Franchising: What You Need to Know

Starting a business from scratch can be an incredibly daunting task, and it’s hard enough to get your business off the ground, let alone make it successful. For many entrepreneurs, franchising provides a unique opportunity to get involved in a proven business model with the support of an experienced franchisor. For franchisors, it’s a way to expand their business quickly and efficiently. Franchising in Australia is thriving, with more than 65,000 franchise units. Over 90% of these franchise units are Australian developed and cover various sectors such as food and beverage, automotive, professional services, retailing, and many more. We will outline what franchising is, the benefits and disadvantages, and tips for success.

What is franchising?

A franchise is a legal and commercial relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee. The franchisor is the owner of an established business that is successful, and they agree to allow the franchisee to trade under their business name and model. Franchising enables business owners (franchisors) to grow their company and brand without significant investment in additional resources such as land, buildings, or equipment. This is achieved by granting licenses to individuals or organisations (franchisees) who agree to operate under the franchisor’s business model and brand. The franchisee pays the franchisor an initial fee as well as ongoing royalties. In return, they receive the right to use the franchisor’s business name, logo, and marketing materials and receive training and support from the franchisor. The level of support and inclusions in the franchise arrangement can vary. For example, a turnkey franchise will generally include everything from the shop fit-out to stock, whereas a business format franchise might include the support and training.

There are generally three different types of franchising methods in Australia:

The turnkey franchise is the most comprehensive type of franchise and includes everything from the shop fit-out to stock. It provides a complete business package for the franchisee and is usually the most expensive option.
The business format franchise is a type of franchise that includes the franchisor’s business name, logo, marketing materials, and training and support. The franchisee is responsible for finding their premises and stocking the business.
The product/trade name franchise is the simplest form of franchising and usually only includes the right to use the franchisor’s business name and logo. The franchisee is responsible for everything else, including finding their premises, stocking the business, and providing training to staff.

Benefits of Franchising

There are many benefits to franchising for both the franchisor and franchisee.

Benefits for the franchisee

Brand recognition: When you buy into a franchise, you are buying into a brand already established in the minds of consumers rather than starting from scratch.
Support: One of the critical benefits of franchising is the training support the franchisee receives from the franchisor. This can include everything from marketing and advertising to product development and operations.
Buying power: Franchisees benefit from the economies of scale of being part of a larger organisation. This allows them to purchase goods and services at a lower cost than operating independently.
Lower Risk: Franchising is often seen as a lower-risk option than starting a business independently. When a franchisee buys into a franchise, they buy into a proven business model with an established brand, increasing their chances of success.
Be your boss: Franchising allows the franchisee to be their boss and run their own business.

Benefits for the franchisor

Increased brand awareness: A franchisor will benefit from increased brand awareness associated with multiple locations. Multiple locations translate to more customers and increased brand exposure and name recognition.
Lower marketing costs: franchisors can leverage the marketing efforts of franchisees to promote the brand.
Business growth: The franchisor can expand their business quickly and efficiently without significant investment in additional resources.
Increased profitability: Franchising can be an extremely profitable way to grow a business through royalties and fees paid by franchisees.
Access to capital: Franchising enables the franchisor to expand their business by utilising capital from franchisees rather than taking on debt or diluting equity.
Lower risk: Franchising is a lower-risk way to expand a business as the franchisee is responsible for the success or failure of their location.

Disadvantages of Franchising

Of course, as with any business venture, franchising can also have its disadvantages.

Disadvantages of franchising for the franchisee:

Less control: The franchisee may have less control over the business than if they were operating independently.
High upfront costs: The franchisee must pay the franchisor an initial investment fee and ongoing royalties, which can be a significant expense.
Ongoing obligations to the franchisor: The franchisee is bound by the terms of the franchise agreement and must comply with the franchisor’s requirements, which can be restrictive. The franchisor may dictate how the business is run, including decisions such as pricing, product selection, and hours of operation

Disadvantages of franchising for the franchisor:

Quality: The franchisor may have difficulty maintaining consistent quality across all locations.
Less control: The franchisor must be willing to give up some control over how the business is run.
Liability: The franchisor may be liable for the actions of their franchisees.
Legal disputes: The franchisor may face legal disputes and have difficulty terminating a franchise agreement if the franchisee is not meeting their obligations.
Financial risk: Franchises can be expensive to get started, and there is always the potential for financial loss.
Reputational risk: If a franchisee does not operate their business according to the franchisor’s standards, it could negatively affect its brand.

Tips for Success

Tips for Success as a Franchisee

If you’re considering franchising, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:

Do your research: Carefully research the franchisor and the franchise opportunity before deciding.
Make sure you’re a good fit: Be sure that you’re a good fit for the franchise model and have the necessary skills and experience to succeed.
Have realistic expectations: Understand that you’ll be running your own business and that there will be risks involved.
Be prepared to invest: Franchises can be expensive to start, so be ready to make a significant financial investment.
Follow the rules: Be sure to follow the franchisor’s rules and regulations carefully to avoid legal disputes.
Stay up to date on changes in the industry and trends that may affect your business.
Build strong relationships with your franchisor and fellow franchisees.
Stay focused on your customers and provide them with outstanding service.
Constantly look for ways to improve your business operations.

Tips for Success as a Franchisor:

If you’re looking for a way to grow your business and are considering becoming a franchisor, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Attract quality franchisees who will be committed to the business’s success.
Provide comprehensive training and support to help franchisees get started.
Monitor franchisees closely to ensure they are adhering to your standards.
Be proactive in addressing any problems that may arise.
Support your franchisees and help them grow their businesses.

Franchising can be a great way to expand your business or get started in business ownership. Whether you are considering being a franchisor or franchisee, it’s essential to understand the risks and benefits before deciding. By carefully considering all of the factors involved and taking steps to increase your chances of success, you can make the best decision for you and your business.