainable Design:
Energy Efficient Homes
Soccer
Soccer.com
Free
Soccer Posters
Shopping
Specialty Directories
Taxes
Technology
Time
Toxicology
Asbestos Issues
Legislative
Analysis
-
Asbestos Information Act of 1988
H.R. 5442
Travel
Tips
For Women
Traveling Alone
Other Online Guides
e-Commerce
Shopping
________
Disclaimer
A Consumer Guide to Buying a Franchise
- Know How Much You Can Invest
- An exhibitor may tell you how much you can afford to invest or that
you can't afford to pass up this opportunity. Before beginning to
explore investment options, consider the amount you feel comfortable
investing and the maximum amount you can afford.
- Know What Type of Business is Right for You
- An exhibitor may attempt to convince you that an opportunity is
perfect for you. Only you can make that determination. Consider the
industry that interests you before selecting a specific franchise
system. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Have you considered working in that industry before?
- Can you see yourself engaged in that line of work for the next twenty years?
- Do you have the necessary background or skills?
- If the industry does not appeal to you or you are not suited to work
in that industry, do not allow an exhibitor to convince you otherwise.
Spend your time focusing on those industries that offer a more realistic
opportunity.
- Comparison Shop
- Visit several franchise exhibitors engaged in the type of industry
that appeals to you. Listen to the exhibitors' presentations and
discussions with other interested consumers. Get answers to the
following questions:
- How long has the franchisor been in business?
- How many franchised outlets currently exist? Where are
they located?
- How much is the initial franchise fee and any additional start-up costs? Are there any continuing royalty payments? How much?
- What management, technical, and ongoing assistance does the franchisor offer?
- What controls does the franchisor impose?
Exhibitors may offer you prizes, free samples, or free dinners if you attend a promotional meeting later that day or over the next week to discuss the franchise in greater detail. Do not feel compelled to attend. Rather, consider these meetings as one way to acquire more information and to ask additional questions. Be prepared to walk away from any promotion if the franchise does not suit your needs.
|
_________________________________ Table of Contents The Benefits and
Responsibilities Before Selecting
a Your Ability to Training
and Support Services Investigating
Franchise Terminations
Training Current and
Former
Source: Federal Trade Commission
|