Want to Turn Your Business Into a Franchise? 6 Key Questions to Ask Yourself First
Considering franchising your successful business? It's an exciting idea, but before you hit “go”, there are six essential questions you need to ask yourself to determine if you're truly ready.
Is Your Business Idea Performing Consistently?
Sure, you’re having a good season right now, but is your business established enough to show strength across all seasons for a number of years? Before starting a franchise, core operations should demonstrate at least 2-3 years of stable growth.
Buyers are looking for consistency (continuous growth and customer retention) over potential, so you need to be ready to prove to them by your own model that they can be assured success. This evidence will elevate the value of your franchise.
Is Your Business Marketable?
You may be successful, but what makes your business stand out above your competition? What do you bring to the table with your franchise that others don’t?
Consider these common factors that define a brand’s marketability:
- Easily recognizable
- Loyal customer base
- Positive reviews (online or off)
- A brand that customers know, like, and trust

Your business should inspire others to consider doing the same thing. We’re talking about unique, credible, and successful, with vibe and sizzle. These details are what attract potential franchisees to you.
Is Your Business Concept Repeatable?
In other words, can it be cloned? You want to ensure that your business is easy to replicate as a franchise. The magic power should be in the business design, product, or service. If your key to success is the perfect location or rockstar employees, replicating that formula may be difficult to ensure success for a franchisee.
Your business should be easy to replicate across various markets and locations. Your methods and processes should be easily teachable to others.
For example, there is perhaps no better franchise model that succeeds due to repeatability like McDonald’s. Their meticulous standardization is the foundation of their successful franchise model, with operations that are so well-defined and documented that franchisees can replicate the model with ease.

Can You Promise a Return on Investment?
Franchisees are looking for a profit, and they turn to franchises for a shortcut on that learning curve. Are you able to provide those assurances that you’ve done the hard work for them and streamlined proven processes to achieve a profit for them as well as you by way of royalties? As a general rule of thumb, business owners typically expect to see ROI within 1 to 3 years.
Are You Ready to Take On the Extra Responsibility?
When franchising your business, you are growing your brand with the help of others’ investments, but they expect some commitment from you in exchange. As a franchisor, your role will evolve from owner/operator to encompass owner/operator/sales/support/marketing/trainer. A key part of the value of your franchise is your active participation and preparation for franchise success.
What About Capital?
Yes, it’s true. It costs money to make money—even when franchising. You will require funds first for the legal details of your franchise. Next, there will be costs associated with marketing your franchise and a robust training program complete with materials for your franchisees. Before taking steps to franchise, make sure you have the means to see it through.

Things You Need Before Starting a Business Franchise
Beginning the journey of franchising your business requires meticulous preparation. This checklist is a good starting point for the materials and documents you’ll need to begin:
- A proven business model. You should have a consistent concept with a history of profitability.
- A detailed operations manual. This manual should outline every aspect of the business model and serve as a guide for franchisees.
- Brand assets. Provide your business logo, branding guidelines, and any other element that produces brand identity.
- Legal documentation. Everything from a compliant Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to registered trademarks and other agreements. Consider having these documents drafted with a trusted franchise attorney.
- Audited financial statements. Have your financial records prepared and ready to include in your FDD.
- Fees. Consider and account for all associated franchise fees to start your franchise system.
Talk to an Expert
Before making any sudden moves toward franchising, give each of these questions and concepts careful consideration. If you can answer some questions with more confidence than others, list out the goals you still need to achieve and a plan to achieve them. Consider this your playbook for achieving the ultimate goal of franchising your business. It would also be helpful to speak with a franchise consultant to identify and address any additional gaps in your readiness.
Hundred Acre Consulting has firsthand knowledge about what details capture the attention of prospective franchisees.
Book a call today to discuss the possibilities of becoming a franchisor.






































