Some people go into franchising because they want more control. Some people buy franchises because they're sick of being controlled by their bosses..their companies. What about you?
As a franchise owner, there are certain things you can control; your attitude, expenses, (usually) office culture, and more. But, there are a few things that you can't control, because the franchisor does.
The franchisor does have to control some of the things. It's all part of the business model itself.
The franchisor controls things like;
- Your cost of entry (Franchise Fee)
- Royalties (How much you'll pay the franchisor every month)
- Marketing/advertising strategy
- Product/service offerings
- Software/technology
- Hours of operation/days open for business
- Who else becomes a franchisee
Obviously, there are reasons for some of this control. For example, if you're on vacation, and McDonald's happens to be one of the only recognizable restaurants within view, you pretty much know what to expect when you go there. The restaurant probably looks and feels the same as the ones in your own neighborhood. It's supposed to; it's a franchise business. That's part of what makes it comfortable for you, the customer.
For a franchise business to be a franchise business, certain things like marketing, signage and the like, have to be uniform. It's what makes buying a franchise attractive to begin with.
So, while the royalty percentages, franchise fees, and some of the requirements in place are not in your control, some things are.
Bottom line; you'll have to decide if you'll have more control as a franchisee than you did as an employee, and if so, which franchises you should start exploring.
Find one that allows you to feel that you really do have some control. It will be worth it.
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