The Franchise Application

The Franchise Application

The first step in buying a franchise is to contact the franchisor operating a franchise that you’re interested in. Usually when you express an interest, the franchisor will expect you to complete a questionnaire or application form.

Do not be surprised that the franchisor’s questions include detailed questions about your finances. A franchisor will want to know about your personal assets, for example, because he or she wants to make sure you have a fall-back position to carry the business in case it runs into financial difficulty.

You will probably also be asked about your spouse’s financial situation. Once again, the franchisor wants to be sure that both of you are prepared to make the financial commitment necessary to start and run the franchise successfully.

You’re also sure to be asked questions about your experience, background, and even aspirations, questions designed to help the franchisor determine whether or not you’re the kind of person he or she feels will be able to run the business successfully and fit into the franchise model.

This second point is especially important to franchisors, because successful franchises depend on the uniform application of the system they have developed. They do not want people that they view as too independent, or people who are going to “gum up the works” because they can’t resist experimenting or applying their own ideas.

The Interview

If you “pass” the questionnaire or application test, the next step is usually a meeting with the franchisor that