When you sit down with a franchise development team, you need to come prepared. These 30 questions cover everything from the business model to the fine print of the franchise agreement. Check each question off as you get a satisfying answer. If you cannot get a clear answer on any question, that is your signal to dig deeper before moving forward.
30Total Questions
6Categories
1–2Meetings to Cover
How to use this tool: Enter the franchise brand and rep name below. Click any section to expand it. Click any question to check it off as you cover it during your meetings. Your progress saves automatically in your browser.
Section 01
About the Business
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What makes your franchise different from competitors in this space?
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What is the ideal candidate profile for your franchise system?
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How many franchise locations have opened and closed in the last three years?
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What is the average time from signing to opening day?
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What markets or territories are currently available?
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Section 02
Financial Details
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What is the realistic total investment to open including working capital?
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What are the ongoing fees beyond royalty and ad fund?
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Does the FDD include an Item 19 financial performance representation?
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What financing options or preferred lenders do you work with?
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What is the average time to breakeven for new franchisees?
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What percentage of your franchisees are profitable within the first two years?
11
Section 03
Training and Support
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Walk me through the full training program from signing to opening day.
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What ongoing training and support do you provide after the grand opening?
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How many field support representatives do you have, and what is the ratio to franchisees?
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What technology systems do you provide, and what do they cost?
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What does the national marketing fund spend money on, and can franchisees see the results?
16
Section 04
Territory and Growth
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How is the territory defined and what protections do I have?
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Can the company compete with me through online sales or alternative channels in my territory?
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What is the process for opening additional locations?
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Are there any performance requirements that could affect my territory rights?
20
Section 05
Legal and Agreement
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What are the key terms of the franchise agreement I should be aware of?
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Under what circumstances can the franchise agreement be terminated?
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What is the renewal process and can the terms change at renewal?
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What does the non-compete clause cover after I leave the system?
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Can I review the operations manual before I sign?
25
Section 06
Validation
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Can you provide a list of all current franchisees, not just references?
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Can I speak with franchisees who have left the system in the last three years?
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What is the most common reason franchisees leave your system?
28
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What are the biggest challenges your franchisees face right now?
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If I called 10 random franchisees from the Item 20 list, what would they say about your franchise?
30
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