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Mar 21, 2025

Reality Check: Do You Have What It Takes to Own a Franchise?

by Cherie Foo

Many aspiring business owners see franchising as a shortcut to success. The brand is established, the systems are in place, and all you have to do is step in and make sure things run smoothly—right? Not quite. While a franchise does offer a proven business model, owning one is far from a hands-off endeavor. It requires a unique blend of skills, effort, and mindset. If you’re considering franchise ownership, take a step back and assess whether you truly have what it takes. In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to thrive as a franchise owner. Requirement 1: Willingness to follow the system One of the biggest appeals of a franchise is its established blueprint for success. The business model has been tested, refined, and proven effective across multiple locations. However, this also means you’re not in full control. Unlike independent business owners who can make decisions freely, franchisees must operate within a structured framework. If you’re the type who loves experimenting with marketing strategies, tweaking the menu, or overhauling operations to fit your personal vision, you may find franchising frustrating. Franchisors expect consistency—your location should look, feel, and operate just like every other in the network. Whether it’s branding, product offerings, pricing, or even the layout of your store, you’ll need to follow corporate guidelines to maintain uniformity. Successful franchisees understand that their role is to execute, not reinvent. The willingness to follow brand guidelines, adhere to operating procedures, and trust the system is non-negotiable. This applies to everything […]

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