1851

Setting the right expectations during franchise development is crucial not only for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/chapter-8-selecting-the-right-franchisees-2722619">attracting the right franchisees</a> but also for ensuring long-term success and satisfaction on both sides of the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trust-in-franchising-2726050">franchisor-franchisee relationship</a>. Clear communication about growth goals, financial realities and operational expectations helps prevent misunderstandings and frustration down the road.<h2>Aligning Development Goals With Brand Realities</h2>To effectively set expectations, franchise development teams must first clearly identify their brand's potential and limitations. "Setting realistic growth goals for the development team is all about understanding your brand’s strengths and its limitations," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-schroeder-mba-cfe-b7264121?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-selling-franchises-setting-right-expectations-2727801" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kelli Schroeder</a>, vice president of franchise development at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thresholdbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-selling-franchises-setting-right-expectations-2727801" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Threshold Brands</a>. "It’s about being clear on the resources needed to support that growth so each new unit is set up for success, not just for the short term but for longevity."Rapid expansion might seem appealing, but Schroeder advises caution unless the brand is fully equipped to support each new franchisee with adequate attention, training and resources. Sustainable growth allows franchisors to provide ongoing, effective support, creating stronger, healthier franchise systems.<h2>Transparency With Prospective Franchisees</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/1851-growth-club-transparency-in-the-buying-process-2723915">Transparency</a> extends beyond internal teams to potential franchisees. Prospects need clarity on financial commitments, realistic timelines for return on investment and operational responsibilities.“Many candidates think franchising is hands-off, but it really requires leadership and operational skill sets from the start,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-p-53688a43?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-selling-franchises-setting-right-expectations-2727801" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jake Philpotts</a>, vice president of business development at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surcheros.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-selling-franchises-setting-right-expectations-2727801" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Surcheros</a>. “It’s important to set that expectation early to avoid conflicts down the road.”Providing prospects with accurate financial information — including initial investment costs, potential revenue and timelines — is key. Schroeder recommends using&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-buy-a-franchise-what-is-an-fdd-2724901">Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs)</a> to offer clear benchmarks and realistic expectations, helping franchisees enter ownership "with their eyes wide open."Connecting prospective franchisees directly with existing franchisees —&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-leverage-franchisee-validation-to-grow-your-franchise-2727755">a process called “validation”</a> — can also be essential. “Connecting prospective franchisees with current owners allows them to hear directly from those in the business, providing authentic insights into day-to-day operations,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexjamestitus?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-selling-franchises-setting-right-expectations-2727801" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A.J. Titus,</a> president of&nbsp;<a href="https://signaramafranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-selling-franchises-setting-right-expectations-2727801" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Signarama</a>.<h2>Balancing Ambition With Practicality</h2>Effective franchise development teams balance ambitious goals with operational and market realities. “Overselling territory or the concept itself is a common mistake,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-trexler-407a3ba?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-selling-franchises-setting-right-expectations-2727801" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pete Trexler</a>, director of franchise development at&nbsp;<a href="https://empowerfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-selling-franchises-setting-right-expectations-2727801" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Empower Brands</a>. "You need to realistically assess what can actually be penetrated based on your capital and resources."Trexler also stresses alignment between marketing strategies and actual support capabilities. Generating leads without sufficient support can quickly become counterproductive. He advises franchisors to "protect franchisees from getting in over their heads — it's essential for mutual success."<h2>Adapting and Measuring for Continued Success</h2>External factors — such as&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/proposed-tariffs-on-mexico-canada-and-china-could-reshape-us-franchising-landscape-2728457">the economy, industry trends and competitor performance</a> — can also significantly impact franchise development. Philpotts highlights the importance of adaptability. “The economy and interest rates play a major role,” he said. “In those cases, we should focus on laying down the groundwork for attracting well-qualified leads and helping them navigate financing.”Rigorous tracking of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-5-most-important-kpis-for-franchise-development-websites-2706999">key performance indicators (KPIs)</a> — such as lead conversion rates and financial metrics — is crucial. Titus emphasizes clear tracking methods to refine strategies continually: “Leads in, contacts made, meetings had, discovery day tours and closed deals — know your numbers and ensure your sales team clearly understands your expectations.”<h2>Ensuring Sustainable Franchise Growth</h2>Overall, setting realistic expectations fosters alignment, reduces frustration and establishes a foundation for sustained franchise growth. Franchise development teams and prospective franchisees alike benefit from clear, transparent communication, accurate portrayals of operational demands and well-defined financial expectations.By aligning ambition with reality, franchisors attract informed franchisees ready for the challenges ahead, creating thriving franchise systems built on mutual understanding and long-term success.Growing and selling franchises is difficult. No great franchise did it alone. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisors grow their franchises with confidence? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=guide-selling-franchises-setting-right-expectations-2727801" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and see what we can do for you.

Guide To Selling Franchises: How To Set the Right Expectations

Guide to Selling Franchises: Setting Realistic Expectations

1851 Franchise

Successful franchise growth depends on setting clear, realistic expectations for franchisors and franchisees to support long-term alignment and sustainable success.

guide-selling-franchises-setting-right-expectations

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Eyes Southern Connecticut for Strategic Franchise Expansion

sola-salons-eyes-southern-connecticut-for-strategic-franchise-expansion

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of exterior of Woodhouse Spa location with people walking around outside

Woodhouse Spas: A Recession-Resistant Franchise Opportunity With Unmatched Support

woodhouse-spas-recession-resistant-franchise-opportunity

Sylvan Learning

Pasadena Weekly: Sylvan Learning Pasadena Offers Free Tutoring for Students Impacted by Local Fires

sylvan-learning-pasadena-free-tutoring-fire-support

BIGGBY COFFEE

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision and Growth-Focused Future

biggby-coffee-names-erin-kaylor-president

Workout Anytime

Design with Workout Anytime logo and photo of Larry Brayman

Workout Anytime Welcomes Larry Brayman as Chief Marketing Officer, Strengthening Leadership Team Amid Growth Surge

workout-anytime-larry-brayman-cmo

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

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

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Photo of powerlifter, wearing red singlet and white socks, preparing to deadlift

The 5 Business and Life Lessons I Learned from Powerlifting

the-5-business-and-life-lessons-i-learned-from-powerlifting

Consulting and Development | Big Sky Franchise Team — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

Big Sky Franchise Team: Expert Consulting for Scalable Growth

consulting-and-development-big-sky-franchise-team-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

franchise supplier award design with Locate AI logo and 1851 Franchise badge

Franchise Real Estate Services | Locate AI — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

locate-ai-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

Guidant Financial - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

Guidant Financial: Strategic Funding Solutions To Accelerate Growth

meet-the-supplier-guidant-financial-group-inc

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

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

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

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

Guide To Selling Franchises: How To Set the Right Expectations

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS