Franchise Direct's Pocket Guide to Franchising - Rackspace Cloud

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www.FranchiseDirect.co.uk 

Franchise Direct UK 

Unit 106 / The Capel Building 

Dublin 7; Irland 

©Copyright 2012 Franchise Direct. All Rights Reserved

Franchise Direct's Pocket Guide to Franchising 

Thank you for reading our pocket guide to franchising! 

The purpose of the guide is to provide an overview 

of franchising and help you as a prospective franchise 

buyer. We hope you find it to be a great resource as 

you explore the possibilities that franchising has to offer. 

The information contained in this publication is for 

informational purposes and general guidance only. 

Every effort has been made to ensure that its 

contents are accurate. 

Please note that no business method or industry 

sector can guarantee success, and franchising is 

no exception. The information contained in this 

booklet is designed to assist you in asking the right 

questions and seeking the right advice to make the 

correct choice for you. However, ultimately, it is your 

investment that is at stake. 

The information and guidance contained or referred to 

in this publication are generic and, in likelihood, do 

not apply to all franchise systems. The specific 

circumstances of individual cases may differ, as may the 

correct course of action to take in those specific 

circumstances. 

Franchise Direct cannot accept responsibility for 

decisions made as a result of the information contained 

within this booklet. For any investment listed on 

Franchise Direct or elsewhere, it is up to the prospective 

buyer and user to thoroughly investigate any listing or 

company, obtain the appropriate disclosure documents, 

and seek expert consultation prior to making any 

investment decisions. 

All contents of this booklet are the copyright of Franchise Direct. 

All rights reserved. Any reproduction of any content without permission is strictly prohibited. 

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www.FranchiseDirect.ie 

Franchise Direct Ireland 

Unit 106, The Capel Building 

Dublin 7, Ireland 


Table of Contents 

A Look at the Popularity of Franchising ........................................................................................................ 3 

Steps to Owning a Franchise ......................................................................................................................... 4 

Franchising 101 ............................................................................................................................................. 5 

Franchises vs. Business Opportunities .......................................................................................................... 6 

Why Buy a Franchise? ................................................................................................................................... 7 

Assessing Yourself ......................................................................................................................................... 8 

Finding Franchise Opportunities ................................................................................................................... 9 

Franchise Costs............................................................................................................................................ 10 

Initial Investment Costs………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10 

Ongoing Costs………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11 

Financing Your Franchise ............................................................................................................................. 12 

Tips for a Successful Meeting with Lenders ................................................................................................ 13 

Signing the Franchise Agreement ............................................................................................................... 14 

Minorities and Franchising .......................................................................................................................... 15 

Women and Franchising.............................................................................................................................. 16 

Retirees and Franchising ............................................................................................................................. 17 

Home-Based Franchises .............................................................................................................................. 17 

Part-Time Franchising ................................................................................................................................. 19 

Alternative Modes of Franchising ............................................................................................................... 20 

Final Advice ................................................................................................................................................. 22 

Common Franchise Terms ........................................................................................................................... 23 

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A Look at the Popularity of Franchising 

Nationally 

The Irish Franchise Association proudly tells us that franchising has grown in Ireland at an incredible rate 

over the last decade. The industry now employs over 42,000 people, has an estimated turnover of more 

than €2 billion, and has shown itself to be strong during times of recession. All the big US franchisors like 

Subway and McDonald’s are here, and the industry is continuing to grow. Numerous business leaders 

and government officials view franchising as one of the top ways to promote economic recovery through 

its job creation potential. 

So why is franchising such a popular business model? Part of the answer lies in the advantages gained 

by both parties in the franchise agreement. 

For the franchisor, franchising is a way to economically expand compared to adding additional companyowned 

outlets because the franchisee is responsible for a great deal of the financial investment. On the 

other side, by investing in a franchise, a franchisee gains the advantage of the knowledge and 

established systems that the franchisor is already entirely familiar with. In addition, the franchisee will 

also be provided with training and support from the franchisor. 

Abroad 

Going international is very attractive for franchisors because approximately 95 per cent of potential 

consumers in the world are outside of the United States. 

Fifteen years ago, few franchisors beyond the large-scale 

ones were operating internationally. Nowadays, 32 per 

cent of the franchise units operated by the top 200 

franchisors in the United States are outside of the US. 

That number represents a 33 per cent jump in the number 

of international units operated by those franchisors in the 

past 10 years. 

Franchise businesses have quite a bit to offer emerging 

markets because they are designed to be replicated. Thus, 

they require less experienced entrepreneurs and provide 

business-learning opportunities within a support structure. 

All of this can help emerging market countries further 

develop their economies. Additionally, within emerging 

markets there are hopeful entrepreneurs that are 

generally eager to learn business principles through the 

methods and procedures franchisors have to offer. 

Organisations such as the International Franchise Association offer resources to franchisors who seek to 

operate internationally. 

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Steps to Owning a Franchise 

Below are 10 points that provide a general overview of the steps involved in the path to franchise 

ownership: 

1. Gain a deeper understanding of franchising by researching and familiarising yourself with 

franchising as a way of doing business. 

2. Know what your own financial situation and objectives are to determine if franchise ownership is 

a workable option for you. 

3. Examine your own motives, temperament, lifestyle preferences, health, family obligations, likes 

and dislikes to be sure you are realistic about undertaking a particular type of business. 

4. Look for franchises that match your requirements and preferences, and then compare several 

similar opportunities to narrow down your choices. Talk with other franchisees to get a hands-on 

practical viewpoint on the pros and cons of the business. 

5. Establish a business relationship with an accountant to review your finances, and with a solicitor 

to review the legal obligations involved in franchising. 

6. Contact the franchisor and request comprehensive details about the franchise. Carefully 

examine this with your accountant and solicitor to assess the business proposition and its 

earning potential. 

7. Find an appropriate location based on your target market, the competition and capability to 

meet any site requirements. 

8. Do the research on the industry, the market segment and competition in your specific area. 

9. Write a credible business plan to present to the franchisor and potential financial lenders. 

10. Carefully review the Franchise Agreement with your accountant and solicitor to ensure it 

matches the original information you received. Make sure you understand all the terms, and see 

if any of the terms can be altered and made more favourable for you as the franchisee. 

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Franchising 101 

The modern-day concept of franchising originated in the 1850s with Isaac Singer seeking to distribute his 

sewing machines outside of his immediate area. He also wanted to provide training to customers on the 

proper way of using them. As a result, he began selling licences to entrepreneurs in different parts of 

the country – the predecessor of the current franchise agreement. Since then franchising has grown into 

a prominent feature of the world’s business landscape. 

Franchising can be defined in many different ways. For our purposes, we will use the definition for a 

franchise provided by the International Franchise Association (IFA), which says: 

Franchising can be described as a pooling of resources and capabilities. The franchisor contributes the 

know-how and experience while the franchisee contributes the supplementary capital investment, 

motivated effort and operating experience in a variety of markets. Franchising is a comprehensive 

business relationship, not just a buyer-seller relationship. There is considerable interdependence 

between the franchisor and the franchisee. 

One of the most widely held misconceptions about the franchising industry is that it’s dominated by 

companies with large operations. While it’s true that the most popular franchise businesses such as 

Subway have outgrown their humble beginnings and are now huge entities – operating thousands of 

units in numerous countries – the vast majority of franchise businesses are truly small businesses, with 

most having fewer than 100 units. As a matter of fact, even the large-scale franchise 

operators are made up of smaller master franchisees who own several outlets 

individually, along with true small business owners who own one, or just a few, 

franchised businesses. Essentially, franchising is a time-proven pathway for small 

business development. 

An additional attribute of franchising is that it’s extremely diverse. Despite its 

association with fast food, franchising is not confined to a narrow range of business 

segments. Name an industry and it’s likely there’s a franchise in it. 

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Franchises vs. Business Opportunities 

Business opportunities and franchises are two ways to start a business without having to start from 

scratch. While they are similar, they have distinct differences that should be acknowledged. 

Business Opportunities 

A business opportunity is the sale or lease of any product, service, equipment, etc. that will enable the 

purchaser to begin a business. Business opportunities cover a broad spectrum of careers, and include 

the following: 

 

 

 

 

Turnkey operations 

Distributorships 

Dealers 

Network/multi-level marketing 

 

 

 

 

Trademark/product licences 

Rack jobbers 

Vending machine routes 

Work from home opportunities 

With the purchase of a business opportunity, the buyer owns the business outright and can customise 

virtually all aspects of the business to their tastes. When an entrepreneur contacts an entity selling a 

business opportunity, they are contracting with that licenser for a business system including training, 

equipment or a service method that the licenser has cultivated and made profitable. Traditionally, once 

the purchase is finalised, and training – if applicable – is completed, the relationship is over. 

Franchises 

A franchise is defined as the right or licence granted by a company (franchisor) to an individual or group 

(franchisee) to market its products or services in a specific territory. 

Three common types of franchises are: 

Product: The franchisor grants the franchisee permission to sell/distribute a product using their 

logo, trademark and trade name. 

Manufacturing: The franchisor permits the franchisee to manufacture their products (i.e. food) 

and sell them using their trademark and name. 

Business format: Probably the most popular form of franchising. The franchisor licenses their 

brand to a franchisee for use with a predetermined way of conducting business. 

When the purchase of a franchise is made, the purchaser is required to comply with strict guidelines and 

rules regarding the operation of the business. These guidelines are in place to protect others within the 

system and maintain brand consistency. And unlike most business opportunities, costs paid to the 

franchisor don’t end with the initial sale. In exchange for ongoing payments, the franchisee will receive 

continued support, such as marketing assistance and technical support. 

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Picking the Right One for You 

Figuring out what kind of entrepreneur you are and what you’re looking for is important for deciding 

which kind of business you should pursue. Both are good for potential business owners who don’t have 

a unique product or service to bring to the marketplace, but still want to run a business. The big 

differentiator is how much support you want. If you’re simply looking for a jumpstart and desire more 

flexibility, a business opportunity is probably the route for you. If you’re looking for consistent support, 

and can handle restriction in the procedures of your business, a franchise might be your path. 

Why Buy A Franchise? 

Many people want to be their own boss, but don’t want the task of reinventing the wheel. In 

franchising, someone has already done the work establishing the business, and has ironed out the 

wrinkles. Here are some common benefits of the franchise system: 

The business has already been proven to work. The franchisor and the network of busily trading 

franchisees are testimony to that. 

You are fully trained in all aspects of the business, and sometimes your business partner and/or 

key staff receive training too. 

There is an operating system that can be learned and then implemented to the letter, or with a 

degree of flexibility. 

The brand is already established. 

The franchisor helps with finding a good location that will deliver traffic if that’s what is needed 

(e.g. for retail or food outlets) or will be cost efficient if visibility is not paramount (e.g. for cleaning or 

home improvement businesses). 

Marketing tools and ad campaigns are provided, both nationally for the brand and locally for 

individual franchisees. The majority of franchisors also help franchisees make a major local impact with 

a press launch of the business. 

Franchisees receive ongoing support from good franchisors, delivered via toll-free numbers, a 

company intranet, newsletters, regular visits by a representative from the corporate office, regional 

meetings and annual conventions. 

Centralised purchasing is a feature of many franchises where the franchisee benefits from 

discounted pricing on goods for a retail store or ingredients for a restaurant 

and other supplies. 

There are many different types of franchise opportunities available, with 

various investment commitment levels that can range from minimal to more 

substantial. For those not ready to leave their day jobs, there are plenty of 

offerings that require only a part-time commitment that grows gradually. 

Ambitious entrepreneurs, who want to totally commit themselves to owning a 

business, have a vast range of choices. 

Like anything else in life, there are pros and cons involved. Conduct in-depth 

research to ensure that the benefits of franchising outweigh the disadvantages 

in your personal situation. 

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©Copyright 2013 Franchise Direct. All Rights

Assessing Yourself 

To succeed as a franchise owner, you must be able to follow the rules and conduct of the business 

according to the provided instructions. If you find it hard to follow someone else’s rules, then a franchise 

probably does not suit you. 

Recognising your true abilities, natural preferences, and real limitations is the first step to success in any 

type of business. By having some clear direction as to your goals, personal commitments, and lifestyle 

choices, you’ll have a better idea of the most realistic way to achieve your ambitions, and eliminate 

wasting time on researching franchise choices not suited to your temperament and abilities. To help you 

with your self-assessment, grab a pen and paper, and consider these points to honestly evaluate yourself: 

Your Goals: 

 

 

 

 

Where do you want to be in five years? In ten years? 

Do you want to make a full-time commitment, or start out slowly? 

How important is money vs. job satisfaction? 

Are you motivated by personal challenge? 

Your Talents, Abilities and Temperament: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What activities, such as sports, computers, decorating, etc., do you like to do? 

Are you better at physical or mental tasks? 

Are you good at interacting with people or organising things? 

Are you an outgoing people person or more introverted? 

Are you patient in the long-term or eager for fast results? 

Do you prefer to wear business attire, a uniform or casual dress? 

Do you want to be outside and on the go, or work inside the same premises each day? 

Demands on Yourself and Your Family: 

 

 

 

 

 

What about your physical endurance – can you work long hours on your feet or do you prefer 

sedentary work? 

What is your preferred work schedule – fixed hours or flexible? Do you want to have your 

weekends free? Are you a morning or night person? 

Is your family supportive of this venture? How will it impact on their lives? What are your childcare 

commitments? 

Do you want clear separation of your business interests from your home and personal life? 

What about leisure time – do you want to be able to attend evening social gatherings or school 

events? Take time away for holidays? 

Your Financial Situation: 

 

 

 

 

Do you have the resources to buy a franchise and survive the initial start-up phase? 

Can you cope with unexpected losses or setbacks? 

What is your risk tolerance? How many of your assets are you willing to put on the line? 

What is your credit history and can you raise financial backing? 

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Finding Franchise Opportunities 

Franchises exist just about everywhere, and offer many choices. With so many options, it can be hard to 

narrow them into a short list of possibilities. The internet is a good place to start your research, as are 

print directories, tradeshows, business-specific publications, and franchise brokers. Here are a few 

resources and directories where you can start your initial search: 

http://www.franchise.org 

This is the official website of the International Franchise Association. 

http://www.franchisedirect.ie/ 

The Franchise Direct Irish website provides a directory of top franchise 

opportunities on offer in this country. 

http://www.irishfranchiseassociation.com/ 

This is the Irish Franchise Association’s official website. 

http://www.franchise-update.com 

Here you’ll find several publications about the franchise industry. 

http://www.franchisetimes.com 

A monthly publication offering articles on different aspects of franchising. 

Once you narrow it down to a few choices, you should consider: 

Is it a genuine business format franchise vs. a product 

distributorship? 

Does the franchisor belong to industry associations such as the IFA? 

Has the franchised business been proven in practice? 

Is there a strong trademark name or brand? 

If it is a new business, is it a fad? How has it been tested? 

What is the competition and how do prices of the products and 

services compare to competitors? 

Are the products patented? 

Will the source of products be guaranteed in the future? 

Does the franchisor disclose financial information upfront? 

There are clues that should tip you off as to whether a franchise offering should be avoided. Remember, 

if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is a misleading presentation. Other signs that signal 

questionable businesses are sloppy websites with obvious grammar and spelling errors. If a website 

seems like all hype, then it probably is just that. And don’t fall for overly aggressive marketing that bullies 

the prospective buyer into acting fast without time for careful examination of the business. 

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Franchise Costs 

Franchises and independent small businesses for the most part share many of the costs associated with 

starting a business. However, franchises do have some special costs associated with them, which are 

profiled here. 

Franchise costs are commonly divided into two categories: initial (or upfront) costs and ongoing (or 

continuing) costs. Initial costs are the expenses that the franchisee will pay in order to begin operation of 

the franchised business while ongoing costs are the expenses involved in maintaining operation. Franchisors 

have various ways of presenting the costs associated with beginning and maintaining one of their franchised 

businesses so please consult the literature of a specific company for a complete breakdown of costs 

associated with investing in that franchise. 

Initial Investment Costs 

The initial costs of a franchise can range from a few thousand pounds to millions of pounds depending on 

factors such as the industry, building requirements and equipment needed. The most notable fee that varies 

from franchise businesses to non-franchise businesses is the franchise fee. This fee stems from the heart of 

the franchise model, and helps the franchisor ensure that their business system will be executed as 

consistently as possible across all of their units. Some common initial costs in beginning a franchise business 

across all industries are: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franchise fee 

Training expenses 

Leasehold improvements or real estate costs 

Equipment 

Professional fees 

Advertising/marketing 

Working capital 

The range of investment between different industries can be large, as can the variation within a single 

industry. 


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Ongoing Costs 

After the franchise business is up and running, there are a number of expenses required for the 

successful maintenance of the business as well as for being a part of the franchise system. Like the 

franchise fee, the royalty fee is one of the main differentiators between a franchise and a non-franchise 

business. Typically royalty fees are assessed as a consistent percentage or flat fee, due weekly or 

monthly, and are predominately paid in order that the franchisee may continue reaping the benefits that 

come with being a part of the franchisor’s business system. Common ongoing franchise fees include the 

following: 

 

 

 

 

Royalty payment 

Advertising/marketing funds 

Technology fees 

Insurance 

In addition to the regular fees, there are fees 

associated with the franchise system that aren’t 

assessed or collected regularly including: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ongoing training 

Transaction fees 

Interest 

Audit 

Indemnification 

Renewal fee 

Due to the depth and variety of franchise businesses, the given fees illustrated in this booklet are only 

the most common and not a complete listing. Additional fees collected by franchisors along with ones 

that are specific to certain industries such as reservation fees for hotel franchises should be found within 

the literature franchisors are required to make available to prospective franchisees. Please note that 

there are also ongoing costs such as employee wages that are no less important for the continued 

operation of the franchise. 

As you have read, most of the costs of 

beginning a franchise are similar to beginning 

a non-franchise business with a few notable 

differences. Though no business venture can 

be a guaranteed success, the features given in 

exchange for the additional costs that come 

along with investing in a franchise can help 

bolster an entrepreneur’s chances of creating 

a successful business. 

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Financing Your Franchise 

Items to Prepare Beforehand 

Gaining the necessary financing for your franchise venture can be an overwhelming task, but preparing 

all of your documents in advance can help tremendously to speed up the process. Different institutions 

will more than likely have varying forms and documents they want submitted. The following checklist 

will help you to gather all of the paperwork that lenders may require in order to complete your 

application. 

Personal background. This includes your educational and work history, if you have a criminal 

record, etc. 

Business plan. All lending programmes require a business plan that includes, among other 

things, projected financial statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and income statements. 

Personal credit report. The lender will access your credit report during the loan application 

process. Remember to request a credit report from the national credit-reporting bureaus before you 

send the loan request form so you can review them for accuracy. 

Loan information. Specify the amount of money you’re requesting, the type of loan you want, 

how the loan will be used, and the details of the assets you currently have. 

 

 

 

Business financial statements and income tax return statements for the past three years. 

Bank statements. Personal and business bank statements for the past 12 months. 

Accounts receivable and accounts payable for the past 90 days. 

Collateral. Some loan packages do not require collateral. But, if collateral is required, describe 

what will be used to secure the loan. 

Legal documents. Lenders may require additional documents, such as franchise agreements, 

business licence/registration, commercial lease, articles of incorporation, etc. 

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Financing Options 

There are several options available to obtain the amount of money 

obligated for the costs of the franchise. Here are the most common 

avenues of financing: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing directly from the franchisor 

Commercial bank loan 

Credit union loan 

Personal savings/retirement fund 

Angel investor 

Family/friends 

Grant(s) 

Credit card(s) 

Tips for a Successful Meeting with Lenders 

Do: 

Know your figures inside out. Have them checked and double checked. Asking the potential 

lender for a pencil while working out percentages on the back of a supermarket receipt won’t showcase 

you as the thoughtful and organised business person you are. 

If possible, bring an accountant or well-versed liaison/representative from the potential 

franchisor. You still need to know your business plan and financial documents by rote, but they have 

years of experience dealing with figures and accounts. 

Sell yourself. Include your CV and a small personal history about yourself. Explain your 

experience, your motivation and why you’re passionate about this business model. Convince the 

manager that this is the right franchise for you. 

Use the bank’s planning templates and documents. You can download these from their 

websites, or pop into your local branch to pick some up. 

Research what start-up grants (if any) are available from the government. How much are they, 

and have you applied for them? If you’re not entitled to a grant, why not? 

Prepare a worst-case scenario projection along with the more positive ones. Be honest with 

the lender and with yourself. If things turn for the worst you may be liable for a large repayment. 

Don’t: 

Forget to bring ID, a utility bill and three months of personal bank statements if you need to 

open an account. 

Ask for the entire amount required to start your business. The Wall Street Journal reports that 

entrepreneurs generally invest 20% of their own money into the franchise. 

Be late, impolite, impatient, dirty or disorganised. These elements are an instant turn-off – noone 

wants to deal with disorganised people. Act like you would on a first date (avoid playing footsie 

however…). 

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Leave without arranging another meeting with either the manager or someone else in the 

bank. Hearing “I’ll be in touch” can often be the last words you hear before possibly receiving an 

impersonal rejection letter weeks later. Convince the manager that this is a great idea, and if he has any 

misgivings that you are prepared to work through them to produce a solid business model. 

Give up. It is far more difficult to get a penny out of the banks for start-ups at the moment, so 

don’t lose faith if you don’t receive funding straight away. If you are rejected, arrange a meeting to 

discuss where the pitfalls were. Go back to the drawing board and revisit your research. 

Signing the Franchise Agreement 

You and your solicitor have examined the franchise contract. You’ve done your research about the 

franchise, and the numbers add up. You’ve spoken with other franchisees in the business, and like what 

you’ve heard. You feel ready to sign the franchise agreement. 

The franchise agreement is a legally binding contract that should stipulate in exacting detail the 

responsibilities and expectations for the franchisor and franchisee. 

Keep in mind that franchise agreements are written to be generally more advantageous toward the 

franchisor. Once signed, you are legally obliged to uphold all the provisions of the agreement, so it is 

absolutely essential that your solicitor reviews this contract. Have everything explained to you in plain 

English and be sure that you understand all the implications. 

Before signing, compare the franchise agreement to the initial information to make sure the franchise 

offering as outlined matches what is stipulated in the agreement. If any verbal promises were made to 

you, be certain these are written into the agreement. Once signed, the agreement governs your 

relationship with the franchisor, and any disagreements or misunderstandings will be subject to its terms 

and conditions. 

Because it is a legally binding contract, it will include certain critical elements typically found in all 

business contracts as well as some that are unique to franchises. 


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Some Negotiation Tips 

Many franchisors have rigid franchise agreements that all their franchisees must sign and adhere to. 

Some may be more flexible about negotiating the terms in the agreement, but do be careful – since 

franchises are all about proven systems and consistency, a franchisor who seems too eager to bend the 

rules may be a sign that the business is in a measure of trouble. 

Items that typically offer room for haggling include: 

Territory rules about exclusivity, future expansion or changes in size 

Grand opening support and resources provided to you 

The training provided to you and possibly to your staff 

Rules about transferring the franchise to other franchisees 

Fee schedules and payments 

‘Default cure’ which governs how much time you have to correct a problem that keeps your 

franchise from operating properly before you are in default of the contract 

The start-up date when you are expected to launch the business 

How the price will be calculated for the franchisor to buy your business once you’ve reached the 

termination date 

Your liability limits regarding franchise performance 

Your solicitor and your accountant are the most familiar with your individual situation, so seek their 

advice about which franchise agreement terms you should attempt to alter to make them more 

favourable for you. 

Minorities and Franchising 

Franchising opens up new opportunities for minority groups to learn new skills, grow and expand their 

businesses, or to acquire a new business and in recent years, the International Franchise Association and 

other associations have set up programmes to increase the number of minority-owned franchise firms. 

With increasing numbers of franchise companies becoming active in the recruitment of minority 

franchisees, their commitment to diversity and multiculturalism in the industry can help minorities 

achieve their dreams of franchise ownership. 

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Women and Franchising 

Women and Franchising: Top Franchising Characteristics 

According to Iain Murphy in his book The Franchising Handbook: The Complete Guide to 

Choosing a Franchise, women are in some ways better suited to franchising and make a more 

attractive group as potential franchisees. 

Here are a number of interesting characteristics that make women in franchising a successful 

target group for franchisors: 

Women are good at organising, and at coordinating activities and people efficiently. 

This means female franchisees will be naturally inclined to organise and coordinate their 

franchise opportunity more productively and profitably. 

Women are good at prioritising; at deciding which activities are more important than 

others. This particular skill works well in the franchising industry when problems arise 

concerning planning, staffing, financing and people management. 

Women enjoy working towards a common goal. Women operating a franchise will 

work to make that franchise a success for all franchisees involved in the operation. 

Women are good at networking, ensuring effective communications are held between 

franchisee and franchisor, and between franchisee and all other internal and external bodies. 

Franchising can offer women who are ambitious the opportunity to go into business 

and to be potentially successful and profitable on a personal and professional level. 

Advantages for Women Running Their Own Franchise 

In franchising you get to be your own boss, and take control of your own life. Women 

franchisees are more successful because they enjoy the work/life balance franchising can offer, making it 

more appealing to be their own boss. 

With 20% of small businesses failing in the first year of business, the concept of franchising offers 

assurance for women interested in minimising business start-up risks. The tried and tested formula helps 

reduce the risks by providing training, help and support. 

After a career break or pregnancy, women can often feel a lack of confidence in returning to the 

workplace. Franchising gives women the opportunity to rebuild their skills and knowledge in a 

supportive and successful environment. 

Franchising offers a tremendous opportunity for ambitious women to start their own business. Women 

and franchising can make a very successful combination. 

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Retirees and Franchising 

Today’s population aged 50 and over is 

reluctant to be ‘put out to pasture.’ Instead 

many people in their 50s and beyond dream 

of owning a business when they leave the 

traditional workforce. And there is no 

reason why older people driven by the 

entrepreneurial spirit cannot achieve their 

dream. For example, Colonel Harland 

Sanders was 62 when he sold the first 

Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in 1952. 

Twelve years later, KFC was a popular fast 

food restaurant with locations throughout 

the US. 

Franchise companies are recognising that older, experienced workers retiring from regular jobs are good 

candidates for franchise ownership. They have confidence from the wisdom they have gained during 

their years in the workforce. They know how to plan ahead and reliably persevere to reach goals. And 

their experience has refined and sharpened their interpersonal skills. 

But before rushing into franchise ownership, retirees must carefully consider just what it is they want to 

do in this next phase of their lives. Quality of life should be the priority, so factors such as time 

commitment and physical endurance must be carefully weighed. The financial aspect is another major 

influence – as one approaches retirement age, it is unwise to bet the farm on any investment. Retirees 

are better off looking for franchises with lower up-front costs and minimal ongoing overhead. 

Home-Based Franchises 

In recent years, home-based franchising has become more popular as a range of companies have 

discovered that working from home can be just as effective as having an established office elsewhere. 

Franchisors in several sectors such as consulting, children's services, financial services, computer training 

and repair, cleaning, pet care, photography and travel are now actively offering potential franchisees 

opportunities to have their headquarters where they live. 

Potential home-based franchisees must check with their local authority to see if there are any rules 

restricting the commercial use of a property and then decide if it is still worth working from home. Some 

towns do not allow businesses to be run from home, or have restrictions on it. For instance, customer 

parking could cause a problem should special permits be required for spaces used commercially. 

If approved, this arrangement can save costs for both franchisor and franchisee, although specialist 

training will be needed to ensure that franchisees will be ready and able to run a successful franchise 

from home, as they will have to adapt to a unique working style. 

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It is important that franchisees working from home have the right equipment at hand. To make sure 

things are run efficiently, a desk, stationery, posting equipment, notebooks and other items should be in 

a set place. 

Establishing distinct boundaries between the office and living space will help to make the franchise more 

professional. 

It is advisable to have a separate business phone line to keep work and home life apart and if using a 

computer, it should operate at a fast speed so that more work can be done during a day. The same 

applies for an internet connection and email software. 

Franchisees at home must have their office or workspace in an area away from potential distractions 

such as housemates, children, pets and television. 

Having a schedule – including regulated breaks – and sticking to it as closely as possible will also help, 

although franchisees should not fall into the trap of working too long because they do not have to travel 

to work, which can be counterproductive and have a negative impact on the business, as well as family 

and friends. 

Those who are self-motivated and can work in these conditions should do well as long as the franchise 

they choose is right for them and gives them sufficient training and support. However, it can be lonely at 

times, so franchisees wanting to work at home are advised to develop a network with the company's 

other home-working franchisees and business owners in their area. These groups can provide each other 

with useful ideas and vital support. 

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Part-Time Franchising 

Starting a part-time franchise is a great opportunity that 

can lead to the growth and development of a successful 

business. Part-time franchising is defined as any franchise 

in which the franchisee works on average between twelve 

and twenty hours a week. 

This work arrangement can be the ideal job for an 

entrepreneur who is looking to start a franchise and keep 

their work-life balance. Work-life balance attractions 

include family responsibilities and recreational and leisure 

activities. An individual’s civic responsibilities can also 

increase the need for reduced or more flexible working 

hours. These obligations can include volunteer work, 

community work such as local school positions and 

environmental protection jobs, or serving on a legal jury. 

Franchisees who are looking to work at their own pace, 

control their own schedule, or earn a supplemental 

income are frequently opting for the part-time franchise 

option. Part-time franchises are also good for workers 

who are changing from a corporate job who don’t want to 

leap directly into franchise ownership, but want to phase 

into their franchise lifestyle over a period of time. 

The motivation for starting part-time franchises can differ 

for males and females. Research shows that combining 

work with education or leisure time is the main goal for 

male franchisees. Female franchisees prefer part-time 

franchising as it helps balance work and family. In this 

way, part-time franchising is an attractive option for 

women returning from maternity leave, people with 

young families, or stay-at-home parents. 

With an increased focus on family friendly work and the 

work-life balance, part-time franchising is a viable option 

for entrepreneurs and/or first time franchisees. 

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Alternative Modes of Franchising 

In most cases, entrepreneurs arriving fresh to franchising will invest in a new, single unit franchise. In 

that type of franchise, the franchisee is only responsible for running one branch where they are involved 

with all of the daily operations of the business. However, there are other ways to enter the franchising 

world. 

Multi-Unit Ownership 

Multi-unit ownership is where the franchisor grants a franchisee the right to operate more than one 

outlet within a defined location. With this right comes the potential for serious money making as well as 

increased responsibilities in operating your businesses. 

Franchisors have high standards when it comes to granting multi-unit rights. You must have a proven 

track record of successfully managing a business, with the ability to motivate your staff and continually 

seek performance improvement. If you already own a franchise, expect the possibility of having to make 

a convincing argument in support of your application to own multiple units. Exhaustive research about 

your market and competition for each unit must be done, along with a strict accounting of your own 

personal and professional finances. However, some franchisors do offer a discounted rate on the startup 

costs involved in the case of franchisees opening multiple units. 

Resale Franchises 

You may have opportunities to buy existing franchises from either a franchisee or the franchisor. Often 

you can get a discount on these, and since each is an existing business, you can examine all the records 

for sales, costs, and profit margins in order to make an informed decision. A franchise unit that has 

changed hands repeatedly probably has problems, and you should take extreme care in reviewing its 

history from preceding years. 

Master Franchisee Licences 

Another means of expansion in franchising is to acquire a Master Franchisee Licence. This puts you in 

charge of other franchisees within an established territory, which could be as small as a county or as 

large as a country. 

A master licence requires a significant investment, but offers tremendous rewards in return. With the 

master licence, you have the power to appoint and train new franchisees, and the right to collect a 

portion of the fees these franchisees pay to the franchisor. 

As with buying an individual franchise, you will need to do extensive market research before making an 

investment in a master licence. And just as with the franchise agreement, you must carefully scrutinise 

all the terms so that you fully understand your obligations and rights as a master franchisee. Be sure the 

territory is carefully defined. Consult an attorney experienced with licensing contracts. Expect some of 

the franchise units to flounder, and be prepared to step in to help run the operation. 

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Area Developer Rights 

In addition to master licences, one can also purchase the right to be an area developer. In this case, an 

area developer enters into an agreement with the franchisor to sell a specified number of franchises in 

the area within a specified time. Area developer agreements are not common in Ireland, but tend to be 

used more for international expansion. 

Make Sure Your Franchisor is Open with You 

We’ve put together some tips to cover the franchise business’s nitty gritties that may change your life: 

If you are invited on a tour with a current franchisee and the current franchisor comes along, try 

to come back later so the franchisee won’t feel under pressure to present a perfect image of the 

business. 

Be aware that the franchisor may give bonuses to current franchisees who help get newbies on 

board, so try to figure out if they are being totally truthful. 

The more franchisees you talk to, the better the information you will get. 

If the franchisor supplies you with only a small pool of contact details, get out the phone book 

and ring around other franchisees. Use Google to research what news and events the franchise has been 

involved in. 

Try to get in touch with a wide variety of franchisees, from the most successful, to the struggling. 

This way you can assess whether the business is flourishing or failing because of the business model or 

the franchisees themselves. Talk to the oldest franchises and the newest ones. The guy who has just 

been scraping by for six years will be as valuable to talk to as the star new kid in town who has already 

broken his first million. 

Use your gut, and try to get a feeling for the motivations of the franchisees you talk to. 

You should have your own questions for franchisees depending on which industry you’re investigating, 

but here is a checklist of must-ask things to quiz franchisees on. It might be useful to rate these 

questions on a scale of one to ten: 

1. Are you happy with how the business is working out? If not, what issues are affecting you? 

2. How is your experience different from what you expected? 

3. Have you made your initial investment back yet? Did it take longer than you thought? 

4. How many hours a week do you work? Has this impacted on your personal life? 

5. Was the training what you expected it to be? Was it intensive, or tailored to your own needs and 

abilities? 

6. Does the franchisor put any restrictions on products/services you can supply? How has this 

affected you? 

7. How would you rate marketing and advertising? Does the franchisor do all you expected or all 

they promised? 

8. What support do you receive now? When problems have arisen how responsive was the 

franchisor? 

9. What did it cost you to build and start the franchise? Were there any hidden costs? 

10. What are the best and worst moments since you started? 

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If the average score of the franchise interviews is coming in at more than five out of ten, it could be an 

indication that this is the right franchise for you! 

Final Advice 

Here are five main points to remember when making your decision on which franchise system you are 

going to invest in: 

1. Find an outlet for what you’re passionate about. Virtually all of the franchisees we speak with 

mention how much they love the area they are working in. 

2. Scout your area and match what you want to do with a need in your community. This will 

increase the likelihood of your franchised business being a success. Also, you will be able to take 

advantage of local contacts you’ve garnered over the years. 

3. Finding financing in this economic climate can be difficult. Many traditional avenues of funding 

are either closed or very rough to navigate. As you look at franchise options, honestly audit yourself to 

determine how much you can afford. 

4. Visit other franchisees. During the research process of learning about any franchise you have the 

opportunity to speak to existing franchisees to gain an even clearer idea of what to expect. Their names 

and locations should be provided by the franchisor. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn in 

practical terms, from someone who has been there before, what happens when you open a franchise. 

5. Make sure you really want to be a part of the franchise system. Franchising is for people who 

want to own a business, but don’t want to do it alone. If you are an entrepreneur that values 

independence in making decisions, you will probably find franchising too confining. 

Franchising is a time-tested route for everyday people just like you who have made that decision to run 

their own business. When you’re ready to begin your journey to franchise ownership, browse through 

our listings on FranchiseDirect.ie and find a franchisor that suits you best. 


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Common Franchise Terms 

Advertising Levy 

The advertising levy covers the franchise system’s advertising and promotional activities. 

Agreement 

The franchise agreement is a legal document that governs the relationship between the franchisor and 

franchisee. It specifies the terms of the franchise contract such as rights and responsibilities of the 

parties, fees and payments, territory and duration of agreement. 

Approved Site 

The approved site is the location that the franchisor chooses for the franchisee’s set-up, and which 

meets the criteria of the franchise unit. 

Area (Developer) Franchisee 

An area franchisee purchases the right to open and operate a specified number of franchise locations, in 

a defined geographical area, during a defined period. 

British Franchise Association 

The British Franchise Association (bfa) is the voluntary self-regulatory body for the UK franchise sector, 

with a standards-based approach to membership. Its aim is to promote ethical franchising practice in the 

UK and help the industry develop credibility, influence and favourable circumstances for growth. As a 

result, one of the bfa's main jobs is to help potential franchisees recognise the franchise’s good, bad, and 

ugly for what they are. 

Business Plan 

A business plan is a document prepared by a franchisee which summarises the operational and financial 

goals and objectives for the franchise, and contains detailed plans and budgets showing how these 

objectives are to be achieved. 

Capital 

Capital is the wealth required by a franchisee. Human capital consists of the franchisee’s experience, 

leadership, and knowledge that he or she will bring to the franchise. 

Collateral 

Collateral is a form of security that the borrower may offer the lender to guarantee a loan or other 

credit. Collateral can be resources, belongings, or something of wealth and value to the borrower. 

Copyright 

Copyright is the exclusive right of a person to use, and to license others to use, works of art, music, or 

literature, and to protect these works from unauthorised use. This statutory right prevents others from 

copying or exploiting a person’s work without permission. 

Earnings Claims 

Earning claims are the actual or forecasted franchise sales, profits, or earnings stated by the franchisors. 

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Equity 

Equity is the total value or worth of an asset. It is an individual’s or company’s shares and ownership 

rights of an asset, and does not represent an obligation to pay in the future. 

Feasibility Study 

A company that is thinking about becoming a franchisor carries out a feasibility study. 

Franchise 

A franchise is an agreement in which a firm (franchisor) enters into a contract with other businesses 

(franchisees) granting them the authorisation to operate in the distribution of goods and services, under 

the franchisor's trade name and guidance, in exchange for a fee. 

Franchise Consultant 

A franchise consultant is a business guide with expertise in the franchising industry. It gives advice on 

topics such as franchising operations, companies, and relationships. 

Franchise System 

A franchise system refers to the different franchises operating in a country. 

Franchise Unit 

A franchise unit refers to each individual outlet, whether company-owned or franchised. 

Franchisor 

A franchisor is an individual, partnership, or corporation who grants an investor (the franchisee), the 

right to conduct business under their trade name, using their operational methods and organisational 

systems. 

Franchisee 

A franchisee is an individual, partnership, or corporation who purchases the right from the franchisor to 

conduct business under their trade name. 

Initial Investment 

The initial investment is the capital required to start the franchised business. 

Initial Franchise Fee 

The initial fee is a once off lump sum, paid by the franchisee to the franchisor, upon signing the franchise 

agreement. 

International Franchise Association (IFA) 

The International Franchise Association (IFA) is a non-profit trade association of franchisors, franchisees, 

and suppliers. Founded in 1960, the IFA’s office is based in Washington, D.C. 

Irish Franchise Association 

The Irish Franchise Association is the industry’s only voluntary, self-regulatory body. Its aim is to 

promote ethical franchising practice in Ireland and help the industry develop credibility, influence and 

favourable circumstance for growth. 

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Licensing 

Licensing is the legal act of one party granting rights to another party to a legally protected property in 

exchange for a fee or royalty. 

Master Franchisee 

A master franchisee is the individual who negotiates the franchise rights for a defined territory (usually a 

country), and assumes the rights and obligations of the franchisor in that particular territory. 

Marketing 

Marketing is the process or technique of planning, pricing, promoting, selling and distributing products 

and services to create exchanges that satisfy both the customer and the organisation. 

Multi-Unit Franchisee 

A multi-unit franchisee is one that owns and operates more than one unit of the franchise, but does not 

have the rights to a defined territory. 

Operations Manual 

This is a manual that contains instructions advising a franchisee how to operate the franchise. 

Pro Forma 

The Pro Forma document is a description of financial statements which rely on historical data to assume 

levels of revenue, expenditure, assets, liabilities, and net worth. 

Royalty Fee 

Also referred to as the ‘management service fee’, these fees are the continuous payments the franchisee 

gives the franchisor to stay part of the franchise system. 

Supplier 

A supplier is the authorised individual or company who has been approved by the franchisor to supply 

products or services to the franchisee. 

Territory 

Territory is defined as a specific area in which the franchisee has the exclusive right to conduct business, 

without the threat of competition from fellow franchisees. 

Trademark 

A franchise trademark is a form of identification such as a brand name or logo, which is associated with 

the franchise. 

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