| There are just as many good reasons to buy a | | | | You will have to share your financial information with |
| franchise as there are not to. Whether or not you start | | | | the franchiser and pay royalties every year. You will |
| your own business or look into buying a franchise | | | | get support in advertising and day to day operations |
| depends on the type of person you are, how | | | | but you are paying for this privilege through your |
| independent you want to be and how much | | | | franchise fees. These royalties vary with each |
| experience you have in running a business. | | | | franchise but they can represent a substantial portion |
| One of the biggest advantages of buying into a | | | | of your profits. A franchise has higher start-up costs |
| franchise is the name recognition. The public already | | | | than an independent business, often making them |
| knows the reputation of your business, the quality of | | | | inaccessible to the average first-time business owner. |
| the food and exactly what to expect. Customers who | | | | While you do have field support from the corporate |
| know what to expect before they walk in the door | | | | office you can become vulnerable if the franchise fails, |
| are rarely disappointed and will keep returning. The | | | | leaving you out in the cold. If you start your own |
| franchise often provides their favorite type of cuisine | | | | restaurant then you may have a tougher time in the |
| or a best-loved dish, prepared exactly the same way | | | | beginning without expert support but in the long-run you |
| as it always is. It provides a consistent experience. | | | | will have more freedom and flexibility and possibly |
| If you don't have extensive business experience and | | | | more profit potential. |
| marketing isn't your strong point then you may want to | | | | Buying a franchise also means you have an |
| consider a franchise. It will offer you a proven, | | | | immovable wage scale and incentive program. You |
| successful business model and your advertising is | | | | might find a real gem in one of your wait staff, |
| already conceived and executed for you. You have | | | | someone you think would do well if promoted. Better |
| support from the corporate office and can consult with | | | | check out those personnel rules though, because the |
| them on any problems you may encounter. The | | | | franchise may have schedules and requirements that |
| collective buying power of the corporation means you | | | | don't suit your needs. A truly motivated and superior |
| may have lower prices and thus, lower overhead | | | | server may not be able to be rewarded in the same |
| costs. It can also be easier to recruit staff since the | | | | way as a server that performs below your standards. |
| work force is familiar with the name and knows what | | | | Think carefully and do your homework before buying |
| to expect. | | | | a franchise. It can be the best move of your life or turn |
| There are a lot of reasons to buy a franchise and that | | | | into a real headache and you can read about the |
| is why they are so popular. But there are also | | | | negative franchise experiences of many people on the |
| drawbacks that you must consider. Franchises have a | | | | Internet. |
| certain business model that you must adhere to. You | | | | Starting a restaurant does not have to be difficult. If |
| are presented with a restaurant that has a certain | | | | you take the time to get a little experience and do |
| menu, decor, floor plan and rules to follow. If you would | | | | some thorough research it will be no problem for you |
| like to offer something a little different from the menu | | | | to take the independent route. A franchise may seem |
| or change a recipe then you're out of luck. Franchises | | | | like the easy option in the beginning but if you put in the |
| depend on consistency, not creativity and you will not | | | | effort and develop your own brand and business |
| have any flexibility when it comes to your own ideas | | | | model you should see greater rewards in the long run. |
| about how to develop your business. | | | | |