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The Ultimate Guide to Franchise Broker Services
Franchising can be a lucrative business opportunity, no doubt about that. However, navigating the world of franchises can be overwhelming, and that’s where a franchise broker comes in.
This article will discuss everything a beginner needs to know about franchise broker services, including what franchise brokers do, who pays the broker, and the pros and cons of working with one.
Whether you’re a first-time franchisee or a seasoned business owner, this guide will provide valuable insights into the world of franchise brokers and help you make informed decisions about your franchise investment.
What Does a Franchise Broker Do?
A franchise broker is a professional who assists potential franchisees in finding and evaluating franchise opportunities.
In short, they act as intermediaries between franchisors and franchisees, aiming to match potential franchisees with franchises that best suit their interests, skills, and financial capabilities. They can be extremely valuable for people still choosing a franchise or those who want to jump on the latest franchise trends.
Here are some of the critical tasks that a franchise broker does:
- Research. A franchise broker researches various franchise opportunities to determine their suitability for potential franchisees. They evaluate franchise systems based on various criteria, such as branding, training quality, and return on investment. They use this information to match entrepreneurs with franchisors.
- Providing guidance. They provide guidance and support to potential franchisees throughout the franchise acquisition process, including compliance with franchise rules. This service involves helping them understand the franchise agreement and disclosure documents. It also entails offering information about financing options and business planning.
- Facilitating introductions. Once a potential franchisee has identified a franchise opportunity they’re interested in, the franchise broker facilitates introductions between the two parties. They can also arrange site visits and meetings with current franchisees.
- Negotiating terms. The best franchise brokers can help potential franchisees negotiate the terms of their franchise agreement. These terms may include the initial franchise fee, ongoing royalty payments, and other contractual terms.
Franchise brokers can also work in the opposite direction of the traditional brokerage process by assisting large national corporations in finding suitable franchise owners. In this role, they collaborate with the parent company to identify ideal candidates for franchise ownership and establish specific requirements for potential franchisees.
Additionally, they conduct market research in targeted areas to identify potential opportunities for successful franchise locations. This research includes analyzing the performance of previous franchises, assessing the availability of comparable services in the region, and considering other factors that may impact the performance of a franchise.
Who Pays a Franchise Broker?
If you’re worried that you need to pay a hefty sum to your franchise broker, don’t worry. In most cases, franchise brokers are compensated by the franchisor, not the franchisee.
Franchisors typically pay the broker a commission or referral fee for successfully matching them with a qualified franchisee who purchases a franchise. The fee structure and amount of commission can vary depending on the franchisor and the specific agreement with the broker, but it is generally a percentage of the initial franchise fee paid by the franchisee.
It’s vital to note that even though the franchisor pays the broker, the franchise broker has a legal obligation to act in the best interests of both parties. This means that the broker must disclose any financial arrangements with the franchisor to potential franchisees and provide unbiased recommendations based on the franchisee’s needs and goals.
What is the Difference Between a Franchise Consultant and a Franchise Broker?
Some people interchange the terms franchise consultant and franchise broker, but there are apparent differences between the two.
As explained above, a franchise broker is a mediator who links franchise sellers with potential buyers. They earn a commission from the sale in the process.
On the other hand, a franchise consultant is a professional who offers independent advice on a range of matters related to selling a franchise. These matters may include valuation, marketing, due diligence, and closing. They work independently of any particular franchisor or buyer.
What are the Pros and Cons of Working With a Franchise Broker?
Working with a franchise broker can have both advantages and disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons to weigh before making a decision:
Pros
- Expertise. Franchise brokers thoroughly understand the franchise industry, including the latest trends, popular franchise brands, and the regulatory environment. They can provide valuable insights and guidance to potential franchisees, helping them find the right opportunity that aligns with their goals and interests.
- Access to Opportunities. Brokers have established relationships with franchisors, giving potential franchisees access to a broader range of opportunities than they might find on their own. This can save time and effort in the research process and increase the chances of finding the right franchise opportunity.
- Assistance Throughout the Process. Brokers can guide potential franchisees through the entire process, from initial research to signing the franchise agreement. They can provide valuable support and advice at each stage, including help with due diligence, financing, and negotiating the terms of the agreement.
Cons
- Cost. Franchise brokers are typically paid a commission by the franchisor, which is ultimately passed on to the franchisee. This can add to the initial cost of purchasing a franchise, and potential franchisees should carefully consider whether the additional cost is worth the services provided by the broker.
- Potential for Bias. While brokers are required to act in the best interests of both parties, there is a risk that they may be more aligned with the franchisor’s interests, who is paying their commission. This could lead to potential conflicts of interest or a recommendation that is not fully aligned with the franchisee’s needs.
- Limited Choice. Brokers may have preferred franchisors that they work with, which could limit the range of options available to potential franchisees. This could also mean that the broker may not have access to certain opportunities that could fit the franchisee well.
Working with a franchise broker can be beneficial in terms of access to knowledge, expertise, and a wider range of opportunities. However, it is essential to weigh the potential costs, potential for bias, and limited choice against these benefits before deciding to work with a broker.
Are you gearing up for a new business in 2024? Forget the next big tech start-up -the latest trend in town might be a perfectly toasted baguette. Take Paris Banh Mi Cafe and Bakery, for instance. This Vietnamese sandwich shop is rapidly growing, with locations popping up from coast to coast, from California to Florida.
But what’s the secret behind their success? Explore why the Paris Banh Mi franchise has snowballed in the last two years and be inspired to start your own business .
About Paris Banh Mi
The French baguette was introduced in Vietnam in the mid-19th century when the country was still a part of French Indochina. In the 1950s, Saigon saw the birth of a unique Vietnamese sandwich, “bánh mì,” which quickly became a favorite food of a large part of the population.
The story of Paris Banh Mi started in Orlando, Florida, at 1021 E Colonial Drive in 2019. Hien Tran and Doan Nguyen, a married couple passionate about food, opened the first Paris Banh Mi location. Their concept was simple: bring the delicious flavors of Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, traditionally baguettes filled with savory meats and pickled vegetables, to a broader audience.
The customers quickly fell in love with the fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and convenient fast-casual setting. Now, Paris Banh Mi Cafe and Bakery promises to bring their customers the best “Baguette Banh Mi” taste.
In just two years, the laid-back cafe and bakery in Florida multiplied into a chain of stores in the county. Today, Paris Banh Mi is serving customers in 46 locations all across the USA. The company plans to expand to 100+ locations by 2026.
Each Paris Banh Mi Cafe and Bakery has a clean and spacious dining area, fast service, friendly staff, and a selection of delicious food and pastries. Take a peek at some of their mouth-watering baguette sandwiches filled with authentic Vietnamese ingredients.
Source: Paris Banh Mi website
For those craving something sweet, the bakery indulges you with a variety of French pastries. Check out their sandwiches, pastries, and beverages on the Paris Banh Mi Cafe and Bakery menu page.
Source: Paris Banh Mi website
Why Own a Paris Banh Mi Franchise
Paris Banh Mi is a franchised quick-service restaurant offering exciting opportunities for aspiring business owners. Many nail salon owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are switching to buying a Paris Banh Mi franchise. The main reasons why they love Paris are:
- It opens a great opportunity and is more profitable.
- Seamless franchising process and fewer things to worry about
- Required low capital to open
- Higher end-of-year profits
The benefits extend beyond operational efficiency. Paris Banh Mi boasts a surprisingly low-cost entry point compared to other franchises.
The initial franchise fee is manageable at $60,000. The total investment for opening a Paris Banh Mi can range from $200,000 to $500,000. This amount reflects the option to acquire a pre-existing, equipped location (second generation) for a lower investment cost or a complete build-out from scratch option.
Regardless of the chosen route, the investment is significantly lower than that of building a business from the ground up, making Paris Banh Mi an attractive option for many entrepreneurs.
Licensing Information
Owning a Paris Banh Mi franchise is not just about delicious food! The company is looking for dedicated individuals who can run their restaurant full-time. They will provide a multi-day training program for new franchisees. In addition, Paris Banh Mi offers ongoing support for franchisees, guiding them to make informed decisions and thrive in this exciting industry.
You’re a good fit for a Paris Banh Mi Cafe Bakery franchise if you are:
- Passionate about food, especially fresh baguettes and pastries
- A self-starter with a proven track record in business
- Financially responsible with a focus on results
- Ready to fully commit to building the Paris Banh Mi brand
If you have what it takes, don’t hesitate to contact them through the franchise hotlines on their franchise opportunities page.
Conclusion
Buying a restaurant franchise is one of the most attractive routes in the world of franchising. Paris Banh Mi makes owning your own business a lot easier. Forget the high costs and headaches of starting from scratch. Their low investment and comprehensive training program mean you can be your own boss with a delicious product. If you are ready to take a bite out of success, contact Paris Banh Mi today!
Buying a franchise from Chick-fil-A is an excellent money-making and healthy option. The fast-food chain has been serving hungry consumers the most delicious chicken sandwiches unmatched by other fast-food restaurants. Buying a Chick-fil-A franchise means investing in a good business and your future. It also lets you continue the culture behind the popular food chain. Here are Chick-fil-A franchising opportunities that will give you entrepreneurial freedom in 2024.
Company Overview
Founded in 1946 by Truett Cathy, Chick-fil-A is deemed one of the longest-running chicken sandwich chains in the United States. The founder opened his first chain in Hapeville, Georgia, and has become a favorite soul food for many. Truett had worked in restaurants seven times a week and knew the importance of rest. That’s why he vowed to close Chick-fil-A every Sunday. He values rest and worship, so he sets aside one day of the week for his employees—a practice that Chick-fil-A still upholds today.
Chick-fil-A also selects franchisees that uphold their values and passion. The company takes great care in selecting who they do business with, which includes getting to know candidates through a lengthy and intensive selection process. The founder’s vision is to influence the people and communities they serve. Chick-fil-A also seeks franchise candidates in Puerto Rico, Canada, and the United States.
Chick-Fil-A candidates are required to show personal financial integrity and stewardship. They also need to have proven experience in leadership and a strong business acumen. Chick-fil-A ensures that candidates showcase entrepreneurial spirit, a strong character, and a growth mindset. This is to uphold the vision and values that Truett started in 1946.
Franchise Training Details
- The initial on-site training programs last three to four weeks. However, the duration and actual location of the training will vary.
- The training program primarily covers operational aspects, such as food preparation, service, customer relations, accounting, communications, purchasing, planning, maintenance, policies, management styles, and marketing.
- The franchisor may require franchisees to attend various conferences and seminars occasionally. This is on top of the initial training program.
- The franchisor may also offer various programs that operators can use in advertising products or hiring staff, which aren’t stipulated in the Franchise Agreement.
Franchise Territory
- The franchisor will grant franchisees one Chick-fil-A restaurant at the franchisor’s designated location.
- Franchisees will not get exclusive or protected territory, so they may face competition from other operators.
Franchise Obligations and Conditions
- Franchisees must devote their time and effort 100% to operating their Chick-fil-A restaurant.
- The franchisor only allows franchisees to sell products approved by Chick-fil-A. This also applies to franchisees with a Chick-fil-A-associated food truck.
Franchise Term and Renewal
The franchise term expires on early December 31, the year the agreement is signed or whatever the lease expiration is. Franchisees may apply for one-year extensions unless written notice is given 30 days before the franchise term expires.
Financial Assistance
- The franchisor designates locations, leases, and subleases the store’s premises to franchisees. The lease and sublease terms will vary depending on the type of Chick-fil-A restaurant and location.
- The franchisor also engages in concession agreements that oversee the utilization of non-traditional satellite unit locations with the proprietors or administrators of said satellite unit spaces.
- The franchisor offers extended payment periods for specific pre-opening costs stipulated in the Franchise Agreement. Additionally, the franchisor leases equipment to operators, charging a monthly rental fee based on the fair market rental value established by Chick-fil-A using its singular and exclusive business judgment. It’s important to note that neither the franchisor nor any affiliated entities provide any financing arrangements to operators, either directly or indirectly.
Did You Know?
Here are some fun facts about Chick-fil-A you need to know!
- Did you know that Chick-fil-A only uses peanut oil for frying? That’s what makes the chicken its unique flavor! Chick-fil-A is also the single most significant purchaser of peanut oil in the United States. They also believe peanut oil is a healthier option.
- The best Chick-fil-A promotional gig was the “First 100,” where the first 100 customers inside a new Chick-fil-A restaurant would get free chicken for a year.
- Did you know that the founder, Truett Cathy, invented the chicken sandwich? He worked for a restaurant in Atlanta, and the newly delivered chicken breasts were too big to serve as airline food. He turned this into a meal for the staff.
- You can get a free ice cream cone by walking up to the counter and trading your toy when ordering the kid’s meal.
Franchise Cost
Your Investment
| Name of Fee | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $13,500 | $140,000 |
| First Month’s Rental of Equipment | $750 | $5,000 |
| First Month’s Lease/Sublease of Premises | $2,550 | $85,500 |
| First Month’s Insurance Expense | $240 | $12,000 |
| Additional Funds | $491,345 | $2,550,935 |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL | $518,385 | $2,803,435 |
Other Fees
| Type of Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Advertising | May vary (a) between 0% to 3.25%, to be determined by Chick-fil-A, as a percentage of gross receipts or (b) by vote of operators in local or regional areas. |
| Advertising Support and Services Fee | Advertising support and services fees incurred, if any, will vary based upon the support and services offered by the franchisor, and selected and received by the operator; the current in-house blended hourly rate for services is $100; Operator will pay any additional fees, costs and expenses as applicable. |
| Additional Franchise Fee | $5,000 for each additional Chick-fil-A restaurant business. |
| Business Services Fee | $300 (monthly). |
| Rent (Traditional Restaurant) | $2,550 to $85,500 (including where applicable, percentage rent). |
| Occupancy Charge (Satellite Unit) | Determined under the concession agreement attached as an exhibit to the concession sublicense agreement; currently estimated to range between 4% and 30% of gross receipts. |
| Food Truck Usage Fee (Food Truck) | Currently $2,100 to $3,100, plus additional fees, costs and expenses. |
| Food Truck Insurance Fee (Food Truck) | Currently $250 to $450 (monthly). |
| Insurance | $240 to $12,000 (monthly). |
| Equipment Rental | Currently $750 to $5,000 (monthly). |
| Hardware and Software Support; High-Speed Internet Access | $9,500 to $20,000 (annually). |
| Fines – Minimum Standards and Procedures | Will vary under the circumstances. |
| Indemnification | Will vary under the circumstances. |
| Operating Service Charges | Determined by formula. |
| Credit Cards Fees and Related Processing Fees | Will vary. |
| Highway Signage | Will vary under circumstances. |
| Interest on Late Payments | The maximum rate permitted by law, or if none, 1.25% per month. |
| Cash Handling System Services | $85 to $450 (monthly) |
| Reimbursement of Cost of Performance | Costs and expenses of performance. |
| Holdover Liquidated Damages | Double the base rent and percentage rent. |
Here are the Chick-fil-A franchise costs:
If you’re looking for another investment opportunity, visit Franchise How’s website for more information.
Taking care of your home’s plumbing system is an essential part of being a homeowner. However, not everyone has the skill and patience to do it, and so franchises such as Zoom Sewer and Drain Cleaning are some of the most lucrative. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of getting it:
Franchise Description
Zoom Sewer and Drain Cleaning provides drain cleaning, maintenance, sewer inspections, repair and replacement services for residential and commercial customers. The business began in 1995 and had been franchising since 2013. They have their headquarters in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and Zoom Franchise Company, LLC is the franchisor.
Training
Training for the franchisee’s principal owner and personnel will be provided by the franchisor or its representatives and agents. Before starting your franchise, Zoom Sewer and Drain Cleaning will require you to complete their training program. It comes in two phases:
- Phase 1: 2 to 3 days training at the Franchise Business
- Phase2: 2 to 3 days in Norristown, PA
The franchisor may also require you to attend additional training during the length of your term agreement. The franchisor is planning to hold a 2 to 3-day national Zoom Fest yearly. This will be held in Norristown, PA, or any location it designates. They will require franchisees to attend, but their managers will be welcome.
Territory
The franchisor will designate a protected territory where the franchisees will operate their business. Before signing any Franchise Agreement, both the franchisor and the franchisee will agree on a geographic territory.
The franchisor will base the protected territory on contiguous zip codes that will consist of approximately 500,000 individuals. This will be based on the most recent U.S. Census data at the time of signing the franchise agreement. This means that as long as the deal is taking effect, the franchisor or its affiliates will not locate, operate, or grant a franchise for another Zoom Sewer and Drain Cleaning business within the protected territory.
Obligations
The franchisor requires the franchisee or its principal owner to exert every effort to take responsibility for the management of the business. They will do this on a daily basis unless they agree on an alternate arrangement. With the franchisor’s discretion, the franchisee can hire a manager to handle the operations of the business.
Franchisors will also require you to sell products and services that have their approval. On the other hand, franchisees aren’t allowed to sell unauthorized products or services in compliance with the franchise agreement. Franchisees are also not allowed to solicit business outside of the protected territory. They are, however, permitted to serve customers outside of the protected territory as written in the FDD.
Term of Agreement
The initial franchise will take ten years after the signing of the agreement. You can renew the contract for another ten years, for four times, if you continue to meet the requirements.
Financial Assistance
Zoom Sewer and Drain Cleaning doesn’t offer direct or indirect financial assistance to its franchisees. In addition, they will not guarantee a franchisee’s note, lease, or obligation.
Did You Know?
Get to know more about Zoom Sewer and Drain Cleaning before you get that franchise. Here are some facts about the business:
- They have very little competition in the niche. Most of their competitors are independent plumbers and contractors
- According to the company’s co-founder and COO, Ellen Rohr, this is a recession-resistant business, and the Covid-19 pandemic has proven this
- They have a reported $12 million in revenue with 53 employees and 15 franchisees
Your Investment
The table below shows the estimated cost of a Zoom Sewer and Drain Cleaning franchise. Take note that these numbers may change without any prior notice.
| Name of Fee | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Lease | $3,000 | $9,000 |
| Leasehold Improvement | $2,000 | $40,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Computer System | $7,500 | $13,000 |
| Vehicles | $7,000 | $9,500 |
| Vehicle Wrap and Design | $4,500 | $5,500 |
| Initial Equipment and Inventory of Supplies | $40,000 | $50,000 |
| Business Licenses and Permits; Deposits and Pre-Paid Expenses | $0 | $5,000 |
| Professional Fees | $500 | $3,000 |
| Insurance – Quarterly | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Initial Training Expenses | $500 | $3,000 |
| Initial Marketing Expenses | $45,000 | $60,000 |
| Additional Funds – 6 months | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL | $199,000 | $341,000 |
Other Costs
| Type of Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Net Sales. |
| Marketing Fee | Up to 2% of Net Sales. Currently, the franchisor does not charge this fee. |
| Call Center Fee | Up to $25 per scheduled appointment. Currently, the franchisor does not operate the Call Center or charge a Call Center Fee. |
| Technology Fee | The then-current Technology Fee; currently $500 per month. |
| Webpage Development and Optimization Fee | The then-current fee charged by the franchisor’s designated website SEO provider; currently $695 per month. |
| Additional Location Fee | The then-current Additional Location Fee; currently $2,000. |
| Transfer Fee | Up to 50% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee. |
| Renewal Fee | Up to 25% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee. |
| Additional Training and Assistance | Fee and all expenses. Currently $1,000 per day plus travel expenses. |
| National Conference | Reasonable fees and all expenses. |
| Testing for Supplier Approval | Reasonable fee. |
| Interest on Late Payments | Lesser of 1.5% per month or maximum legal rate. |
| Audit Fee | Cost of audit. |
| Taxes | Actual cost. |
| Indemnification | Will vary under circumstances. |
| Costs and Attorneys’ Fees | Will vary under circumstances. |
For other franchising information, check out more articles here at Franchise How!
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