Franchise Explained: An introduction to the franchise
Researchers estimate that more than 3,000 firms, called franchisors, sell franchises in the U.S.. What is more, these same researchers suggest that there are more than 500,000 franchise outlets operating in the country, including more than a hundred thousand restaurants, more than a hundred thousand gas stations, and close to a hundred thousand business service providers.
Clearly, franchise businesses work--and work well--for huge numbers of people.
Nevertheless, a franchise is not without its risks and downside. Accordingly, at this web site, I'm going to provide some basic planning information about the franchise method of business ownership, highlight some of the things you must know as you begin to consider this exciting but somewhat scary road, give answers to frequently asked franchise questions, and also provide some links to other free franchise-related resources.
Stephen L. Nelson, CPA
QuickBooks for Dummies author
More information on franchise opportunities and franchise ownership: