Anyone in Franchising?

[Brendan]

So I have been looking into different streams of income in regards to starting businesses, i.e; freelance, online, bricks&mortar, and now Franchising..

Has anyone bought or own a Franchise? Do you think a Franchise is a false economy and all you are really doing is 'buying' yourself a job?

[bogdanael]

Brendan, I don't have a franchise but i must say there is an interesting point there"buying a job"---never thought that way. The problem is what kind of franchise are you planning to buy(needles to say regarding the type/local market/potential buyers etc). in romania there are some franchise that work well...until there will be too many...if i had the money i wouldn't buy a franchise. my opinion.

[Brendan]

Not really sure, I am just looking into different steps to move into creating my own income stream, franchising has been mentioned a few times to get a kick start and a great learning experience as you already have a ready built, business with a proven model (hopefully).

I dont know if the market can be flooded, look at mc donalds and starbucks, there is one on every corner and no matter where it is you will make some good money.. but the buy in price is a little high :)

I guess it comes down to buying the right franchise, that is flexible, scalable and something you enjoy.

I don't think I will go down that franchise path, but I am going to an expo next week on Franchising just to learn a little more about it.

Will keep you all informed.

[Slade]

I found a recent article in the age that gives a great overview on the pro's and con's of franchising..

Opt out of working for the man - Investment - Money - Business - Home (http://www.theage.com.au/news/investment/opt-out-of-working-for-the-man/2008/04/19/1208025540914.html)

Great read.. highly recommend it for anyone looking to buy into a franchise..

[gerryonline]

that is a great read Slade, cheers!

I was looking into Franchising also a while back, but I do like to have control and a say in how the business is run and I think being part of a franchise model would restrict me from doing that.

I really do see franchising at certain levels as just buying yourself a job.