- Legally speaking anything can be franchised, even an idea. However
we believe a business must be in operation for at least one
year before they think about franchising. After all, entrepreneurs
purchase a franchise because it is a proven business model... something
out there that is already working (proof of concept.) So it kind
of goes against all logic to franchise a business that does not
have some type of proven track record. Besides being in operation,
the business must have something unique and different
about it. We ask a number of questions when we talk with business
owners that help us determine if their business is scalable or if
it even makes sense to franchise it. Just because a business can
franchise does not always mean they should franchise. It is also
good to know that it is not necessary for business owners to have
several locations in order to start franchising as most businesses
launch into franchising with only one location in operation.
-
We specialize in domestic franchising only (all over the United
States). The neat thing about franchising is that it is regulated
by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) so it is
federal. This means that once the guidelines are met a business
can franchise not just in their home state, but nationwide. We do
not work on international franchising.
What
does your service include when you say you are a “Franchise
Maker?”
-
We are a franchise development company, so that
means that we take businesses through the entire process
to franchise. From start-to-finish we have everything
under one roof. Franchising can be a complicated and confusing
process that includes setting up entities, trademarking,
determining the franchise structure, defining the franchise relationship,
preparing the franchise disclosure documents, filing, registration,
preparing audited financial statements and several other pieces
that involves various attorneys. We draft all documents
in-house, work with clients to define their complete franchise
structure (rather than just give them a 50 page package to fill
out) and work directly with different attorneys to keep ensure
their piece is completed on time and on budget. Bottom line is
that we not only prepare the necessary franchising documents but
quarterback the entire process.
To see some of the Franchise Maker's clients from the last
7 years click HERE.
How
long is the process to franchise a business?
-
The process to franchise can take a little as 90 days.
The neat thing about our franchise development program is that
it is customizable. The quickest is 90 days however our program
is geared to work at our client’s speed so they can still
run their business while evolving into their role as a franchiser.
Other variables that affect timeline are registration states and
how available the client is to go over material.

How
fast after the franchising process do your clients start selling
franchises?
-
Right away!… It’s not unusual for
our clients to award their first franchise in as quickly as three
months once they are able to offer franchise opportunities.
And we’ve had several clients that have done that, and everybody
loves when that happens! Depending on the concept, it is best
to for our clients to have a goal of awarding 3 to 6 franchises
in the first year they start offering franchises. That means 3
to 6 franchises up and running. Just in the last couple of years
we have seen a lot of our clients beat that goal and end up awarding
multiple franchises in multiple states.
To
learn more about David Waldman's company and to see if Franchising
is for you, go to the web site: TheFranchiseMaker.com
Our
project hi-light for July is Yolik
yogurt shop in Shanghai, China.

If
you would like to learn more about how to brand your business,
take a look if you could use this new e-book - "Branding
By Interior." (by Ekaterina Kohlwes)