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. 

online-resources-to-utilize-when-buying-a-franchise

Mosquito Squad Plus

How This Marine Corps Veteran Found Freedom and Purpose With Mosquito Squad

how-this-marine-corps-veteran-found-freedom-and-purpose-with-mosquito-squad

Spadea Lignana Franchise Attorneys

How The DeFelice Brothers Turned a $10,000 Loan Into an Award-Winning Franchise With Help From Spadea Lignana

how-the-defelice-brothers-turned-a-10000-loan-into-an-award-winning-franchise-with-help-from-spadea-lignana

Caring Transitions

How This Gilbert Entrepreneur Found Purpose Helping Families Through Life’s Transitions

how-this-gilbert-entrepreneur-found-purpose-helping-families-through-lifes-transitions

USA Ninja Challenge

Where Passion Meets Purpose: USA Ninja Challenge Gives Franchisees the Power to Change Lives

where-passion-meets-purpose-usa-ninja-challenge-gives-franchisees-the-power-to-change-lives

SweatHouz

From Finance to Wellness: Natalie Siewers’ Path to Leading SweatHouz in Northern Virginia

sweathouz-franchise-northern-virginia-natalie-siewers

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

Thursday 1851 Franchise Agg - NASAA’s Noncompete Push

NASAA’s Noncompete Push Puts Franchise Growth on Uncertain Ground

franchise-noncompete-nasaa-advisory-reasonableness-standard

How a Steady Economy Could Help Franchisors Plan Their Next Move

how-a-steady-economy-could-help-franchisors-plan-their-next-move

Bed Bath & Beyond - Franchise Expansion - Retail Strategy - 1851 Franchise

Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Franchise Model as Part of Comeback Strategy

bed-bath-beyond-franchise-expansion-retail-strategy

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

U.S. Government Shutdown - Impact on Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Government Shutdown Stalls SBA Loans: How the Shutdown Could Impact Franchises

government-shutdown-impacts-sba-loans-tourism-franchises

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

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Subway Franchisees Resist Expensive Remodel Directives

subway-franchisees-resist-expensive-remodel-directives

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

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

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025

early-childhood-education-child-care-franchises

Top Enrichment and Supplemental Education Franchises for 2025

top-enrichment-supplemental-education-franchises

Online Resources to Utilize When Buying a Franchise

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS