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5 mistakes to avoid when starting a franchise

With franchises, several brands have been able to reach customers worldwide. Also, many entrepreneurs have earned incredible profits by becoming franchisees of certain brands. At the same time, there have also been franchises that have failed or not been as successful as the franchisee intended. In general, it is important to avoid some common pitfalls while setting up a franchise to increase the chances of success. Here are some such mistakes franchisees should avoid:

Expecting instant success
Some franchises may become successful as soon as they are launched, and this could be due to many reasons – the brand’s bespoke products and services, its immediate acceptance in the geographical area where the franchise has been launched, the industry type, etc. However, not every franchise may become instantly successful; some may take months or even years to win their target market’s appeal. And that should not deter one from persevering. If one is working systematically toward becoming successful and doing everything required, it’s normal for the target audiences to take their own time to accept the brand.

Making impulsive decisions without proper research
Franchisees need to conduct extensive research, data analysis, and predictions before shortlisting a brand for a franchise. Such research can help franchisees understand whether the brand will continue to be relevant in the future and, if so, whether its products or services will enjoy the same popularity in the region where they are planning to expand the business. One should also spend enough time studying the brand, its target market and consumer trends, industry, objectives, the area in which its current target group is concentrated, etc.

Failing to hire an attorney – or hiring one very late
Setting up a franchise involves a lot of legal procedures, such as creating franchise disclosure documents (FDDs) and franchise agreements. These documents may contain legal terms that can be difficult to understand for those who do not have a legal background. Therefore, franchisees should hire an attorney right at the outset so that they don’t commit any mistakes. When looking for an attorney, it is best to shortlist someone who specializes in franchises.

Not planning finances well
Starting a franchise involves a lot of money – from setting up a store or outlet to buying the brand’s trademark, all aspects of setting up a franchise require heavy spending. That’s why proper financial planning is critical before one plunges in. It is best to seek help from a financial advisor right from the start.

Starting a franchise in the wrong location
Franchises may be highly successful in certain areas and not so much in others. It all depends on the requirements of the inhabitants of these regions. Therefore, franchisees should study a brand’s consumer base and target market to determine whether the audiences in the region where they intend to set up the franchise would be just as receptive to the brand. If not, it is best to change the location to avoid disappointment later.

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