Franchise advice from industry expert

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Franchise Gator Admin

In a recent advice column, one franchising expert gave those thinking of opening up their own franchises some advice.

Writing for the Houston Chronicle, Ron Consolino tackled the following question: Is starting a franchise better than starting a business on your own? Consolino said that it is often a personal decision.

One benefit that Consolino points to is that franchises are often lower risks than other types of businesses. The main reason being that the store is already a tested concept that customers in other markets have responded to. By following the path of other successful franchisees, new owners can often benefit.

"Successful franchisees don't like to reinvent the wheel. They like to work within the proven systems and established procedures of the franchisor," he writes. "They constantly ask advice of the franchisor support staff and other successful franchisees and follow the advice they get."

Many around the country have found success in fast-growing franchises. Restaurant Business magazine recently named its Future 50, which distinguishes the 50 fastest-growing franchises in the nation with sales between $25 million and $50 million.