Franchising Checklist

Steps to take to expand your business

Tour the Headquarters
Are the systems in which the consulting firm follows in developing your franchise program proven
1. In-House vs.
2. Outsourced
How many years has the firm been in business
Review their client list
Call references
1. What work did the consulting company do for referral
2. Why did they choose to work with consulting company
Is the work done in house by fulltime employees
Is it clear that the communication between the employees working on your program is free from barriers like:
1. Not working together
2. Having to work communicate via phone, instead of face to face
3. How many times a week do the employees see each other
4. Working at different locations
Is there a project manager to head up your project

Meet face to face with consultants at their place of business for advice
Talk with business advisors, close friends, and family
Evaluate your current resources for moving forward with franchising
1. Financial
2. People
3. "The heart" or Drive

Hiring a consultant and finding the right company
1. Do they have a proven business system
2. Go to place of business
Hiring a lawyer

Do not make assumptions
Do not meet with a lawyer only
1. Legal documents do not drive the business
2. All lawyers claim to be franchise specialists
This is not easy to do if you have never franchised a business before
Developing a franchise company is much different than being a franchisee