Franchises

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Inside Franchising's New Normal

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising

Continuing financing issues mean the industry may never return to its pre-recession days. But promising opportunities still exist in franchising's new era.

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The Wrong Way to Franchise Success

By Michael Seid | Filed In: Franchising

Franchise expert Michael Seid reveals the number one secret to becoming a successful franchisor: Learn how to do it badly.

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Succeeding Year-Round with a Seasonal Franchise

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising

Can you make a year-round living from a seasonal franchise business? Find out what experts and franchisees say.

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4 Ways to Protect Your Franchise Brand

By Andrew A. Caffey | Filed In: Franchising

While a brand is completely intangible, it can be your franchise's most valuable asset. Franchisors and franchisees should follow these steps to protect it.

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Checklist: The Advantages of Franchises

Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

Here are some of the ways in which running a franchise can be easier than starting your own business.

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Hamburger Franchises a Good Investment in Lean Times

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising

In franchising, the hamburger restaurant sector continues to do well. Franchisees and industry experts share insider tips on getting your buns in the door.

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Understanding Area Franchise Programs

By Andrew A. Caffey | Filed In: Franchises

Sub-franchisor, master franchisee, area developer -- what does it all mean? Here's a closer look at common types of area representatives.

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Franchising 101: The Basic Terms, Tips, and Facts You Need to Get Started

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising

If you are considering buying a franchise, be sure to read this crash course on the basic terminology, facts, and information you should know beforehand.

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7 Biggest Challenges to Growing a Franchise System

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising

Think you're ready to be a franchisor? Make sure you're prepared to overcome these common hurdles to growth.

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Making the Transition from Veteran to Franchisee

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising

Are you a military veteran considering buying a franchise? Learn how other vets did it, and what resources are out there to help you succeed.

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7 Ways to Make Your Franchise Offering Shine

By Andrew A. Caffey | Filed In: Franchising

How can you make your franchise program stand out from the rest? These seven qualities will attract prospects and help you close the sale.

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Secrets to Staying Passionate About Your Franchise

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising

Has the thrill of being a franchisee worn off? Veteran franchise owners offer 12 tips to help reignite your commitment and excitement.

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Do You Need a College Degree to Succeed as a Franchisee?

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising

When it comes to franchise success, what you learn may be more important than where you learn it.

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Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Successful Franchisee?

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

There are certain key qualities that define the ideal franchisee. Find out if you measure up.

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Pros and Cons of Franchise Partnerships

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

Buying a franchise with a partner can help -- or hurt -- your business. Be sure you understand the advantages and disadvantages before you buy.

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6 Tips to Market Your Franchise Locally

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchises

If your franchise business relies on local customers, try these tactics to get on their radar.

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The Great Recession's Impact on Minority Franchising Initiatives

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising

As the economy tanked, so did initiatives encouraging minority franchise ownership. So what is the current state of affairs, and what will the future hold?

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Checklist: Ten Questions to Ask Before Buying a Franchise

Filed In: Franchises

The quality of the company that stands behind your franchise matters a great deal. Here are 10 questions to ask.

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Can Franchising and Innovation Go Hand in Hand?

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising

The core of any franchise’s success is a tried, tested, and perfected system. Even in such a well-oiled machine, however, there's often room for franchisees to innovate.

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Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Master Franchisee?

Filed In: Franchising

A master franchise allows individuals or corporations to buy the rights to sub-franchise within a specific U.S. territory or another country. Here's what you need to know about the concept.

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Six Key Steps to Purchasing a Franchise

Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

The process can be overwhelming, but fortunately there are lots of resources to walk you through the steps, including associations, books, consultants, existing franchisees, informational Web sites, and message boards.

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7 Steps to Success with a Fast-Food Franchise

Filed In: Franchising

Buying a fast food franchise can be lucrative, but it's also a lot of hard work. The following tips will help you stay on the path to franchise success. 1. Evaluate your skills,...

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Hot Trend: Seniors Buying Franchises

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

A growing number of franchisors are recruiting seniors as franchisees. What’s behind the trend — and what do seniors considering a franchise need to know?

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Red Flags to Watch for When Buying a Franchise

By Joel Libava | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

Not all franchises are created equal. Here are five warning signs that signal when a franchise may not be right for you.

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Fast Food Restaurants Market 'Extreme' Food for Shock Value

By Tim Devaney and Tom Stein | Filed In: Marketing & Advertising

More and more fast food franchises are embracing the awesome obnoxiousness -- and marketing magic -- of "stunt food" menu items.

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Signs of a Top Food Franchise

By Laura Tiffany | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

What sets the best food franchises apart from the rest? Consider these 5 factors before you buy.

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Turn a Low-Cost Franchise into a Big-Time Success

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

A franchise that costs you a little can make you a lot -- if you follow these six tips.

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8 Common Franchise Myths and Realities

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

If you are buying a franchise, don't believe these common misconceptions about franchising. Our experts unveil the real truth. v

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Signs of Life: Franchise Industry Heads into 2011 with Cautious Optimism

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchises

Economic uncertainty still weighs heavy, but the franchising industry's key players are actively working to make the best of difficult times -- and some are succeeding!

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40 Reasons to Buy a Franchise

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

Should you buy a franchise -- or go the independent route? These 40 reasons might sway your decision.

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How to Buy a Hot Franchise

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

What makes a good franchise opportunity? Understanding trends can help you choose.

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Converting Your Independent Business into a Franchise

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

For Amy Clegg, converting her independent staffing firm into a franchise was the perfect solution. But is it the right step for all independent business owners?

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Building Your Service-Based Business into a Franchise

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising Your Business and Franchises

Your service business is thriving — but is it ready to be franchised? Take these 6 steps to find out.

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Buying a Franchise with a Family Member

By Laura Tiffany | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

Yes, you can run a franchise with your sibling or parent without ruining your relationship. Here’s how.

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Crisis Management: Is Your Franchise Prepared?

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchises

Knowing how to deal with a crisis is important in franchising, as one wrong step in one location can cause a chain reaction throughout the entire system.

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Do-It-Yourself Franchise Documents: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

By Carl E. Zwisler and Katherine L. Wallman | Filed In: Franchising Your Business and Franchises

The DIY approach to franchise documents may save time in the short run — but in the long run, it can cost you your business.

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Transitioning Your Franchise to a Family Member

By Laura Tiffany | Filed In: Franchises

What do you do when you’re ready to retire from your franchise? Having the next generation take over can be a smart move. Here’s how to smooth the way.

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5 Mistakes New Franchisors Make – And How to Avoid Them

By Andrew A. Caffey | Filed In: Franchising Your Business and Franchises

These 5 common errors can capsize a new franchisor. Here’s what you need to know before selling your first franchise.

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How To Buy a Franchise Without Busting the Bank

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

Owning a franchise doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Now more than ever, franchisors are offering a range of low-cost options for getting started.

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Tapping Retirement Money for Your Business? Be Careful

By Carol Tice | Filed In: Tax Law and Legal

The IRS recently instructed its auditors to scrutinize ROBS transactions.

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How Other Franchisees Can Help You Grow Your Franchise

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchises

Tap into the support network of other franchisees in your system — and watch your business grow.

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Franchise Leaders Boost Advocacy Efforts

By Ken Walker | Filed In: Franchises

By working to enhance understanding of franchising’s economic impact, IFA and the franchise industry are making a difference on Capitol Hill.

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Innovation and Franchising

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

Is there room for change in franchising, and, if so, to what extent is change a good thing?

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When a Franchisor Makes Changes, Is It Good News or Bad?

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Buying a Franchise and Franchises

Change in a franchise system might be for the better…or it might be for worse. Learn how to read between the lines and determine how change might affect your franchise investment.

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2011 Franchise Financing Outlook: Four Experts Weigh In

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchises

Being prepared and, more importantly, qualified, is the way to be successful in financing.

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Franchising a Foreign Franchise in the U.S.

By Sara Wilson | Filed In: Franchising Your Business and Franchises

Your franchise may be successful in your native country, but can it work in the United States? Here are three strategies that non-U.S.-based franchisors have used successfully.

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