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Multi-Unit Franchising on the Rise

Half of all franchises are now owned by multi-unit franchisees. Find out what is fueling this unprecedented growth and consider whether multi-unit franchising is the right choice for you.

Franchisees Proceed with Caution

If you're thinking of buying a franchise, you probably have done lots of research on the Internet already. But don't let the ease of getting information online fool you into thinking you've got all your bases covered. Even the most well-read prospective franchisee should heed the advice of professionals before signing on the dotted line. Here's why >>

Minimize Your Workday Interruptions

Did you know that most people lose three hours a day to interruptions that add little or no value to their productive workday? If you would like to stop the flow of unneeded interruptions, read Dr. Donald E. Wetmore's solution and tips on how to plug this "big hole" in your workday.

Oral Contracts: Do They Carry Any Weight?

If you are the type of person who prefers informal agreements sealed by a handshake, you may want to consider that more often than not, handshake deals fall apart over the details of the agreement. Find out what you can do to make your oral contracts more binding.

U.S. Census Reports on Businesses and Business Owners

Hot off the press from the Census Bureau are some interesting and telling facts about businesses and business owners in the U.S.A. One exciting addition to the reports -- for the first time ever -- is a breakout for men and women within each group. Read about this and much more in our summary of the Bureau's findings.

Do You Have the "Right Stuff" to Be a Successful Franchise Owner?

Opinions vary on exactly what type of individual and what skills are essential in order for someone to find success as a franchise owner. Nevertheless, there are key personal characteristics that make franchise ownership a good fit for certain individuals. Find out if you possess the qualities needed to be a franchise success.

Franchise Leaders in Supplemental Education: A Tale of Two Different Tutors

Americans are now spending more than $4 billion a year on tutoring for their children, and this number is expected to grow even larger in the years ahead. Come discover how two very different franchise leaders in supplemental education have each built decades of franchise success.

Your Franchise Territory: Cause for Comfort or Conflict?

Under optimal conditions, properly allocated franchise territory is a win-win scenario for both the franchisor and the franchisee. Unfortunately, the issue of franchise territory has been one of the leading causes of conflict, dispute and litigation in the franchise industry. Find out just what questions prospective franchisees need to ask when assessing territory offered by franchisors.

Become a Superstar Networker

Author Bob Burg -- in his book Endless Referrals: Network Your Everyday Contacts into Sales -- shares his secrets to becoming a superstar networker. Find out if you're the "Quid Pro Quo Networker," "The Martyr," or the "Genuine Networker;" and learn how tapping into the sheer joy of giving and connecting can lead to superstar networking and big-time sales.

The Best, Worst and Most Surprising Things About Being a Franchisee

Franchise Trade surveyed franchise owners all over the country to find out the raw realities of franchise ownership today. Their anonymous responses are a frank, unhyped and fascinating snapshot into the real world of franchising.

Healthy Fast Food Franchises

Imagine walking into a fast food restaurant and being able to purchase delicious food that is also good for you -- delectable salads, fresh fruit smoothies and healthful gourmet soups to name a few. Well, imagine no more -- come learn about three new fast food franchises whose healthy offerings may soon change the face of fast food forevermore.

Your Diamond Mine: Past and Present Customers

A big mistake a number of businesses make is to fail to develop a continuing stream of sales from existing customers -- ignoring their lifetime value. Don't lose out on this potential "diamond mine." Read marketing expert Wendy Maynard's tips to effectively keep existing customers coming back for more.

Federal Trade Commission's Franchise FAQs

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is in the business of "protecting America's consumers." Whether you are a prospective franchisee or franchisor, or already in the franchise business, you'll do well to read the FTC's useful and informative answers to their five most frequently asked questions about franchise and business opportunities. Learn how to protect yourself and your franchise interests now -- so in the future you don't become just another franchise complaint statistic.

Pooper Scooper Franchises Coming to a Yard Near You

Recent years have seen the expansive growth of the pet waste removal industry. Heck, they even have their own association now; that is, the Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists (aPaws). Read about two of our nation's top professional pet waste removal franchises. Find out how more and more Americans are opening their wallets and their yards to "scoopers" like them -- leaving their "doody duty" to the professionals.

Qualified Franchise Attorney: Don't Buy a Franchise Without One

If you think you can purchase that franchise of your dreams without the assistance and expertise of a lawyer who specializes in franchise law, think again. Find out the what, who, why, when, how and where's of finding and using the services of a qualified franchise attorney.

Five Common Mistakes of Home-Based Business Owners

More and more individuals are opting to work from home; about 30 percent of this population working at home with a home-based business. The advantages of a home-based business are often cited, but not so often the challenges. Read about five common mistakes home-based business owners make and how to avoid them.

Layman's Guide to the UFOC

The Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC) is the disclosure document of choice for the majority of franchisors. It is also enormously useful for prospective franchisees, but its large number of pages may at first overwhelm or intimidate. No need to fear - this layman's guide to the UFOC will take you step-by-step through all 23 required UFOC items and provide some helpful tips about each.

How to Avoid Buying a Franchise that Might Go Under

Statistics show that your chances for business success are greater with a franchise as opposed to starting a business on your own. But, even in a franchise system, there are no guarantees. Learn how you can boost your chances of finding a franchise that is more likely to be a long-time success.

Residential Cleaning Franchises Leave Others in the Dust (Part II)

House cleaning franchises nationwide have been only too happy to meet the rising demand for their services in recent years. Learn about the unique methods of cleaning of two of the most successful residential cleaning franchises and what makes each think they're the best at what they do.

Outsource Those HR Headaches

Outsourcing human resources tasks can lift a heavy burden from a small business owner's shoulders, and can provide tremendous benefits for the price. Find out from top accounting firm Fiducial what portion of your business's HR services should or could be effectively outsourced.

Residential Cleaning Franchises Leave Others in the Dust (Part I)

A number of franchises have been mopping up the profits in the booming billion-dollar industry that is residential cleaning. Franchise Trade has interviewed the best-of-the-best franchises in this ever-increasing market. Read Part I and learn how the leading house cleaning franchise has successfully swept and cleaned its way into more than 300,000 homes in North America every month.

Protect Your Money from Dishonest Investment Advisers

Victims of theft from dishonest investment advisers include everyone from the retired couple next door, to the hotshot young executive, to the doctor and his country-club friends. Citing recent cases of fraud and abuse -- and ways investors can protect themselves -- the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) shows how you can guard yourself against the increasingly sophisticated schemes of investment advisers who steal money from unsuspecting victims.

e-Learning for Franchisors Focus of New Website

webSolve, LLC has launched a new website touting the benefits of e-Learning for franchise systems. It claims franchises waste time and money relying on traditional training methods, while their 24/7 e-learning can be accessed from anywhere on the planet and is more cost-effective as well. Read about webSolve's approach -- "your content + our technology" -- to effective franchise training.

Drive Up Business Profits with Vehicle Wraps

You've seen them on the highways and byways -- those gorgeous and eye-catching graphics wrapped around cars, vans and buses. They're called vehicle wraps and they're a hot, hot, hot way to cost-effectively promote your business. Read what industry experts and businesses have to say about these captivating "moving billboards."

Understanding the Franchise Contract

The franchise contract is probably the most important document in the franchise purchase process. As such, you'll want to know just what the typical franchise contract covers, and how you and your attorney can help ensure that your franchise contract contains provisions that are favorable for both you and the franchisor. Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to know just what you're signing.

HouseWall Garage System: Organizing America's Cluttered Garages

Today's Americans have more and bigger garages than every before … and messier. If you're like many families today, your garage has become an unintended storage area and you possibly can't even fit your car in any more. Find out how successful entrepreneur Michael Dagen's own messy garage led to a profitable garage organization business and franchise.

Nannies are Back and Bigger Than Ever

It seems today's parents are increasingly seeking nannies as a preferred childcare choice for their beloved children. Forget your old notions of what a "nanny" is; today's nanny may be young or old, male or female, part-time, full-time or an emergency-care provider -- but always a childcare specialist who loves children. Read the absorbing details about two of today's nanny franchises and just what services their nannies provide.

Answers to Today's Frequently Asked Labor Questions

Do you know where an individual can go to obtain a loan to help start a small business? How about the top ten fastest growing occupations in the USA? Do you know what they are? Find out the answers to these and other FAQ's from the U.S. Department of Labor. Knowing the answers will be sure to help you in your everyday work world.

Marketing Your Franchise

Franchise marketing is a specialized kind of marketing and not nearly as easy as first thought. Early mistakes in the marketing of a franchise can create future problems. Read renowned franchise expert Edward Levitt's thorough and helpful guide to effective and cost-effective franchise marketing.

Top 10 Ways to Help Protect Your Franchise's Trade Secrets

In order to help maintain a franchise system's competitive advantage, it is vital for franchisors and franchisees to understand how to protect that franchise's trade secrets. Come learn just what a trade secret is, how that protection may be lost, and what you can do to help ensure the protection of your franchise's trade secrets.

Multi-Unit and Multi-Concept Franchising

The SBA just reported that households with more than one small business are more likely to be high income earners than those with only one small business. If you're considering multi-unit or multi-concept franchising, read franchise advisory firm MSA's guide to determining which one may be right for you.

Good News for Franchise and Small Business Owners

A new report by Franchise Business Review shows that 72% of surveyed franchisees are very positive about their business growth. From the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy there is more good news that small business owners are more likely to be found in the top echelons of income and wealth than those who do not own a business. Read all the compelling details of these two thought-provoking studies.

Berry-Licious Edible Arrangements

The phenomenally successful Edible Arrangements franchise has gone from just one franchise to 500 in five short years, with expectations to reach 1000 by early 2007. Their edible fruit bouquets overflowing with specially cut fresh fruit is taking fresh-cut fruit to a whole new level. Find out just how Edible Arrangements has taken "healthy" and made it taste oh so good.

Healthy Fast Food Can Be a Competitive Advantage

Smart Advantage, Inc. president Jaynie Smith says America has a huge need to eat healthy and no one's really filling that need in the fast food market. Find out what the author of Creating Competitive Advantage recommends fast food chains do to fill this need and niche for healthy food.

Dippin' Dots: A Sweet Frozen Taste Explosion

Upon placing a spoonful of Dippin' Dots on your tongue, you immediately realize that this is like no ice cream you've ever experienced. The sweet flavorful tiny "pellets" are so cold, it feels as if they might never melt -- but they do … eventually. Read the fun and fascinating facts about the founder, company and franchise that is Dippin' Dots.

Franchise Bank Loans

You're going to buy that franchise. Have you thought about how you will finance it yet? If not -- and even if you have -- you'll want to read this comprehensive guide on bank loans from small business attorney Jim Wilson. Learn how banks approve and make commercial loans, and find out how to approach banks so you have a better chance of approval.

Watch Out for Business Opportunity Scams

Ads for business opportunities often promise good pay for little effort. But, as many consumers who have answered these ads have learned -- and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has found -- many business opportunity promotions are nothing but scams. Learn from the FTC how to best prevent becoming a victim of fraudulent business opportunities.

Five Fringe Franchises

Is there anything out there that someone somewhere won't franchise? That's the question that came to mind when the franchise 1-800-AUTOPSY came to this writer's attention. Come learn about five of this country's most unusual and unconventional franchises.

Protect Your Franchise Territory

Exclusive territories in the franchising industry give franchisees assurance that a direct competitor won't open up from them just a couple of blocks away. But hold on -- your territory might not be as safe as you think it is. Find out the steps you need to take in order to help secure your franchise territory.

The Importance of Franchisor Leadership

Author Greg Nathan says effective leadership is the single most important factor in the long-term success of a franchise network. Read Nathan's six elements of effective leadership -- guidelines and principles which he says everyone in leadership roles should aspire to.

6 Warning Signs of a Bad Franchise Broker

Franchise broker Marc Stephens considers himself an honest and ethical person both in life and business, but has learned that not everyone in his industry conducts themselves in such a manner. Use his six guidelines to judge whether or not your franchise broker is on the up and up.

How Do You Find a Franchise with Great Returns?

A wise investor always considers the return he can expect on his investment, and this is no different for franchise investments. Since a franchise purchase involves investments of both time and money, you should expect more than you would from a passive investment. Read about some common misconceptions people have about franchise investment returns, and learn what you can do to help insure happy and profitable returns.

A Good Accountant Essential to Franchisee Financial Health

It is essential that prospective and current franchisees have an experienced accountant on their franchise team. Many franchisees lack the financial skills necessary to operate a business, and a good accountant can provide them with the information necessary to make informed and sound financial decisions. Come see just what vital services an accountant experienced in franchising can provide.

Franchising More about Selling Business than Product

For some businesses, franchising is the only way to turn a solid hometown business into a thriving superpower. But, if you go the franchising route, you’re not selling hamburgers anymore – you’re now selling businesses. The franchise itself has to be as attractive as the products it will offer. See what writer Stephanie Tavares of In Business Las Vegas has to say about the business-selling part of franchising.

Buying an Existing Business rather than Starting from Scratch

Building your own business is hard work. That's why many entrepreneurs choose to buy an existing business rather than start from scratch. This article will help you evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of buying an existing business, as well as provide valuable business purchase tips.

Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Franchise in a New Franchise System

Does the idea of purchasing a franchise in a newly established franchise system seem like a risk you just shouldn’t take? The answer to this question will depend on a number of carefully weighed factors and considerations. Read our pro and con guide to help you determine whether or not being one of the first franchisees in a franchise system is the right choice for you.

Franchises with Cold Treats that are Red Hot: Carvel and Cold Stone Creamery

The United States is the leading producer of ice cream in the world. And Americans absolutely love ice cream. The majority of ice cream dollars are spent at away-from-home establishments, places like long-time successful Carvel and modern-day sensation Cold Stone Creamery. Read the fascinating facts about their success, and the latest on what they have to offer their customers and franchisees.

Distributorship and Franchise Fraud

Part of the mission of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is to protect customers from criminal attack. Read USPIS’s article about the ways in which con artists commonly perpetrate distributorship and franchise fraud against unwary and inexperienced investors. Protect yourself against these typical come-ons.

Franchisability is Not Enough

According to franchise lawyer Ned Levitt, the decision to franchise a business is too often made simply based upon the fact that the business is franchisable -- this without any thought given to some other key considerations. Find out just what every prospective franchisor needs to consider before becoming a franchise.

VetFran: Helping Veterans' Franchise Ownership Dreams Come True

The Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative program helps veterans become business owners; specifically, by providing financial incentives not otherwise available to other franchise investors. Read what Terry Hill of the International Franchise Association has to say -- as well as participating franchisors and a VetFran veteran franchisee -- about this program that honors and assists those who have bravely served our country.

Does the Internet Solve All of Your Franchisees' Problems?

Using the Internet in the wrong way can be a recipe for disaster for franchisors and their franchisees. IFA Information Technology Committee member Don DeSmith and coauthor Bruce Franson provide useful and valuable information on the right ways to effectively use the Internet for franchisee operations.

Finding and Keeping Good Franchisees

Psychologist and Franchise Relationships Institute founder Greg Nathan provides a comprehensive and illuminating guide to both selecting and holding onto successful and satisfied franchisees. Learn how to use the "seven laws of loyalty" to help build a more successful franchise system.

Houlihan’s Restaurant Franchise: a Unique Casual Dining Success

"The fine-dining atmosphere and food presentations at Houlihan's is a cut above the average casual restaurant chain, but our prices aren't," says CEO Bob Hartnett. Read how Houlihan's has enjoyed more than 30 years of success while keeping up with the changing tastes of their valued customers.

Income Replacement Planning for New Franchisees

As you shop for franchises, keep in mind that the length of time it will take before the franchise is able to replace your income is a major factor in the real cost of the franchise. Find out from author Rob Spiegel just what you need to do to ensure that you have enough funds for personal living expenses while your franchised business gets started.

Women and Part-Time Franchising Opportunities

If you see an advertisement for a "Great Part-Time Franchise Opportunity for Moms," is it likely to be a legitimate sales pitch or just plain hype from a franchisor’s slick marketing department? Find out when you read some telling statistics and eye-opening opinions from some of this nation’s top federal agencies and experts in the world of franchising.

Brilliant Branding Builds Business

Branding is more than product recognition or a simple logo. It is the overall intellectual and emotional impression people have when they think of your company and its product. Read about some of the key elements needed to analyze and enhance your branding strategy.

Supercuts and Fantastic Sams: Two Hair Salon Franchise Leaders

Virtually all societies and civilizations have cut and styled their hair, and today’s man is no less preoccupied with his or her mane. So where do many Americans go to have their tresses cut and coiffed? Read what two of the top hair salon leaders shared about their rise to the top of their industry.

Is Your Renewal Agreement a Ticking Time Bomb?

If your franchise agreement is coming up for renewal, you will have to sign a new franchise agreement when your old agreement expires. Be aware that the renewal provision of your agreement may be a ticking time bomb. Attorney Michael Einbinder, whose practice areas include Franchise Law, details what franchisees need to know at this critical juncture of franchise agreement renewal.

Be a Franchise Detective: Investigate Franchise Offerings

Just as detectives perform thorough investigations by obtaining evidence and key information, prospective franchisees need to do the same when checking out a prospective franchise. Read the Federal Trade Commission’s comprehensive and informative guide, Investigating Franchise Offerings, to find out just what you need to know when checking out your prospective franchise-to-be.

How to Put the "Grand" in Your "Grand Opening"

Want to know what will put the "grand" in your grand opening? Find out from some of the biggest and best franchises in the country. Here's what they are saying will assist franchisors and franchisees in having a successful and profit-producing grand opening.

Auto Service Franchise Takes the High Road to Success

When you think of the overall reputation of auto repair shops, what comes to mind? Is it honesty and integrity as the driving force behind their operations? If not, you may want to read about Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation (CBAC), a national automotive service franchisor that founded its successful franchise on these very principles – providing honest, ethical and excellent automotive repair service.

Franchisors Share Their Grand Opening Success Tips

A well-thought-out and successfully executed grand opening can greatly assist with your ultimate goal: matching your company’s products and services to the people in your franchise territory who would most need and benefit from them... and increasing your profits along the way. Learn some grand opening success tips from some of America’s top franchisors.

Veterans: Franchising Wants You!

Being unfamiliar with what is required to run a business often causes veterans to only briefly consider the option of owning their own business, franchise or otherwise. On the whole though, veterans have a great set of military experiences that make them well-suited to the franchise system of business ownership – so much so that franchisors often seek them out as desirable franchisees. Read retired Naval Reserve Commander and Attorney Jim Wilson’s article about veterans and franchising.

Franchise Relationships: Working With Your Family

Author Greg Nathan says, "Don't underestimate the impact of family issues on business success." It is more often than not the human issues that make the difference between success and failure. Being in business together as a couple and family raises a number of issues that require careful consideration. Explore with Nathan his tips for families that live and work together.

How to Sell Your Franchise

Sooner or later, every franchise owner will have to go through the process of selling the franchise. Too many franchisees go into the selling process without the necessary information or preparation, sometimes resulting in a lower selling price than the franchise is worth. Gaebler Ventures' president Ken Gaebler provides a few suggestions that will help franchisees get every penny they've worked so hard to deserve.

Comfort Keepers Senior Care Franchise: A Success Inside and Out

One of the leaders in the senior care franchise industry, Comfort Keepers has enjoyed years of favorable rankings based on objective data such as financial strength and stability, growth rate and system size. Most recently, Comfort Keepers was rated a top franchise by its own franchisees. Read how Comfort Keepers has managed to keep both their customers and their franchisees notably satisfied.

How Much Money Can You Make As a Franchisee?

When investigating a franchise opportunity, one of the most difficult pieces of information to get from the franchisor is how much money you might make. This can be frustrating because you are not going to invest in a franchise until you have a good idea of what you can earn. Find out the ways to get this essential information.

Test Your Franchise IQ

Would you know the difference between franchise "fact" and franchise "fiction"? Just how knowledgeable are you about the world of franchising? Take our "true or false" franchise quiz and find out just how franchise-savvy you really are.

WineStyles Wine Store Franchise Demystifies the Wine Shopping Experience

In less than 18 months since its inception, WineStyles has surpassed the 100-franchise milestone. Find out how WineStyles has successfully simplified the wine buying experience for consumers who are often intimidated by the overwhelming selection of wine in typical liquor stores. Details >>

Future is Bright for Franchising

The results are in from an International Franchise Association (IFA) franchisor-members survey, and they confirm the view that current economic conditions are good for franchised businesses and that the outlook for the year ahead is very optimistic. Read the highlights of these statistics pointing to the continued and increasing success of franchising.

Franchisee Satisfaction Survey Results

According to Franchise Business Review president Eric Stites, franchisee satisfaction is one of the most important factors for any prospective franchisee to consider before buying a franchise. Read about some of the findings from their Franchisee Satisfaction Survey, and find out which franchisors were rated best by thousands of franchisees nationwide.

Questions to Ask the Franchisor About Competitors and Market Size

When it comes to purchasing a franchise, one of the challenges is asking the right questions in order to find a franchise system that's right for you. Two questions you need to ask are: Who are the Competitors? How Big is the Market? Author Dennis Schooley advises and cautions prospective franchisees about just what type of answer they need to get from the Franchisor.

Melting Pot Restaurant Franchise: 30 Years of Fabulous Fondue

Fondue has been making a big comeback in recent years, but The Melting Pot Restaurant Franchise has had consistent and increasing success ever since 1975. From a menu of only three items to today's four-course dining experience, including nine decadent chocolate fondue desserts, The Melting Pot has come a long way, baby, from the shagadelic 70's. Find out how this favorite fondue destination has turned fondue into a trend that has grown only stronger for them over the last 30 years.

Shopping at a Franchise Exposition

Franchise expositions can be a great opportunity for prospective franchisees to learn about a variety of franchise possibilities. The FTC has written a guide that will help individuals prepare for and navigate effectively through a franchise expo. If you want to learn how to get the most out of your franchise expo expedition, this guide is for you.

Know the Total Cost of Your Franchise Investment

Did you know that a common cause of new franchise failure is a lack of working capital? Purchasing a franchise is not just a matter of plunking down an initial franchise fee and letting revenues take care of the rest. Learn the many costs -- some obvious and some not -- involved in the purchase and ongoing operation of a franchise.

European Union a Hot Spot for Franchise Expansion

Hot off the press from Newswise are findings from a research report on "International Franchising: The European Union (EU)." Although U.S.-based franchisors have been operating in EU countries for years, it appears that franchisors worldwide are poised to launch an increased expansion in the nations that comprise the EU. Find out why four out of five surveyed U.S.-based franchise companies plan to open new units outside the United States in the next three years.

Ten Common Mistakes of Prospective Franchisees

Straight from the pages of The Franchise Redbook: Easy-to-Use Facts and Figures, is respected business-startup author Roger Rule's comprehensive guide to the most common mistakes prospective franchisees make in their pursuit of buying a franchise. Avoid these common mistakes, says Rule, and it will help ensure your franchise success.

Franchising Over 50: An Increasingly Popular Business Venture

According to a report by AARP, almost half of the self-employed are over 50, and out of these individuals, about one in three first became self-employed when they were 50 years of age or older. If you're over 50, been downsized or just want a career change, franchising may be the right choice for you. Find out the pros and cons of franchising over 50.

Super Suppers Celebrate Their 100th Grand Opening

Franchise Trade was one of the first in the greater New York area to spotlight and write about the first Super Suppers store in NY. This Bethpage, Long Island store's grand opening just happened to be Super Suppers 100th, and this staff writer was there to meet the founder and Super Suppers crew, and photograph the festivities. Take a gander at our photos of an actual food assembly class and the grand opening festivities that followed. And come read about some of the fascinating individuals responsible for Super Suppers' meteoric success.

Panera Bread Franchise: Spreading Their Passion for Authentic Artisan Bread

Today there are more than 850 Panera Bread bakery-cafes in the U.S. delivering fresh, authentic artisan breads, as well as soups, sandwiches, salads, pastries and soufflés. Learn how Panera Bread has taken their passion for fresh bread, and successfully spread this passion to satisfied patrons all across the nation.

Staffing a Franchise

When it comes to staffing, franchises offer some unique benefits and challenges that you need to be prepared to address. Since employee-free franchise opportunities are rare, you'll want to learn about these issues now so they don't become a problem in the future.

Choosing a Franchise: 15 Questions to Ask

When you are in the process of selecting the franchise that's right for you, it's not just a matter of finding out the costs involved, whether or not the franchisor has been successful, and if it has a good franchisee support system. There are many other criteria that need to be addressed; i.e., Will you be required to purchase supplies or products from the parent company? And should a dispute arise, would you have to travel to the franchisor's home state for arbitration hearings? Find out exactly what you need to know -- it will help make your franchise purchase decision a good one.

Senior Care Franchises: Helping to Prolong Independence

In the coming decades, those 65 and older will increasingly account for a greater percentage of our population. The high cost of assisted living facilities -- coupled with the elderly's strong desire to remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible -- are making senior care franchises an increasingly successful business endeavor. Learn how the senior care industry is addressing the needs of seniors today and, very likely, for many more tomorrows to come.

Franchise Financing a Key to Franchise Success

Did you know that the second top reason for business failure is inadequate financing? Don't let this happen to you. When financing a franchise, you'll want to choose the financing option that helps lead to your franchise's success. Explore the financing options that are available today for franchisees and choose the one that's best for you.

What's So Great About Franchising?

"When it is done properly and works well, franchising is a win/win situation for all concerned -- not just for franchisors and franchisees, but also for consumers, landlords and suppliers." Find out from renowned Canadian franchise attorney, writer and lecturer Edward N. Levitt why franchising is so popular, and why it continues to grow at such an incredible rate.

Comprehensive Guide for the Prospective Franchisee

In order to minimize your risks of failure, you need to know everything that's involved when you buy a franchise. This "Franchising 101" primer is our comprehensive and thorough guide to important franchise considerations, and also contains valuable tools to assess personal franchise skills and qualifications. It's "everything you wanted to know about franchising, but didn't know to ask."

Five Ways Franchisees Can Promote Positive Franchise Relations

It's not just the franchisor who is responsible for the promotion of positive franchise relations. Franchisees also need to take some responsibility. Both parties have a stake in the business relationship with the mutual objective of achieving positive and profitable results. Learn five ways franchisees can facilitate positive franchise relations.

eBay Drop-Off Franchises Gain Popularity

No time to sell on eBay? If you're like many Americans, you'd probably rather use the services of one of the eBay drop-off stores that are popping up all over the nation. Individuals, businesses and fundraising organizations alike are "dropping-off" their items for sale at franchise chains like iSold It and QuikDrop. Read about how these online auction franchises and their customers are profiting from this popular "win-win" arrangement.

5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Franchise

When on the threshold of becoming a franchise owner with a particular franchisor, you need to consider more than just how the business makes money. You need to determine compatibility. Learn the five special considerations needed in order to create a profitable, positive and unified future together.

Franchise Success Secrets (Part II)

Franchise Trade queried the "Top Ten" from Entrepreneur Magazine's 2006 Franchise 500. What are the secrets to their success? What sets them apart from the myriad of other franchises out there today? Discover what the "best of the best" franchises had to say about what it takes to be at the top of the franchise game.

Bathroom Resurfacing Franchise Provides an Affordable Alternative

This week's franchise spotlight is on bathroom resurfacing. Surface Specialists is one such franchise, in business since 1981. Their philosophy is: "Provide quality bathtub repair and refinishing products and services to our customers in a prompt, professional manner." See how the Surface Specialists franchise became a success and now, years later, continues to grow.

Success Secrets of the Top 10 Franchises
(Part I)

We've queried the "Top Ten" from Entrepreneur Magazine's 2006 Franchise 500. What are the secrets to their success? What sets them apart from the myriad of other franchises out there today? Discover what the "best of the best" franchises had to say about what it takes to be at the top of the franchise game. Read more >>

Meal Assembly Franchises Catching on Like Wildfire

Franchisors, franchisees, and the general public throughout the United States have discovered that they can have their meal and assemble it too. Here's a hot new franchise that makes slaving over a hot stove -- or eating fat-laden take-out food -- a thing of the past. Learn about the number 1 food preparation franchise, and how you can save money and time when you preassemble healthy and delicious meals for your family. Read more >>

Choosing a Home-Based Franchise

Do you think you'd like to work for yourself at home but don't know what to do? Would you like someone to give you a method for making money that you can just follow, instead of devising something of your own? Then you might be cut out for franchising. Read more >>

Franchising: A Marketing Strategy You May Not Have Considered

Do you have a successful business but don't know how to expand it? Franchising may be the key. Read more >>

Franchising Considerations

Franchising can be one of the best ways to become a business owner, but there are risks. Here are crucial considerations you should review before buying a franchise.

Franchising Your Company

Ready to franchise your business? Here are the steps you should take to establish a franchise operation. Details >>

Negotiating a Franchise Agreement

Ready to sign on the dotted line? Not so fast! Here are tips for negotiating the franchise agreement.

Franchises Stand the Best Chance of Success

If you’re considering starting a business, one of your safest bets is to invest in a franchise. Franchises are a popular way to launch a new company because they are highly likely to succeed.

How To Choose the Right Franchise Opportunity

New from franchising expert Ed Teixeira is Franchising from the Inside Out, a must-have guide for choosing and operating a franchise. Order your copy now, or request bulk ordering information.

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