1851

Buying a franchise is a huge personal and financial investment. Like any big decision, franchise buying should include as much research as possible.&nbsp;Luckily, the internet is home to many online resources that can be extremely helpful during the process.&nbsp;Of course,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/">1851 Franchise</a> is a great place to begin. But there are a handful of other resources to take advantage of when buying a franchise. Here are our top picks:&nbsp;<h4>Franchise Portals</h4><a href="https://www.franchising.com/articles/the_strengths_and_limitations_of_franchise_portal_leads_pre__postcovid.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852#:~:text=Franchise%20portals%2C%20also%20known%20as,with%20other%20lead%20generation%20sources." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise portals</a> are generally understood to be web portals that provide a for-profit service, collecting and selling leads. This is typically done on a non-exclusive basis, and portals are known for producing a high number of leads for a lower cost compared to other lead generation methods and services.Many prospective franchisees turn to franchise portals to begin their search. In fact, a study by Franchise Update Media in 2019 found that nearly one in seven franchise leads (13.2%) were coming from portals.&nbsp;There’s no shortage of options to browse. However, it is important to go with a trusted source. Several examples include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchisedirect.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Direct</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchisegator.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Gator</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchising.com</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchiseopportunities.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Opportunities</a>.&nbsp;<h4>Associations</h4>Franchise associations, or trade groups focused on government and public relations efforts for the franchise industry, can also supply a lot of good information when searching online.&nbsp;<h4>Reputable associations include:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a href="https://www.franchise.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">International Franchise Association</a>:&nbsp;The world’s largest membership organization for franchisors, franchisees and franchise suppliers that provides industry-leading events, advocacy, education and growth opportunities for the community.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://thecfainc.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Coalition of Franchisee Associations</a>: a franchisee-focused organization with a mission “to leverage the collective strengths of franchisee associations for the benefit of the franchisee community.”</li><li><a href="https://www.aafd.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">American Association of Franchisees &amp; Dealers</a>: a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="http://www.franchisee.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">American Franchisee Association</a>: an association that works to improve the industry while protecting its members’ economic investments in their businesses.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Franchise Development Sites</h4>One of the best places to look for information is by going right to the source. Most franchise brands will have a franchise development website (or tab on their brand website) which should disclose facts such as:&nbsp;<ul><li>Brand mission and vision</li><li>About the team</li><li>Why their product stands out among the competition</li><li>Why they want you as a franchisee</li><li>How they are going</li><li>Costs to open and earning potential</li><li>Testimonials from other franchisees</li></ul>The website is meant to facilitate the research of a buyer, so browsing the sections should be an easy way to find answers to fundamental questions about the brand and franchise opportunity.&nbsp;<h4>Government Data</h4>Examining government sites, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/buy-existing-business-or-franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Small Business Administration</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0401-thinking-about-buying-franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Federal Trade Commision</a> can provide you with another side of the information needed before buying a franchise.&nbsp;These sites detail the regulations and laws that surround franchises, which is important for any business owner to know. The Small Business Administration gives visitors more of an overview of franchising, while the Federal Trade Commission includes key information on how to protect your investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>Research Sites&nbsp;</h4>Research websites are another great tool to utilize during the process.&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Business Review</a>, for example, is a market research company focused on measuring franchisee satisfaction based on feedback.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frandata.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise-2721852" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FRANdata</a>’s website includes business profile reports, industry data, financial assessments and Franchise Disclosure Documents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Online Resources to Utilize When Buying a Franchise

1851 Franchise

With so many tools out there for prospective franchisees, here are several 1851 Franchise-approved places to start. 

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Senior Care Authority

How This Franchisee Transitioned from Restaurant Management and Found His New Calling with Senior Care Authority

how-this-franchisee-transitioned-from-restaurant-management-and-found-his-new-calling-with-senior-care-authority

Caring Transitions

Why Compassion-Driven Businesses Are Thriving: How Caring Transitions Leads With Heart and Purpose

why-compassion-driven-businesses-are-thriving-how-caring-transitions-leads-with-heart-and-purpose

Paris Baguette Canada

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Paris Baguette Surpasses 1 Million Loyalty Members — A Testament To Franchise Growth and Potential

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Griswold

Griswold’s Beth Copeland Shares Key Signs Your Senior Loved One May Need Extra Help

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TruBlue Home Service Ally

Empowering Entrepreneurs With Minimal Experience: How TruBlue Makes It Possible

empowering-entrepreneurs-with-minimal-experience-how-trublue-makes-it-possible

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

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How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

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1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

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FranCamp Mastermind Summit

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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

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Dave’s Hot Chicken Sold to Roark Capital in $1 Billion Deal to Fuel Global Expansion

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Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises

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AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers - 1851 Franchise

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers

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How To Sell Just One Franchise: What You’ll Learn at FranCamp NJ 2025

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Ellie Mental Health Franchisee Backlash - Alleged Misrepresentations - 1851 Franchise

Ellie Mental Health Faces Franchisee Backlash Over Alleged Misrepresentations

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

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The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises — How To Build Webinars

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The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises: How To Budget Properly

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The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition — Point of Differentiation

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Sola Salons Franchisee Grows Salon Freedom Into a Multi-State Powerhouse 

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Dan Yangas Brings Family Flooring Legacy Full Circle With Footprints Floors Franchise in Naperville 

Dan Yangas Brings Family Flooring Legacy Full Circle With Footprints Floors Franchise in Naperville, Illinois

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Online Resources to Utilize When Buying a Franchise

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