1851

Setting the right expectations during franchise development is crucial not only for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/chapter-8-selecting-the-right-franchisees-2722619">attracting the right franchisees</a> but also for ensuring long-term success and satisfaction on both sides of the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trust-in-franchising-2726050">franchisor-franchisee relationship</a>. Clear communication about growth goals, financial realities and operational expectations helps prevent misunderstandings and frustration down the road.<h2>Aligning Development Goals With Brand Realities</h2>To effectively set expectations, franchise development teams must first clearly identify their brand's potential and limitations. "Setting realistic growth goals for the development team is all about understanding your brand’s strengths and its limitations," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-schroeder-mba-cfe-b7264121?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-set-the-right-expectations-2729456" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kelli Schroeder</a>, vice president of franchise development at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thresholdbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-set-the-right-expectations-2729456" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Threshold Brands</a>. "It’s about being clear on the resources needed to support that growth so each new unit is set up for success, not just for the short term but for longevity."Rapid expansion might seem appealing, but Schroeder advises caution unless the brand is fully equipped to support each new franchisee with adequate attention, training and resources. Sustainable growth allows franchisors to provide ongoing, effective support, creating stronger, healthier franchise systems.<h2>Transparency With Prospective Franchisees</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/1851-growth-club-transparency-in-the-buying-process-2723915">Transparency</a> extends beyond internal teams to potential franchisees. Prospects need clarity on financial commitments, realistic timelines for return on investment and operational responsibilities.“Many candidates think franchising is hands-off, but it really requires leadership and operational skill sets from the start,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-p-53688a43?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-set-the-right-expectations-2729456" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jake Philpotts</a>, vice president of business development at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surcheros.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-set-the-right-expectations-2729456" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Surcheros</a>. “It’s important to set that expectation early to avoid conflicts down the road.”Providing prospects with accurate financial information — including initial investment costs, potential revenue and timelines — is key. Schroeder recommends using&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-buy-a-franchise-what-is-an-fdd-2724901">Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs)</a> to offer clear benchmarks and realistic expectations, helping franchisees enter ownership "with their eyes wide open."Connecting prospective franchisees directly with existing franchisees —&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-leverage-franchisee-validation-to-grow-your-franchise-2727755">a process called “validation”</a> — can also be essential. “Connecting prospective franchisees with current owners allows them to hear directly from those in the business, providing authentic insights into day-to-day operations,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexjamestitus?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-set-the-right-expectations-2729456" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A.J. Titus,</a> president of&nbsp;<a href="https://signaramafranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-set-the-right-expectations-2729456" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Signarama</a>.<h2>Balancing Ambition With Practicality</h2>Effective franchise development teams balance ambitious goals with operational and market realities. “Overselling territory or the concept itself is a common mistake,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-trexler-407a3ba?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-set-the-right-expectations-2729456" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pete Trexler</a>, director of franchise development at&nbsp;<a href="https://empowerfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-set-the-right-expectations-2729456" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Empower Brands</a>. "You need to realistically assess what can actually be penetrated based on your capital and resources."Trexler also stresses alignment between marketing strategies and actual support capabilities. Generating leads without sufficient support can quickly become counterproductive. He advises franchisors to "protect franchisees from getting in over their heads — it's essential for mutual success."<h2>Adapting and Measuring for Continued Success</h2>External factors — such as&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/proposed-tariffs-on-mexico-canada-and-china-could-reshape-us-franchising-landscape-2728457">the economy, industry trends and competitor performance</a> — can also significantly impact franchise development. Philpotts highlights the importance of adaptability. “The economy and interest rates play a major role,” he said. “In those cases, we should focus on laying down the groundwork for attracting well-qualified leads and helping them navigate financing.”Rigorous tracking of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-5-most-important-kpis-for-franchise-development-websites-2706999">key performance indicators (KPIs)</a> — such as lead conversion rates and financial metrics — is crucial. Titus emphasizes clear tracking methods to refine strategies continually: “Leads in, contacts made, meetings had, discovery day tours and closed deals — know your numbers and ensure your sales team clearly understands your expectations.”<h2>Ensuring Sustainable Franchise Growth</h2>Overall, setting realistic expectations fosters alignment, reduces frustration and establishes a foundation for sustained franchise growth. Franchise development teams and prospective franchisees alike benefit from clear, transparent communication, accurate portrayals of operational demands and well-defined financial expectations.By aligning ambition with reality, franchisors attract informed franchisees ready for the challenges ahead, creating thriving franchise systems built on mutual understanding and long-term success.Growing and selling franchises is difficult. No great franchise did it alone. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisors grow their franchises with confidence? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-set-the-right-expectations-2729456" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and see what we can do for you.

Guide to Selling Franchises: Setting Realistic Expectations for Success

1851 Franchise

Successful franchise growth depends on setting clear, realistic expectations for franchisors and franchisees to support long-term alignment and sustainable success.

Guide To Selling Franchises: How To Set the Right Expectations

guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-set-the-right-expectations

BIGGBY COFFEE

BIGGBY® COFFEE Doubles the Fun: $1 Coffee Deal for Both National and International Coffee Day

biggby-coffee-doubles-the-fun-1-coffee-deal-for-both-national-and-international-coffee-day

Pigtails & Crewcuts

Pigtails & Crewcuts Sets Sights on Tampa for Next Wave of Family-Focused Franchise Growth

pigtails-and-crewcuts-franchise-expansion-tampa

Layne's Chicken Fingers

image of a laynes chicken fingers location

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Offers Pathway to Success in Entrepreneurship for Corporate Escapees

laynes-franchise-corporate-escape

Right at Home

image of a right at home franchise employee with an elder

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Stories of Family Legacy and Lasting Impact

right-at-home-30th-anniversary-family-legacies-in-franchising

Sola Salons

Image of Tanner Holmes , sola salons franchisee

Why This Former European Wax Center Franchisee Followed His Top Talent to a New, More Scalable Business Model

ewc-franchisee-sola-salons

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Subway Franchisees Resist Expensive Remodel Directives

subway-franchisees-resist-expensive-remodel-directives

The American Franchise Act: What It Means for Franchisors and Franchisees - 1851 Franchise

The American Franchise Act: What It Means for Franchisors and Franchisees

american-franchise-act-joint-employer-standard

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Begins Franchising To Grow Its Fellowship Model

jenis-splendid-ice-creams-begins-franchising-to-grow-its-fellowship-model

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

What It Really Means to Franchise Your Business   

what-it-really-means-to-franchise-your-business

2025's Top Franchise Legal Players: Craig Tractenberg - Fox Rothschild LLP

2025s-top-franchise-legal-players-craig-tractenberg-fox-rothschild-llp

BDO USA: Trusted Accounting, Tax, and Advisory Solutions for Businesses and Franchise Systems 

bdo-usa-trusted-accounting-tax-and-advisory-solutions-for-businesses-and-franchise-systems

Should You Franchise Your Business — And Are You Ready Now?

should-you-franchise-your-business-and-are-you-ready-now

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Top Education Franchises To Consider for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Education Franchises To Consider Investing In for 2025

top-education-franchises-investment-opportunities

graphic image of an 1851 franchisee spotlight brayden and johnny steven of teriyaki madness

Father-and-Daughter Team Bring Teriyaki Madness to Wichita, Kansas, With Big Expansion Plans

johnny-brayden-steven-teriyaki-madness-wichita

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Barb Volk and KidStrong logo

Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025

Guide To Selling Franchises: How To Set the Right Expectations

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS