Jeff Elgin: Buying a Franchise (Column 3)

Column Archive

Evaluating New Franchises
Proceed with even more caution.
03/12/2001

Don't Waste Your Time
The acid test for a good franchise opportunity
02/19/2001

Jeff Elgin: Buying a Franchise (Column 2)

Column Archive

Will My Credit History Hurt My Chances of Getting a Franchise?
Poor credit may be a challenge when investigating franchises, but it shouldn't deter you.
11/24/2003

How to Make a Franchise Partnership Work
Partnerships are always a challenge, but creating a franchise ownership partnership has its own unique issues.
10/27/2003

What a Franchisor Wants
You're not the only one making a list and checking it twice. We reveal the 4 things most franchisors are looking for when evaluating you.
09/23/2003

Secrets to Avoiding Employee Hassles in Your Franchise
Want a franchise, but afraid of the pain of dealing with employees? Follow these three tips to minimize employee problems.
08/25/2003

Buying an Existing Franchise, Part 2
How to get the right price on a "used" franchise.
07/28/2003

Buying an Existing Franchise, Part 1
What you need to know when you plan to buy a "used" franchise instead of a new one.
06/01/2003

Turnkey Franchises
Unlocking the truth of turnkey packages
05/12/2003

Top 5 Characteristics of Successful Franchisees
Do you have what it takes?
04/14/2003

Choosing a Franchise Attorney
How and when to select an attorney to review your franchise agreement
03/10/2003

Why Franchises Fail
How to avoid buying into a franchise company that might go under
02/10/2003

Why Do Franchisees Sue?
Our expert explains what you need to know to avoid the trap of franchise litigation.
01/13/2003

Regional vs. National Franchise Systems
How to decide which is best for you
12/01/2002

Negotiating Your Franchise Agreement
How to master the art of negotiating with your franchisor … or at least understand why negotiating isn't always to your benefit.
11/11/2002

How the Government Protects Franchisees
You're not completely on your own while searching for a legitimate franchise. Certain regulations ensure franchisees' interests are protected.
10/14/2002

Choosing a Legal Form for Your Franchise
Sole proprietorship, corporation, LLC...know the option that's best for you before you buy a franchise.
09/01/2002

When Is a Franchise Market Too Saturated?
Franchisees and franchisors have different ideas about market saturation.
06/10/2002

Obtaining Financial Results From Franchises
It's smart to investigate the average financial returns on franchise investments. But how do you find the numbers?
05/13/2002

Franchise Investment vs. Return
Figuring the ROI on a franchise opportunity isn't as easy as it sounds.
04/01/2002

Mandatory Marketing Programs
Franchisors say you have to pay marketing fees. But where is your money going?
03/11/2002

Franchising: What You're Actually "Buying"
And what happens when the contract runs out
02/11/2002

Franchise Terminology
Get a handle on the terms before you invest in any opportunity.
01/14/2002

What to Expect From a Franchisor
From training to marketing, here's a list of the assistance and support you should receive from a franchisor.
12/10/2001

Finding Franchise Financing
All you have to do is go to the bank, right? Wrong. First you must explore all your financing options.
11/12/2001

Franchise Advisory Boards: The Advantages
Why their existence bodes well for a franchise system
10/01/2001

Franchise Startup Costs
What do all those terms in the UFOC mean?
09/10/2001

Weighing Protected Territory Options
Bigger isn't necessarily better.
08/13/2001

Is That Franchise a Good Opportunity?
We can't say, but we'll tell you how to figure it out.
07/01/2001

How Much Money Can I Make?
Some franchisors are tight-lipped with this information, but there are ways to figure it out.
06/11/2001

Evaluating a Franchise Opportunity
You need advice, yes--but you need it from the right people.
05/14/2001

Nonnegotiable Franchise Agreements
Franchise agreements set in stone are often the best kind.
04/01/2001

Jeff Elgin: Buying a Franchise (Column 1)

Column Archive

Is the Price Right?
How to determine whether a franchise is a good deal or overpriced
08/14/2006

Passion Vs. Profits
What's passion got to do with buying a franchise?
07/03/2006

Do Ex-Execs Make Good Franchisees?
Turn your recent layoff into an opportunity to succeed.
05/01/2006

How to Succeed as the First Franchisee
As the first child of a franchise system, you're the groundbreaker. Here's how to navigate your way through the new system ... and thrive.
04/03/2006

Finding a Franchise That'll Support You
Should you expect more support from a large franchise or a small one? We show you how to determine what's best for your needs.
03/06/2006

Entrepreneurs as Franchisees
Do entrepreneurs make good franchisees? Our expert offers both the pros and the cons.
01/02/2006

Will This Franchise Work In My Area?
Our expert helps you determine whether your dream franchise will succeed in your market.
12/05/2005

Buying a Handyman Franchise
How can you tell if you're cut out to be a handyman franchisee? Our franchise expert helps you construct a plan.
11/28/2005

Understanding the Franchise Territories Issue
What should you know about protected territories? Our expert provides both sides of this important issue.
10/03/2005

Writing the Franchise Business Plan
The 5 main elements every franchise business plan should have
09/05/2005

Top 10 Money Questions to Ask Before Buying a Franchise
Want to know how much money it'll take to buy a franchise, where to get the funds and how long it'll take to make a profit? Our expert provides answers.
08/01/2005

Buying a Restaurant Franchise
Do you have what it takes to be a successful restaurateur? Our franchise expert offers some words of wisdom.
07/04/2005

Ready to Commit?
About to buy a franchise but intimidated by the license agreement? We explain what to look for before you sign on the dotted line.
06/06/2005

Buying a Foreign-Based Franchise
What to know when researching a franchise based outside of the United States.
05/02/2005

Are You Franchisee Material?
The 9 traits of a successful franchisee
04/04/2005

Should You Convert Your Business to a Franchise?
Consider these issues if you're thinking about turning your independent business into a franchise.
03/07/2005

After You Buy a Franchise
You've found the perfect franchise. You've signed on the dotted line. Now what?
02/07/2005

Understanding Franchise Growth
Is it always better to join a company with a fast growth rate?
01/10/2005

Is It Smart to Buy a Franchise Right Out of College?
The one word answer is no. Our expert explains why.
12/13/2004

Interviewing Existing Franchisees
When investigating a franchise, don't forget to speak with franchisees already in the system to get the real scoop.
11/01/2004

Franchise Lawsuits: What Do They Really Mean?
A franchisor must disclose legal actions in their UFOC, but is that necessarily cause for concern?
10/04/2004

What is a Master Franchisee?
When purchasing a franchise, you might be working with a master franchisee. Take these points into consideration before buying.
09/07/2004

Evaluating a Franchise's Marketing Program
Is your franchise going to do all it can to help you spread the word?
08/16/2004

Choosing a Great Franchise Location
Tips to help you select the best spot for your new business
06/28/2004

The Four Cs of Franchise Financing
Keep these in mind when seeking money for your franchise.
05/24/2004

Should You Turn Your Business Into a Franchise or a Biz Opp?
Consider these points when determining the best format for expanding your business.
04/26/2004

The Best Way to Get Franchise Earnings Information
In the second of two columns, our expert shares the nuts and bolts of learning how much you can make as a franchisee.
03/22/2004

How Much Can I Make as a Franchisee?
In this first of two columns, our expert discusses the hows and whys of getting earnings claims from your franchisor.
02/23/2004

Will My Franchise Provide Adequate Training?
The questions you should ask to ensure your franchisor will provide the knowledge necessary to run your business.
01/26/2004

How Do I Start a Franchise?
Keep in mind these requirements when you consider making the move from business owner to franchisor.
12/22/2003

Franchise Gurus Speak Out, by Sara Wilson

Do the names Frank Carney, John Hewitt or Fred DeLuca ring a bell? How about Pizza Hut, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service or Subway? Most consumers have personally come in contact with the brands these franchisors spent decades building. As busy as these franchising legends are, we were able to steal a moment of their time to gain some insight on what leads to franchisee success as well as what to expect from the franchising industry overall.

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