Hi research_help,
Here you go. Please click on the links for more info and links to follow.
>>> AAFD (American Association of Franchisees & Dealers)
American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD)
"The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the
rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout
the United States. The AAFD was formed by Declaration of Trust in May
of 1992 with the original mission of 'Bringing Fairness to
Franchising.' As the AAFD has expanded and evolved, and as many fine
franchising companies have stepped forward to contractually embrace
the promise of Win-Win Franchising, the AAFD's mission has expanded,
but can be succinctly stated as follows:
To define, identify and to use marketplace solutions to promote Total
Quality Franchising."
American Association of Franchisees & Dealers
PO Box 81887, San Diego, CA 92138-1887
(toll-free) 800-733-9858 (fax) 619-209-3777
http://aafd.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=26
The AAFD's "8 Things to Look For in A Franchise"
1. "Select a franchising company that is primarily interested in
distributing quality products and services to ultimate consumers..."
2. "Your franchising company should be dedicated to franchising as its
primary mechanism of product and service distribution..."
3. "Your franchising company should produce and market quality goods
and services for which there is an established market demand..."
4. "Select a franchisor with a well accepted trademark..."
5. "Evaluate your franchisor's business plan and marketing system..."
6. "Your franchisor should have good relationships with its franchisees..."
7. "Only deal with franchising companies that provide sales and
earnings projections which demonstrate an attractive return on your
investment..."
8. "Select a franchisor that supports the AAFD's Franchisee Bill of
Rights and agrees to respect these rights as they apply to your
franchise..."
© The American Association of Franchisees Dealers
Only Select A Franchise Which Meets ALL 8 Criteria!"
http://aafd.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42&Itemid=53#things
>>> Entrepreneur.com
How to Research and Buy a Franchise:
"What is a franchise opportunity and how do you investigate the myriad
choices available? And once you choose the one you want, where do find
the money to pay for it? With detailed data on everything from
starting your research to understanding a franchise agreement to
finding franchise funding, our easy-to-follow guide provides all the
information you need to find and buy a franchise."
Part 1: Franchise Basics
* Franchise or Business Opportunity?
* The Pros
* The Cons
* Associated Costs
* Franchise Law
Part 2: Begin Your Search
* Investigating Your Options
* Attending a Trade Show
* Research Guide
Part 3: Navigate the Paper Trail
* The UFOC
* Key Items in UFOC
* The Financial Statements
* The Financial Statements
* What Should the Franchise Agreement Include?
* Franchise Agreement Provisions
* Obtain Professional Advice
Part 4: Interview Both Sides of the Franchise Equation
* What to Ask the Franchisor
* Questions to Ask Current Franchisees
* Get a Feel for the Franchise
Part 5: Finance Your Franchise
* Business Plan
* Financing From the Franchisor
* Other Sources of Financing
* Tips to Consider
* Tips and Online Resources
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/guide/0,3422,,00.html
Head of the Class
"Your assignment: Buy a Franchise. Step 1: Take our crash course in
finding the right franchise for you."
Entrepreneur's StartUps magazine - September 2004
By Andrew A. Caffey
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/article/0,5847,316877,00.html
Begin Your Search Research Guide
"As you continue your search for the perfect franchise, check out the
resources below to help you find more information on the opportunities
that interest you"
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/article/0,5847,285800----4-,00.html
In the Know
"Looking for a franchise forecast? Your search ends here, as we
predict what will break on franchising's horizon in 2006."
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/article/0,5847,325047,00.html
What's It Really Like to Own a Franchise?
"Wondering what it's really like to buy a franchise? Seven
entrepreneurs tell all about their experiences as franchisees."
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/article/1,5847,321428,00.html
Are You Suited to Be a Franchisee?
"100 questions you should ask or answer before you buy a franchise."
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/article/1,5847,315261,00.html
What Franchisors Want From You
"Are you franchisee material? Take a look at yourself from a
franchisor's point of view, and see how you measure up."
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/article/1,5847,316684,00.html
5 Ways to Get Involved in Franchising
"Think owning and operating is the only way to get involved in a
franchise? Well, we can think of 5 strategies you can use to play the
franchising game. Read on to find the one that fits you best."
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/article/1,5847,319036,00.html
Entrepreneur: Franchise 500® 2006 Rankings:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franzone/listings/fran500/0,5831,,00.html
>>> FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
Federal Trade Commission:
Pamphlets to read before you buy:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menu-fran.htm
>>> SCORE (Counselor's to America's Small Business)
Enter your zip code to find the SCORE office nearest you.
http://www.score.org/findscore/
>>> IFA (International Franchise Association)
http://www.franchise.org/
IFA offers a free course on ?Franchising Basics? that you can try at any time.
To try the course now, just click the following link
FREE Franchising Basics Course.
http://www.ifa-university.com/
>>> SBA (Small Business Administration)
A Consumer Guide to Buying a Franchise
Selecting a Franchise
"Like any other investment, purchasing a franchise is a risk. When
selecting a franchise, carefully consider a number of factors, such as
the demand for the products or services, likely competition, the
franchisor's background, and the level of support you will receive."
Demand
Competition
Your Ability to Operate the Business
Name Recognition
Training and Support Servcies
Franchisor's Experience
Growth
http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/startup/consumerguide.html
Well, that should keep you busy for awhile! If you have any
questions, please post a clarification request and wait for me to
respond before closing/rating my answer.
Thank you,
hummer
Search Strategy:
No search was needed as I have researched franchises extensively in the past. |
