1851 Unhappy Franchisee: 10 Reasons Why I Would Make a Bad Franchisee

Let’s face it – not everyone is cut out to be a franchisee. While there are countless benefits of becoming a franchisee, it is important to realize that the work will not be done for you. The person behind the brand is almost as important as the brand itself.

For this article, 1851 Franchise caught up with 5 franchisors to get the inside scoop on what makes someone a good franchisee, and what makes them an unhappy franchisee. If these 10 points sound like you, it’s probably not a good idea to own a franchise.

1. I’m not a hard worker

Just because a brand might be widely recognized, does not mean it will sell itself. All franchises require a lot of work from the franchisee. This is often overlooked by people who are looking to buy a franchise.

“A lot of people don’t realize early on what it actually takes to be a successful franchisee,” said, Philip Schram, Chief Development Officer for Buffalo Wings & Rings. “They need to be a hard worker and also have the ability to entertain and interact with people or they will not succeed.”

2. I’m not good with finances

This is a big one. It is important to remember that if you buy a franchise, you will be responsible for running a business.

“A franchisee needs to be financially qualified to run a business,” said Schram. “They not only need to have the finances to support their franchise, but a good franchisee needs to be able to manage money well.”

3. I don’t follow rules very well

The support systems in place for franchises are not only there to help franchisees. These systems are in place because they represent a model for proven success. If you like to go completely rogue, being a franchisee might not be the best option.

“It’s not always about who has the most money, or who has the highest IQ, etc.,” said Beth Caron, Director of Franchise Development for Great Clips*. “If you have the basic skills the franchisor requires, you are willing and able to follow a system, and you’ve got grit (that power of passion and perseverance), I think there is nothing stopping you from being an incredible franchisee.”

4. I don’t work well with people

Whether you’re working with customers or potential business partners, a good franchisee needs to be able to work with people.

“You have to work hard, care and have pride for what you do, because attitude is important,” said JAN-PRO Master Franchisor Stephen Brodack. “The cleaning part is easy. Respect and responsibility are more important, because you can’t fix a bad attitude. You can teach someone how to cook or clean, but you can’t always teach someone be nice.”

5. I don’t have clear goals

It is important to set goals because they give you something to strive for. When someone finds success in franchising, expansion is very common. Not everyone ends up expanding – and there are plenty of single-unit franchisees – but if you have a goal of expanding eventually, it might make you more driven to find success in the present.

“I have tremendous respect for franchisees who run a single unit of a franchise, but if I could change one thing, I would push people to be even more ambitious,” said Schram, Chief Development Officer for Buffalo Wings & Rings. “I want more franchisees to have expansion on their minds. While it is extremely admirable to run a single unit of a franchise, I love working with franchisees who have a bigger goal in mind.”

6. I’m impatient

It is important to understand that brands aren’t built and sold overnight.

“The investment into a franchise goes way beyond the investment it takes to legally sell a franchise,” said President of Relocator Service Inc. and Relocators Franchise Inc., Robert Esposito. “Once you are legally allowed to sell a franchise is only the half way point at best. The marketing and development before you actually sell a franchise can go on for years, and cost much more than the legal development of the franchise itself.”

7. I’m not good at understanding my role

“The most useful tip I’ve learned so far – which I’ll continue to share – is that I’m no longer a spa owner, but instead I’m a franchisor,” said Founder and CEO of Idolize, Mo Pandoria. “I can't spend most of my days resolving operational issues for my corporate locations. I should be spending most of my time developing the franchise and selling units.”

8. I don’t surround myself with the right people

“Make sure you have the proper support team behind you consisting of motivated people that are looking to grow and can grow with the company,” said Esposito. “The key to growth is focus. What you water grows. Bringing in good people with a common goal who are focused and determined to achieve that goal is the best key for good growth. The most important factor is building a solid foundation.”

9. I don’t like to network

“Networking is a huge key to growth,” said Pandoria. “Focus on meeting as many people as possible, and realize that so many of them can help you in some way, shape or form.”

10. I’m not very positive

“You have to keep a positive attitude throughout the entire process,” said Pandoria. “Success doesn’t come overnight, and there will be ups and downs. If you stay focused and positive, and surround yourself with the right people and support, you will find success.”