Buying a Franchise

The decision to buy a franchise includes many factors. First, you want to make sure that you understand how franchises work. Then, you should begin looking into specific companies that franchise. Once you’ve found several opportunities that interest you, you’ll want to do your homework on each one and find out if they have franchises for sale.

Doing Your Homework on Franchises

You will want to keep a variety of factors in mind when you are thinking about buying a franchise. According to the International Franchise Association, some important things to look into include:

  • What experience or background franchises require.
  • How the business works.
  • The track record and experience of the franchises.
  • How franchise owners in the system are doing.
  • The financial investment required to buy franchises.
  • Information about products and services.
  • The financial scope of the company.
  • Outline of the buying process.

Where You Can Find Information about Buying Franchises

The Web
The Internet is a great place to look for information about buying franchises.

The IFA
Organizations like the IFA offer many great tools and resources to help you on your franchise search.

Franchise Lists
There are also lists of franchises for sale available from many places online.

Franchise Brokers
Franchise brokers are another great resource. They will find out specific information about you and your needs, send you information about franchises that may meet your needs, and help you find locations for sale in your desired area.

Company Resources
Also, try visiting the corporate Web sites of franchises you are considering. Look at the information available there, including the franchise Web site, if one is available. You should be able to locate details such as a map listing territories for sale.

Request for Information
It’s a good idea to fill out a formal request for information about the franchises you are considering. Each franchisor should send you information addressing these areas.

The Next Steps for Buying a Franchise

Once you’ve gotten this basic information, you will need to complete a more in-depth questionnaire for the franchisor. This information helps them check that you are able to meet the requirements of buying a franchise. This is important because it ensures the financial health of the franchises in the system.

Talking to Franchise Owners

At Express, our franchises are the living testament to our business success. That’s why we make sure that our candidates can talk to Express franchisees who are in the field today. Each of them has been where you are – looking to buy a franchise, wanting to know what it’s really like in the day-to-day. 

Scheduling a Discovery Day

When the franchisor and potential business owner are both serious about moving the sale process forward, the next step may involve scheduling a Discovery Day.

What Happens After I Buy a Franchise?

After you buy a franchise, what happens next differs for every franchisor. Express is interested in more than just the sale. We are fully committed to the success of our franchises. You’re not on your own after buying a franchise. We equip every franchisee with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to succeed from day one.

Where are Express Franchises for Sale Located?

Prime territories are available for sale in North America, Canada, South Africa and Australia.