If you’re considering purchasing a franchise and are committed to researching only the best, I invite you to consider what distinguishes today’s top franchise systems. Let’s get started.

I’m going to provide you—with a list of characteristics that all successful franchise systems share. It’s simply superior.

And if you’re considering investing in a franchise business in the future, should also look for financing options & must need self discipline. I recommend using the information below to thoroughly investigate the franchises you’re considering.

As a potential franchise, it’s important to know what brand the franchise is known for. Partnering with a recognizable brand can benefit you right from the start, and gives you the opportunity to obtain business from consumers who are already aligned with the franchise.

The Top 12 Must Have Qualities That All Successful Franchise Systems Contain

A recognizable brand

It’s critical to consider the “brand” in which you’re investing.

For instance, what is the franchise brand’s mission statement?

What comes to mind immediately when you see or hear the name?

What are your observations?

Is it a favorable sign?

I certainly hope so!

Finally, how do your prospective customers perceive you?

As in, what is the general consensus?

Local marketing templates that have been proven to be profitable for franchisees

If you become a franchisee, does your franchisor provide you with special marketing/advertising materials?

Will the marketing team onboard you so you can immediately begin spreading the news locally?

Can you get money through advertisements?

When you contact franchisees (as part of your study), inquire about their marketing efforts and whether their marketing/advertising strategies generate revenue for them.

If such is the case, you are witnessing a successful franchise system in action.

Public relations campaigns that are aggressive.

Is there a contract in place between the franchisor and a public relations firm?

If so, what is the firm’s level of aggression?

For instance, are Press Releases distributed on a monthly basis—or at the very least a few times a year?

Is the brand mentioned on a national and local level?

Finally, did the franchisor make no compromises when selecting a public relations firm?

Looking through a franchise database like Franchise Direct is an excellent place to start because it allows you to search for how to open a franchise firms based on your target investment amount, regions, and sectors.

A top-of-the-line franchise manual.

Is the Franchise Operating Manual up to par?

Unless you become a franchisee, getting your hands on it will be difficult. However, do not be alarmed. There is a way to determine whether something is good or not.

All you have to do is contact a few franchisees.

That is correct. When speaking with existing franchisees, including a question regarding the quality of the operating manual.

And, while we’re on the subject of speaking with independent insurance franchise owners as part of your franchise research, you can ask them as many questions you want to know.

Sustainably developed business technology

Without the appropriate technology to operate it, a franchise business system is doomed.

That is why you must gain an understanding of the franchisor’s technologies. And it’s not difficult to accomplish.

That’s because once you’ve progressed far enough in the franchise purchasing process, you’ll be invited to a Franchise Discovery Day at headquarters. This means you’ll have the opportunity to observe the technology in operation.

Additionally, you may be able to meet with IT personnel to obtain additional information.

Finally, some franchise systems have developed proprietary technologies of their own.

A welcoming corporate culture.

Another activity you’ll be able to participate in during your visit to the franchise headquarters?

You’ll gain a sense of the corporate culture. (As long as you’re a good observer of people.) For instance, how do department heads communicate when you sit down and speak with them?

How are they behaving? Do they look you in the eyes, or does the individual from whom you’re attempting to elicit information appear more like this?

Lines of communication that are open from the bottom up and the top down.

If you speak with enough franchisees throughout the due diligence part of your franchise company investigation, you’ll get a decent sense of how communicative the franchisees are.

For instance, if a franchisee has a problem that he believes is not being resolved, how far up the chain is he willing to go to obtain a resolution?

Specifically, are the executives, up to and including the CEO, willing to intervene if necessary?

And how receptive is the executive team to new ideas?

These are critical details to learn before purchasing a franchise.

A world-class franchisee education program.

Before you open for business, you’re going to need to be trained. The critical question to ask franchisors before purchasing a franchise is, “How effective is your training?”

Because of the franchise owner training you receive is merely average, it will take significantly longer for you to feel confident in your new firm. That is not what you desire!

Many franchisors now offer excellent pre-training programs.

And they can begin as soon as a week or two after you officially join as a franchisee. Typically, the program is pre-packaged, professionally produced, and accessible online.

Another thing you’ll need—and should anticipate from a good franchise system—is?

Continuous training is beneficial for the launch of new products/services, technology updates, and new marketing strategies, among other things.

That makes sense, doesn’t it?

A franchisee association that is well-respected by the franchisor.

Franchisees are increasingly forming their own groups.

That being stated, it is entirely up to you whether or not you wish to participate in them.

However, several of these franchisee organizations are rather good. Additionally, they provide an excellent platform for your voice to be heard.

FYI: The franchisor must accept and respect a franchisee association.

Prompt assistance to franchisees.

While immediate franchisee support is not always possible, it does need to be quick.

And the only way to determine how responsive franchise owners are is to speak with franchisees.

Selective executives.

If the franchise system you’re examining has franchise firm officials who are willing to reject prospective franchisees who aren’t a good fit for the franchise business system, you may have discovered a winner.

What questions should you ask your franchise salesperson?

“Have you ever denied franchisees?”

If he responds affirmatively, have him tell you a few stories. There were a few instances where the team declined prospective franchisees.

Provide specifics!

Because if individuals interested in purchasing the franchise you wish to acquire have been rejected, it may indicate that the executives are choosy. That is precisely what you want, because strong franchisees contribute to the strength and success of a franchise business!

Franchisees are granted territory exclusivity.

Now that you’ve learned a little more about the area you’ll receive as a franchisee, you’ll want to determine whether territories are exclusive.

You need to know, for example, that you will be safeguarded against other franchisees or even a corporate store expanding into your territory.

A friendly reminder:

Engage the services of a franchise attorney prior to agreeing to purchase a franchise!

Why?

Because you require protection for yourself and your property.

Now for the finest part.

It is a proven truth that all successful franchise systems have a sizable number of satisfied, prosperous franchisees.

“However, Joel, how am I to ascertain whether they are content—and profitable?”

Simply inquire of them.

Now, go out and partner with a great franchise system so you can begin regaining control of your life!

Conclusion

You are on the right track to success if you have decided to starting a franchise business in USA. The above-mentioned attributes are present in successful franchisees, and they enable them achieve long-term success. However, before concluding the deal, make sure you analyze all of the factors listed above. Keeping these factors in mind will help you succeed.