Terminations and Renewal

You can lose the right to your franchise if you breach the franchise contract. In addition, the franchise contract is for a limited time; there is no guarantee that you will be able to renew it.

Before Selecting a Franchise System

Before investing in a particular franchise system, carefully consider how much money you have to invest, your abilities, and your goals. The following checklist may help you make your decision.

Your Investment

• How much money do you have to invest?
• How much money can you afford to lose?
• Will you purchase the franchise by yourself or with partners?
• Will you need financing and, if so, where can you obtain it?
• Do you have a favorable credit rating?
• Do you have savings or additional income to live on while starting your franchise?

Your Abilities

• Does the franchise require technical experience or relevant education, such as auto repair, home and office decorating, or tax preparation?
• What skills do you have? Do you have computer, bookkeeping, or other technical skills?
• What specialized knowledge or talents can you bring to a business?
• Have you ever owned or managed a business?

Your Goals

• What are your goals?
• Do you require a specific level of annual income?
• Are you interested in pursuing a particular field?
• Are you interested in retail sales or performing a service?
• How many hours are you willing to work?
• Do you want to operate the business yourself or hire a manager?
• Will franchise ownership be your primary source of income or will it supplement your current income?
• Would you be happy operating the business for the next 20 years?
• Would you like to own several outlets or only one?

Selecting a Franchise

Like any other investment, purchasing a franchise is a risk. When selecting a franchise, carefully consider a number of factors, such as the demand for the products or services, likely competition, the franchisor's background, and the level of support you will receive.

Demand

Is there a demand for the franchisor's products or services in your community? Is the demand seasonal? For example, lawn and garden care or swimming pool maintenance may be profitable only in the spring or summer. Is there likely to be a continuing demand for the products or services in the future? Is the demand likely to be temporary, such as selling a fad food item? Does the product or service generate repeat business?

Competition

What is the level of competition, nationally and in your community? How many franchised and company-owned outlets does the franchisor have in your area? How many competing companies sell the same or similar products or services? Are these competing companies well established, with wide name recognition in your community? Do they offer the same goods and services at the same or lower price?

Your Ability to Operate the Business

Sometimes, franchise systems fail. Will you be able to operate your outlet even if the franchisor goes out of business? Will you need the franchisor's ongoing training, advertising, or other assistance to succeed? Will you have access to the same or other suppliers? Could you conduct the business alone if you must lay off personnel to cut costs?

Name Recognition

A primary reason for purchasing a franchise is the right to associate with the company's name. The more widely recognized the name, the more likely it will draw customers who know its products or services. Therefore, before purchasing a franchise, consider:

• The company's name and how widely recognized it is. -- If it has a registered trademark.
• How long the franchisor has been in operation.
• If the company has a reputation for quality products or services.
• If consumers have filed complaints against the franchise with the Better Business Bureau or a local consumer protection agency.

Training and Support Services

Another reason for purchasing a franchise is to obtain support from the franchisor. What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide? How does their training compare with the training for typical workers in the industry? Could you compete with others who have more formal training? What backgrounds do the current franchise owners have? Do they have prior technical backgrounds or special training that helps them succeed? Do you have a similar background?