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

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. Spreading Through the Southwest - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Targets Southeast U.S. for Expansion

crust-pizza-co-southeast-expansion

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Nathan Peterson Turns Passion for Helping Others into a Purpose-Driven Business with Seniors Helping Seniors Franchise

seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-caldwell-nathan-peterson

Famous Dave's

Famous Dave’s Fires Up Third Annual All-Star BBQ Series This May, Leading Up to the 2025 World Food Championships

famous-daves-fires-up-third-annual-all-star-bbq-series-this-may-leading-up-to-the-2025-world-food-championships

HomeTeam Inspection Service

From Air Force Veteran to Entrepreneur: Danny Hemchand Builds a Thriving Home Inspection Business

air-force-veteran-danny-hemchand-home-inspection-business

HomeTeam Inspection Service Reports Record-Breaking Performance in Q1, Continues National Expansion

hometeam-inspection-q1-2025-growth-expansion

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 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

Eli Lilly GLP-1 Lawsuits - Mounjaro - Zepbound - 1851 Franchise Agg

Eli Lilly Sues Telehealth Startups Over GLP-1 Knockoffs, Escalating Legal Battle

eli-lilly-glp-1-lawsuits

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

cfos-see-recession-as-likely-in-25-why-now-is-the-time-to-water-the-franchise-buyer-seeds

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Online Resources to Utilize When Buying a Franchise

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS