要準備買下特許經營權了？確保您買下的是您想要的

要準備買下特許經營權了？確保您買下的是您想要的
Ready to buy a franchise? Be sure you can get what you want

在您買下一個合適的特許經營機會之前，您必須非常清楚您想從這盤生意得到甚麼 。然後，您應該非常仔細的對其分析，以確保這盤生意和您的目標是一致。
'Before you can find the right fit in a franchise you need to be very clear about what you want from the business. You should then be very rigorous in your research to ensure your goals are aligned.'

資料來源︰ www.franchise.net.au, 2 December, 2013

Ready to buy a franchise? Be sure you can get what you want

Before you can find the right fit in a franchise you need to be very clear about what you want from the business. You should then be very rigorous in your research to ensure your goals are aligned.

“It can be difficult to assess where a business sits in the market as franchisors rarely provide this to franchisees,” says David Newhouse, an accredited business law specialist and franchising lawyer of Newhouse & Arnold Solicitors.

POSSIBLE PITFALLS?

“It’s also quite common for franchisors to make statements in their presentations to prospective franchisees potential growth in the business without touching on any threats, weaknesses or possible pitfalls. For example, we have spoken to franchisees who weren’t told that the only way to make the salary they were promised was to work seven-day, 80-hour weeks, or who weren’t warned that they might find it hard to recruit staff. These are the kinds of things that can separate a sustainable business from a nine days’ wonder.”

Greg Hodson, franchise leader at PwC Australia, recommends taking a close look at the market segment the business sits in, both at home and overseas, so that you can build up a detailed picture of its size, how long it has been around and the scale and nature of the competition. But the most important aspect of due diligence might well be talking to other franchisees.

TALK TO FRANCHISEES

“That could be your best indicator of the culture of the franchise, its financial status and the quality and extent of the support you can expect to receive,” says Hodson. “It will also help you to decide whether you can get what you want out of the business.”

Finding the right franchise takes patience and perseverance, but searching out all of the possible red flags can save a great deal of money and effort over time.

“For many franchisees, this is not only the biggest investment decision in their lives it’s something they know little about,” says Newhouse. “As well as doing your own research, it makes sense to engage a trusted team of franchise lawyers, accountants and financial advisors with the experience and expertise to help you make a sound decision.”

LOOK OUT FOR THE RED FLAGS

Like any other investment, buying a franchise has an element of risk. To minimise the risk, be on the lookout for red flags like these when you do your due diligence. If you spot one, intensify your research until you’re either satisfied the business has potential for long-term success or decide that your money would be better spent elsewhere.

1. The franchise is a one-trick pony. If the business has been built around a single product or service does it have the potential to expand into different areas if consumer interest wanes or technology moves on?

2. The franchisor has no business experience. Some of the most successful franchises started small. However, before you invest in a business with little history, you need to feel confident that management has the expertise and strength to guide it through growth and change.  

3. The franchise is growing very quickly. It’s natural to be tempted by a sudden burst of consumer interest but, if the franchise is growing faster than the skills and resources needed to support it, it could be a castle built on sand.

4. Selling wants not needs. If consumers consider your product or service to be a luxury rather than a necessity, it could be the first they cross off their shopping list if times get tough.