Do Franchise Owners Have to Work? A Day in the Life of a Franchise Owner
Daniel Hayes
Becoming a business owner is a significant undertaking. Let’s take a moment to illustrate what your life could look like as a franchisee.
In this article, we’re discussing the day-to-day experiences of being a full-time franchisee. While the idea of investing consistent hours each week might feel unnerving, remember that this is a fulfilling career choice, and the payoff for your effort and commitment is substantial.
Do Franchise Owners Have to Work?
Remember that everyone’s daily franchise activities will not look the same. There are many types of franchise ownership. With semi-absentee ownership, you will most likely only work 10-15 hours per week, whereas with full-time ownership, you will work 40 hours per week, if not more.
Here’s a bit more detail to help you decide which franchise model is best for you.
Semi-Absentee Franchisee: This type of franchisee owns and operates their franchise but does not dedicate their full time to the day-to-day operations. They’re more likely to spend 10 to 15 hours a week working on executive tasks such as the finances, business strategy, and main communication with the franchisor.
Full-Time Franchisee: This individual dedicates their full working hours to the franchise. They are deeply involved in daily operations, including managing staff and monitoring customer service.
Master Franchisee: A master franchisee is more or less a “mini-franchisor.” In this situation, the franchisor grants the franchisee authority to recruit, train, and support other franchisees in a specific territory. The master franchisee usually receives a percentage of the franchise fees and royalties for those particular franchises.
Multi-Unit Franchisee: This individual owns and operates multiple franchise locations. Such a setup allows the owner to expand by managing several franchise units.
Passive Investor or Investor Franchise Owners:
These types of investors are generally looking for passive income investments as absentee owners. Management and staff are carefully selected to handle all of the daily operations, or they may partner with other franchise operators or managers to completely manage the business for them.
What Does a Franchise Owner Do?
The experience of being a franchisee not only varies across different franchise types but also evolves over time. This raises important questions: How much time does a franchise owner dedicate to managing their business? What does a typical workplace for a franchisee look like? Below is an overview of key responsibilities and commitment expectations for franchise owners.
Grand Opening
We’ll breeze past the process of getting into business; if you are interested in learning more, definitely check out our 8-step guide to business ownership.
Your grand opening will be the most exciting and perhaps the busiest time of your franchise ownership. You and your employees will be extremely busy attending to customers while still learning the ropes. While it might seem hectic, take it all in and enjoy it!
Getting Adjusted
The first few days will be challenging because systems and routines have yet to be established. We are not saying you won’t get the proper training (you will!), but there is no way to comprehensively prepare to be your own boss other than to jump in and experience it for yourself.
Those challenging preliminary days will begin to flow, and an established business will emerge as you feel increasingly more confident in what you are doing. Not only will you get a feel for how things work, but your employees will too. The days will be long, but don’t forget—you are finally your own boss. What you put in is what you will get out.
One Year Later
After a year, you should have a routine down and a strong team of employees. You are still working long days, maybe even up to 14 hours a day. But the good news is by this time; you should notice you’re breaking even (or close to it), which means you are approaching the profitability stage!
If business has been going well and you are enjoying what you are doing, it’s time to look for another location so you can have two businesses. The thought of going through the process all over again might seem overwhelming, but we can assure you the second time around, things are much easier.
Five Years Later
Whether you have one location or three, you’ve got the swing of things, and you finally see profitability. Your employees know what they are doing, and they are capable of training other employees. Once you have a strong team you can rely on, and you are beginning to see positive cash flow, you can begin to work less and enjoy your time!
Is Franchise Ownership Right for You?
A crucial initial step is to evaluate whether franchise ownership aligns with your personal goals and lifestyle. With your current knowledge about franchises, take the time to conduct an honest self-assessment to determine if pursuing this path is truly worthwhile for you.
Carefully consider the time investment required and the potential challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, particularly during the early stages of operating your business. While achieving financial independence and successful business ownership is an attainable goal, it necessitates clear priorities and dedicated effort. Thoroughly weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a final decision, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a reputable franchise consultant.
The Advantages of Having a Franchise Consultant in Your Corner
Yes, to be transparent, being a franchisee requires hard work and resilience. While challenges are inevitable, you are never alone in this journey. The comprehensive training of a franchisor will equip you with the tools for success, but there will inevitably be situations that go beyond the scope of your training. In those moments, you'll find yourself wishing for an owner's manual.
Working with a franchise consultant like Hundred Acre Consulting is like accessing the owner’s manual. When you need guidance, we’re here every step of the way, whether you’re one day into your franchise ownership or five years down the road.
Want to learn more about what to expect as a franchisee?
Contact our team to learn more!
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As a Certified Franchise Consultant (CFT), I assist clients in understanding the franchise industry and reaching their business ownership aspirations. My clients benefit from my advice, education, and coaching services. I introduce them to businesses that align with their backgrounds and ambitions, helping them determine whether becoming a franchisee will help them achieve their goals and is suitable for them personally. The mission of Hundred Acre Consulting is to promote community and economic development by aiding families and individuals in achieving their dreams of business ownership. I do that by starting with a portfolio exceeding 800 franchised brands across 78 industries. Hundred Acre Consulting is a comprehensive, certified franchise consulting and referral firm serving clients in the United States, Canada, and 80 countries around the world. My approach is unique as I focus on my clients’ lifestyle goals and financial objectives. I assist my clients in evaluating whether franchising is a viable option to meet their absolute goals and objectives, and if so, which business models would be most effective. For me, understanding the client's reasons comes first, followed by how they can achieve their goals, and finally, what the business does. I began consulting in the nonprofit, entertainment, and franchising sectors in early 2008. Since 1983, I have been coaching emerging and established enterprises and organizations in both the private and public sectors, focusing on business development and contributing to economic and community growth.
While some enjoy winter days by the fireplace, others see it as a time to invest in a lucrative franchise. The holiday season offers great opportunities to boost income. Some franchises thrive in winter, while many succeed year-round. If you're thinking of investing this winter, consult a franchise expert who knows the industry. They can help find a business that fits your needs and skills. Unsure about starting a franchise now? Here are some profitable winter-friendly franchise ideas.
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Y ou’ve finally signed the paperwork, and you’re officially a franchise owner. Or perhaps, you’re still in the process of discussing franchise opportunities with a franchise consultant. Either way, you should know that your first year in business as a franchise owner won’t be easy. Franchisors might try to tell you that it’s smooth sailing in the beginning, but the first year of franchise ownership is generally the most difficult. It will take time for you to grow a consistent customer base, the work hours will be long, and retaining staff will be challenging.
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2020 was devastating for everyone, with the pandemic impacting every corner of the globe. American businesses and industries got hit harder than anyone could have expected. In the franchise industry, many businesses thrived and even became essential. However, despite the financial difficulties, there is sunshine on the horizon. Industry experts predict that 2025 is the year to own a franchise. As the dust of the last four years settles, people are searching for wise investments to boost their revenue after facing some devastating losses. Plus, nothing beats the sense of pride you feel when you own a franchise. Here are the top 4 reasons why owning a franchise in 2025 is the best business decision you can make.
Becoming an entrepreneur can be an exhilarating experience. There’s nothing more rewarding than owning your own business. However, owning and operating a franchise differs in many ways from running an independent company. The responsibilities franchise owners face are unique because you benefit from working with an established brand instead of being an independent operation. Here, you begin with a proven business model that has gone through the trials and errors of business ownership and emerged victoriously. Success can be as easy as fulfilling the responsibilities of a franchise owner and demonstrating a passion for your new entrepreneurial path. Consider these everyday owner responsibilities to help you be successful on your new career path.
BBecoming a business owner is a dream that many people hold. When it comes time to decide what type of business you want to own, you should consider whether owning a franchise is for you. Buying a franchise gives you a proven and effective business model along with a credible brand, eliminating many of the risks that come with opening a non-franchise business of your own. But how do you decide which franchise to purchase? A franchise purchase is a significant decision that should not be taken likely. This is where a franchise business consultant comes in.
Franchises are a different breed of business investment. They offer an established business plan with proven results and an unparalleled support system. It’s a wise investment for those looking to dive into the business world while mitigating some risks. It is also proving to be a great business venture for millennials. For millennials interested in entrepreneurship, owning a franchise could be the start of a storied career in business ownership. With their creative and can-do spirit, millennials can be the perfect fit as a franchisee. Read on to learn why
Sometimes when entrepreneurs start on the path to franchise ownership, they focus too much on profit-building and not the big picture. The big picture, in this case, is having a franchise exit strategy. Yes! Before you can consider the beginning of your career in franchising, you must consider the end. A franchise exit strategy enables a business owner to minimize or liquidate their interest in their franchise location(s) while still making a significant profit.
Imagine you are an entrepreneur looking for the ideal franchise opportunity to invest in when you come across a low-cost franchise. The appeal of the cost buy attracts you most, but the question that pops up in your head is whether it is a good idea to invest in a low-cost franchise. We say yes.
Every industry has its myths, including franchising. So, as you consider buying a franchise, a question you may have is how do you know what franchise myth to believe and which ones you should ignore? Our team at Hundred Acre Consulting can help. Below, we debunk the top five franchise myths.
Franchising is a business agreement in which one entity licenses another to use its trademark or individual business systems and processes. This enables the party to manufacture and sell a product or service that meets specific criteria. The franchisor is the person who grants these rights, while the franchisee is the person who buys them. However, you must consider the challenges of owning a franchise.
Customers rely on goods and services throughout the year, and sometimes these needs are seasonal. As the owner of a seasonal franchise, this poses a big challenge. It is up to you to navigate a seasonal franchise’s unique struggles and find a way to keep your business thriving when customers aren’t as regular. However, having a seasonal business doesn’t mean you won’t have cash flow during the off-season. In reality, it’s all about strategic preparation and devising a strategy to keep you afloat long after peak season ends.
Deciding to invest in a franchise can be an exciting moment in any entrepreneur’s life. There is the undeniable thrill of building an empire with the help of an established brand. However, like most business owners, there is the question of where to start. The answer is to work with a franchise consultant. A resource to be used often, these knowledgeable individuals are vital to your entrepreneurial success. Together, let’s take a look at what it’s like to work with a franchise consultant.
Buying a franchise is a significant moment in your entrepreneurial career. It can be the launching pad for a successful business that may one day grow into a multi-unit franchise empire. The question is, how do you find the right franchise opportunity for you? There are thousands of franchises to choose from, which can be overwhelming for anyone looking to own a business of their own. If you are wondering where to start your search, check out these five first steps to franchise ownership. And if you still have questions, feel free to reach out to our team at Hundred Acre Consulting.
