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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Strategic Franchising

How To Build a Strong Franchise Brand Presence in Your Local Community

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Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo with Layne's Chicken Fingers logo, Eric Reed, Kordell Snyder, and Justin Olivieri

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Supports Franchisees With Top-Notch Development Team

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Children's Lighthouse

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Children’s Lighthouse Operations Support Leader Latisha King To Share How the Brand Supports Franchisees With Dedicated Business Coaches

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Sola Salons

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Sola Salons Announces New Franchise Agreement in Denton, Texas: Husband and Wife Team to Bring Revolutionary Salon Concept to Greater Dallas-Fort Worth

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Fresh Coat

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Meet the Fresh Coat Leadership Team: The Pros Behind the Painting Franchise

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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

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Extraordinary Brands Acquires CycleBar and Rumble, Shaking Up Boutique Fitness Franchising

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

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

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Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K to Support Texas Flood Relief - 1851 Franchise

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K To Support Texas Flood Relief

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

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

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

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

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

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Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Open Caring Transitions in Texas

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Set Out to Build a Purpose-Driven Business With Caring Transitions in Texas

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Online Resources to Utilize When Buying a Franchise

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