Advice for setting up a franchise

[hibiscus]

Hi,

My co. would like to expand it's business into a franchise and I have been tasked with research of getting this off the ground and working out the costs. I am to research getting this off the ground in the UK and the US.

I would be v grateful on any advice - things I need to do or avoid.

Is it best to work with a franchise consultant or can we do this on our own?

Sorry if I am being vague - I am just starting to look into this and find a lot of info on the internet more for franchisees than franchisors. I would also be grateful if anyone can point me to good websites for info/books etc.

Many thanks in advance,

H

 

[Dan Matthews P&FM]

Well our website will be good for this, but it's not live for another month!!

If you're new to franchising it's best to get a consultant. The logistics involved can be huge (what help are you offering franchisees, how will you source them, how much are you prepared to spend on each etc). You must maintain the quality of service, customer care etc, and any mistakes in this area could harm the parent business!

 

[Peter Bowen]

I was involved in the systemizing of a business as part of the planing stages of a franchise system in the UK.

I'd recommend that you read "The Franchisor's Handbook" by John H Pratt before you go and spend a whack on a franchise consultant.

It would probably be worthwhile testing the roll out model by opening a few of your own stores/branches using your set up process and operations manual. This will give you the chance to refine your systems and will also prove to the prospective franchisee (and their source of funding) that the concept works and is transferable.

 

[spooks]

Try contacting the British Franchise association, I remember a company called Franchise Development Services were heavily mentioned in all their magazines, they seemed to be the consultant for alot of franchisors
Good luck