What is the best way to assess a franchisor's operational support?

1 Review the FDD

The franchise disclosure document (FDD) is a legal document that the franchisor must provide to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before signing the contract. The FDD contains detailed information about the franchisor's history, financial performance, fees, obligations, litigation, and other aspects of the franchise relationship. It also includes a section on the franchisor's operational support, such as the initial and ongoing training, marketing, technology, and supplier arrangements. You should review the FDD carefully and compare it with other franchisors in the same industry to see what kind of support you can expect and what you have to pay for.

2 Talk to existing franchisees

One of the best ways to assess a franchisor's operational support is to talk to existing franchisees who have firsthand experience with the brand. You can find their contact information in the FDD or on the franchisor's website. You should ask them about their satisfaction with the franchisor's support, how often they receive communication and feedback, how effective the training and marketing programs are, how easy it is to use the technology and systems, and how responsive the franchisor is to their needs and issues. You should also ask them about any challenges or problems they have faced and how the franchisor helped them resolve them.

3 Visit the headquarters and training center

Another way to assess a franchisor's operational support is to visit their headquarters and training center, if possible. This will give you a chance to meet the franchisor's team, see their facilities and equipment, and observe their culture and values. You should also ask to attend or observe a training session or a webinar to get a sense of the quality and content of the education they provide. You should look for signs of professionalism, expertise, and enthusiasm from the franchisor's staff and trainers.

4 Assess your own needs and goals

Finally, you should assess your own needs and goals as a franchisee and see how they align with the franchisor's operational support. You should consider your level of experience, skills, and knowledge in the retail sector, your preferred learning style and pace, your expectations and preferences for communication and feedback, your budget and resources, and your long-term vision for your business. You should then compare these with the franchisor's operational support and see if they match or complement each other. You should also identify any gaps or areas where you need more or less support and discuss them with the franchisor.

Assessing a franchisor's operational support is a crucial step in choosing a franchise that suits your needs and goals. By reviewing the FDD, talking to existing franchisees, visiting the headquarters and training center, and assessing your own needs and goals, you can make an informed and confident decision about your franchise investment.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?