1851

Potential franchisees ready to find the perfect brand should first know what they’re most passionate about and then pursue that by researching options, asking questions, understanding important financial documents and using every tool at their disposal to choose the most lucrative franchise for them.&nbsp;The <a href="https://franchiseeconomy.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-should-you-choose-a-franchise-2716694" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">franchising industry</a> accounts for nearly 8 million American jobs and contributes almost $700 billion to the national economy. The International Franchise Association projected that by the end of 2021, as an industry affected by the pandemic, franchising will have recovered to nearly 2019 levels in business growth, economic outlook and contribution to the GDP.&nbsp;Franchises provide countless benefits, like consistency, efficiency, quality products and services, support, loyalty and trust. It’s a solid investment for any entrepreneur, but the right investment looks different for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a franchise.&nbsp;<h4>Take Inventory of Your Personal Interests</h4>Business-minded individuals who enjoy operating within a well-organized system will thrive as franchise owners. But with nearly 800,000 franchises in the U.S., how do you narrow that down? The first step for many who aren’t already familiar with specific franchises might be to explore brands that resonate with their own personal interests. What are you most passionate about? Reflecting on these things will help guide the decision.&nbsp;This step can also include deciding just how involved a franchise owner you’d like to be. Will you be an owner-operator, or would you operate in the background as more of a silent partner? Knowing and being honest with yourself about your availability will help determine your level of involvement in your franchise.&nbsp;<h4>Research Franchise Options</h4>Say, for example, the potential owner has decided they’re passionate about doughnuts. Their next step would be to check out the <a href="https://www.franchise.org/blog/the-best-six-donut-franchises-to-bite-into?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-should-you-choose-a-franchise-2716694" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">options</a> in that field. Take into consideration the size of the franchise. How many units does it currently have, and is it growing at a steady pace? Do you want to franchise with a big company like <a href="https://www.dunkinfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-should-you-choose-a-franchise-2716694" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dunkin’ Donuts</a>, or would you prefer to partner with a smaller company like <a href="https://www.duckdonuts.com/about-us/franchising-info/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-should-you-choose-a-franchise-2716694" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Duck Donuts</a>, with just over 250 stores in 25 states? How supportive is the franchisor of its franchisees? These are all important considerations before making a commitment.&nbsp;Financing is also a huge component of choosing a franchise, so be sure you know exactly what you can <a href="https://www.business.com/articles/can-you-afford-to-buy-a-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-should-you-choose-a-franchise-2716694" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">afford</a> as an owner.&nbsp;When researching options, try to contact current owners to get their impression of the business. Ask all the questions you can think of, and look to them as mentors as you continue your journey as a franchisee. Attending a <a href="https://www.franchiseexpo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-should-you-choose-a-franchise-2716694" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">franchise expo</a> is a good next step toward creating a solid network within the industry and getting all the information you need to make a decision.&nbsp;<h4>Review the Brand’s Financial Disclosure Document</h4>Every franchise has a <a href="https://www.franchise.org/what-information-does-a-franchise-disclosure-document-fdd-contain?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-should-you-choose-a-franchise-2716694" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Financial Disclosure Document</a> (FDD); it’s required by law. Once you’ve settled on a brand to pursue, it’s important to understand everything on its FDD.&nbsp;The FDD will tell you how profitable the franchise is and every fee that will go into starting up your own. When you’re confident you’d like to sign with a franchise, be sure to have an attorney or financial advisor review the FDD.&nbsp;By using all the tools at their disposal, potential franchise owners can make the most informed decision for a successful franchise operation.&nbsp;Related Stories:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/10-things-new-franchisors-need-to-know-about-becoming-a-franchise-2708743">10 Things New Franchisors Need To Know About Becoming a Franchise</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/5-reasons-emerging-franchises-fail-how-to-avoid-them-2705893">5 Reasons Emerging Franchises Fail and How To Avoid Them</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/10-tips-for-making-your-franchise-brand-relevant-successful-2157">10 Tips for Making Your Franchise Brand Relevant and Successful</a></li></ul>

How Should You Choose a Franchise?

1851 Franchise

When deciding which franchise will be the best investment, potential franchisees should take these three important steps to ensure success.

how-should-you-choose-a-franchise

Busy Bee Jumpers

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise in 2025

top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-in-2025

Home Halo

home-halo-former-athletes-frachisees-image

Why Former College Athletes Can Make Winning Home Halo Franchise Owners

former-college-athletes-home-halo-franchise

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Featured in USA Today as Key Player in Helping Seniors Age Safely at Home

trublue-featured-in-usa-today-as-key-player-in-helping-seniors-age-safely-at-home

Right at Home

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth, Tech Advancements, and Strong System Engagement in First Half of 2025

right-at-home-franchise-growth-2025

KidStrong Franchising, LLC

Unlocking Superpowers: How KidStrong Is Building the Next Generation of Confident Kids — and Thriving Franchise Owners

kidstrong-franchise-confident-kids

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

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

Roof Scientist Expands Into Northern Indianapolis as Entrepreneur Dale Speckman Launches New Business in Fishers

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

paris-baguette-franchise-overland-park-khandelwal

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

How Should You Choose a Franchise?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS