Choosing Your Ideal Industry
Get ready to choose the industry that’s right for you! You’ll receive pointers and we’ll ask an expert for advice, and find out how he knows when a prospect has chosen the right industry. Full Story

The Health Industry’s Popular Crowd: Supplement Stores
With consumers today wanting to look and feel better, the specialty retail market for nutritional supplements is booming.As the industry leader, General Nutrition Centers, Inc. (GNC) commands a large part of the $17.4 billion in annual sales the supplement market claims. Full Story

Finding the Perfect Franchise Online
Welcome to a new age in franchising. Everything these days seems to be accomplished with the help of a computer, and the franchise industry is no exception. From Extranets, where franchisees can come together, learn about new products, and brush up on company policies and procedures, to unified software that truly allows every location of a franchise to be run in a similar manner, wherever in the world it might be located – Franchisors and franchisees are equally embracing what technology and the Internet can offer them. Full Story

'Cool' Franchises Are Hot!
As summer kicks into full-gear and the sun heats up, millions of people flock to their nearest warm-weather treatery for the best super-premium ice cream, frozen custard, and smoothies. Full Story

Finding Your Ideal Business
First, you need to learn about yourself and your needs and goals. Once you’ve discovered this information about yourself, learn as much about the franchise industry and the various types of businesses you can buy. Full Story

Great Support
There are many elements that ultimately play a part in the success of a franchise and the happiness of its franchisees, but strong franchisor support is key. Full Story

Positive Franchisee-Franchisor Relationships Yield Success
In franchising, the relationship between franchisor and franchisee is key. Like the effort a husband and wife must give to their relationship, the franchisee and franchisor's relationship is one that is complicated and intense. Full Story

Overcoming Adversity To Succeed As A Franchisee
When hard times happen, entrepreneurs are faced with the possibility that their business might be affected. For Bill Stegall and Greg Goodman, each facing very different circumstances, they were both able to not only survive the tragedies they faced; They built their businesses up to be great successes. Full Story

Starting a Franchise vs. Starting From Scratch
Times are tough. The economy and job market are harsh. -- Recent college graduates are working in stores and loyal, long-time employees are being laid off. Owning a business of one’s own is becoming more and more appealing for people in all levels of their career. So how do you choose between starting an original business and buying a franchise? Full Story

The Scoop On The Franchise Fee
Whether you're investigating your first franchise opportunity or you’re a seasoned franchisee, you might wonder how franchisors figure out what to charge for a franchise fee, and what you will receive for that typically sizeable investment. Read on to learn more about the franchise fee, the initial investment you will make to join a franchise system. Full Story

Creating Your Business Plan
There’s lots of work and thought involved in creating a business plan, but it is well worth the time and effort involved. Read on to learn more about creating your business plan. Full Story

How Much Can You Expect: Understanding Earnings Claims
Are you considering the purchase of a franchise, and wonder just how much you will earn? Is the business a good, sound investment? Uncovered are the myths and the truths about franchise earnings claims that you should know before you purchase a franchise. Full Story

States That Require Franchise Registration
When it comes to franchising, not all states are created equal. Some states require franchisors to register their opportunity. In 35 states in the U.S. a franchisor can immediately sell their opportunity as long as a current UFOC (Uniform Franchise Offering Circular) is provided to the prospective buyer at least 10 business days before any contract is signed and any money is paid. However, for 15 states, there are additional requirements that must be met. Full Story

What’s Included In the UFOC?
You will receive the franchisor’s Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC) when you are considering the purchase of a franchise. Read on to learn what the OFOC is, what you can expect to learn from te document and why you MUST receive one prior to signing any franchise agreement. Full Story

Franchise 101: A Primer
Educate yourself before you dive head first into buying a franchise. One major subject that you will want to learn the basics about is franchise law. Read on and remember that you will eventually want to find a lawyer specializing in franchise law to help you with particular questions and problems that may arise. Full Story

Beat the Competition
Undoubtedly, if you are trying to decide which business is right for you or if you already own your own franchise, your main goal is to be successful. Full Story

When Do You Need a Lawyer?
It is imperative that all franchisees and serious prospective franchiseesinclude a qualified franchise lawyer on their team. A experienced lawyer and accountant familiar with franchise contracts, franchise relationships and handling the situations that could possibly arise for their client, the franchisee. Full Story

Franchising Across the World
Brian Curin, Caribbean Area Developer: Cold Stone Creamery, tells of his success in pioneering the development of a franchise in the Caribbean. Full Story

War and Its Effects on the Franchise Industry
The United States might never be the same again. The events of September 11, 2001 will surely have a place in history. Forever, lives and businesses will be changed. The franchise industry, like many other industries, has found the positive in this tragic event. From selflessly helping out to seeing increased prosperity, the franchise industry has been touched by war and tragedy and is making the most of a horrible situation. Full Story

From Candles to Hydraulic Hose, the Franchise Community Responds Nationwide
Following the United States' tragedy on September 11, the franchise industry has quickly come to the aid of those involved, with acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion. This article is a tribute to the people that make the franchise community so warm and wonderful, and is a reminder of why we have all chosen to be a part of such a caring industry. Full Story

Recycled Franchises…Why Buy 2nd Hand?
Are you looking to start a business and are currently reviewing your options? If franchises sound good to you, there is another option you may not be aware of: Buying a franchise that is already established. Full Story