1851

Entering into a franchise agreement is a significant decision for aspiring business owners. While thorough research and due diligence are critical steps in the process, there's no substitute for direct communication with the franchisor. Face-to-face meetings offer an invaluable opportunity to gain deeper insights into the franchisor's vision, support structure, and expectations.&nbsp;To make the most of this interaction, franchisees should come prepared with probing questions that go beyond surface-level inquiries.&nbsp;“The biggest thing I tell clients when they are headed to a Meet the Team Day is to focus on the people more than the info,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-parmeter-franchise-coach/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=questions-to-ask-a-franchisor-for-successful-partnership-2725208" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tim Parmeter</a>, Founder and CEO of FranCoach. “They should have asked the majority of their questions&nbsp;before getting to this point. I want them to focus on the people so they have confidence that the franchisor team knows what they are doing and that the franchisor will always be there to support them in growing their business. This is really about trusting your gut that you are in the right room with the right people.”&nbsp;With that said, here are six essential questions Parmeter says franchisees should ask a franchisor when they meet face to face.&nbsp;What Is Your Long-Term Vision for The Brand?Understanding the franchisor's long-term vision is essential for aligning your goals with the overall direction of the brand. This question can reveal insights into expansion plans, market positioning, and potential innovations within the franchise system. By gaining clarity on the franchisor's vision, franchisees can assess whether their own objectives align with the future trajectory of the brand, fostering a more cohesive partnership.What Challenges Do You See for The Brand, And What Plan Is in Place To Combat Them?Every business faces challenges, and franchises are no exception. By asking about potential challenges and the strategies in place to address them, franchisees can gauge the franchisor's proactive approach to mitigating risks and ensuring the brand's resilience. Whether it's evolving consumer trends, competitive pressures or regulatory changes, understanding how the franchisor navigates obstacles can instill confidence in the franchisor’s ability to lead the brand through various market conditions.What Will You Do if I Am Struggling as an Owner?While no one wants to anticipate failure, acknowledging the possibility of challenges is essential for realistic planning. By asking about the franchisor's support mechanisms for struggling franchisees, prospective owners can gain insights into the level of assistance and guidance available during tough times. This question also demonstrates the franchisor's commitment to the success of its franchisees and its willingness to provide ongoing support beyond the initial setup phase.Who Will Be My Main Point of Contact(s) Once I Am Open?Clear lines of communication are vital for a successful franchisor-franchisee relationship. By clarifying who will serve as their main point of contact within the franchisor's organization, franchisees can establish expectations regarding support, guidance, and access to resources. Knowing who to reach out to for various issues, whether operational, marketing-related or strategic, can streamline communication channels and facilitate efficient problem-solving.What Training, if Any, Is in Place After I Am Open?Comprehensive training is critical for ensuring that franchisees are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to run their businesses successfully. Inquiring about post-opening training programs demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. Whether it's additional workshops, refresher courses or access to online resources, franchisees should seek clarity on the franchisor's offerings to support continuous improvement and adaptation to changing market dynamics.What Is the Biggest Piece of Advice You Give New Owners To Help Them Get Off to a Great Start?By asking for the franchisor's top piece of advice, franchisees can benefit from the wisdom gained from previous franchise launches and learn from best practices. Whether it's focusing on customer service, mastering operational efficiency, or leveraging local marketing strategies, this question offers a practical takeaway for franchisees looking to hit the ground running.Face-to-face meetings between franchisees and franchisors present a prime opportunity for open dialogue and in-depth exploration of key issues. By asking thoughtful questions that delve into the franchisor's vision, support structure and strategic approach, prospective franchisees can make informed decisions and set the stage for a successful partnership. Ultimately, the depth of understanding gained through these interactions can pave the way for a mutually beneficial and enduring relationship between franchisee and franchisor.To learn more, check out these related articles:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-prepare-for-meeting-a-franchisor-what-to-ask-and-what-to-look-out-for-2724706#stories">How to Prepare for Meeting a Franchisor: What To Ask and What To Look Out For</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/smbfranchising/five-questions-to-ask-before-franchising-your-business-11638">Five Questions to Ask Before Franchising Your Business</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-5-questions-to-ask-before-buying-a-franchise-2721859">The Top 5 Questions To Ask Before Buying a Franchise</a></li></ul>

Questions to ask a franchisor for a successful partnership

Questions to Ask a Franchisor for a Successful Partnership

1851 Franchise

FranCoach Founder and CEO Tim Parmeter offers advice about the right questions to ask to ensure a successful partnership.

6 Questions to Ask a Franchisor When You Meet Face to Face

questions-to-ask-a-franchisor-for-successful-partnership

Dillas Quesadillas

Design with photo of Michael Mabry and Dillas Primo Quesadillas logo

Franchise Times: New Franchise Exec Says Dillas Is Bringing ‘Excitement’ Back to QSR Category

michael-mabry-franchise-growth

Lawn Squad

Greener, Faster, Smarter: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Lawn Squad 

Greener, Faster, Smarter: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Lawn Squad as a Treatment-Only Lawn Care Franchise

lawn-squad-franchise-opportunity

Jollibee

How Jollibee’s Veteran Leadership Team Is Rewriting the Playbook for U.S. Expansion

franchise-leadership-growth

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of guest checking in at Woodhouse Spas reception desk

franchise-questions-answered

Mellow Mushroom

How Mellow Mushroom’s Model Made it the Perfect Addition to Brad Harper’s Restaurant Portfolio

How Mellow Mushroom’s Flexible Model Made it the Perfect Addition to Brad Harper’s Growing Restaurant Portfolio

mellow-mushroom-brad-harper-restaurant-growth

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

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

Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising

Boutique vs. Big Box Gym Franchises: Which Offers Best ROI in the $7 Billion Fitness Market?

buy-fitness-franchise-boutique-big-box-comparison

Pieology Pizza Enters Chapter 11 Following Costly Bid To Save Struggling Stores

pieology-pizza-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy

CNBC: McDonald’s Will Assess if Franchisees Are Offering Value for Customers Under New Standards

mcdonalds-franchise-standards-value-metric

How AI Is Transforming Restaurant Operations and Franchises

ai-impact-restaurants-franchises-human-centric-technology

Round Table Pizza Franchisees Take FAT Brands to Court Over Marketing Fund Mismanagement

round-table-pizza-franchisees-take-fat-brands-to-court-over-marketing-fund-mismanagement

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

ai-job-cuts-franchising-path-forward

Paris Baguette Welcomes Zac Sulma as New Chief Operating Officer

new-coo-zac-sulma

Callaway Sells Majority Stake in Topgolf to Private Equity for $770 Million

callaway-sells-majority-stake-in-topgolf-to-private-equity-for-770-million

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

Photo of group of dogs standing together in day care facility

Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2025

top-pet-boarding-daycare-franchises

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Eli Cohen, Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

C5 Restaurants Grows its Texas Footprint with 40 Layne’s Chicken Fingers Locations Planned Statewide

eli-cohen-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

6 Questions to Ask a Franchisor When You Meet Face to Face

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS