I Went to a Franchise Expo – Now What?

Posted on December 07, 2011 by Ben Baggett

In the days following your visit to a Franchise Expo, it is likely that your head will be swimming with ideas and excitement.  You might also be a bit nervous and scared about making a decision that will alter life as you know it.  Fear is normal – embrace the change!   The great thing about investing in a Franchise is that you are – going into business for yourself - but not by yourself.  The Franchisor will provide a support network to help you be successful. 

Follow these guidelines to help you navigate the next steps …

• Narrow down your areas of interest.  Review your materials, notes and conversation from when you visited the show.  You may want to visit the website for each of the companies you are contemplating.  Determine which 1-3 concepts you are most interested in.
• Contact each company and let them know that you are interested in taking the next step. 
• At this stage, the Franchisor is likely to provide you with the FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document).  The FDD contains extensive information about the franchise company, history of the company officials, the names and contact information for the current franchisees, and a copy of the franchise contract. Review this information very carefully!
• If you have not yet engaged the support of a Franchise lawyer – now would be a good time for that.  Perhaps you met a Lawyer at the Franchise Show that you could contact to help you successfully complete this process.
• Contact existing Franchisees.  This is your best source of information about how the company operates.  Contact information for existing Franchisees will be in the FDD.
• Visit the Franchise corporate office.   This is an important step in making sure that you are 100% comfortable joining this company.  It will give you a chance to get a true feel for the corporate culture and operations.
• Make your decision!  Sign the papers! 

Article by Leslie Lawrence

Leslie is Sales Director for National Event Management and a producer of 26 annual Franchise and Business Opportunities Expos in North America.