X-press Legal Services Franchise

[positiveenergy]

Hi guys,

I don't know whether this is the right place for this message or not.

I have a friend who is thinking about getting a franchise from X-Press Legal Services. The cost is £24,500 with £15,000 working capital. The business is all about doing personal local authority searches for the conveyancing profession. Does anyone know anything about this particular franchise, good or bad? She is a good friend of mine so I want to help her with her research.
Thanks.

 

[Sparky331]

As with any franchise you should undertake your 'due diligence' in respect of the business. Having had a quick look at their website it does seem a respectable organisation. Their MD was managing editor for Business Franchise magazine for 10 years and they are not afraid to give the full contact details for all their offices on their website together with photographs of all their franchisees.

This doesn't mean they've not had any failures which is something you should ask and be quite specific about. If they invite you to contact any of their existing franchisees to find further information that's a good sign. Don't forget to speak to franchisees who've been in the organisation both short and long term.

Although your friend probably won't be able to avoid having some form of 'entire agreement clause' in the franchise contract, try and negotiate the more unfavourable terms out. Your friend should definately seek legal advice from a solicitor specialising in franchising.

However, on the face of it, the Lister family do appear to have a lot of experience in the franchising industry which can't be a bad thing. They will know the answers to all the questions likely to be levelled at them. Just make sure you pay for the correct advice and try and get some background information on the company.

Bob