1851

Business ownership can be a life-changing decision, but the route you take to do so is just as influential. Investing in a franchise and starting a business from scratch are both viable options, but the success and fulfillment you find with either will depend heavily on your own goals and ideals. Both offer unique advantages and challenges, which is why it’s important to understand both models fully before making your choice.<h3>What Does It Mean To Buy a Franchise?</h3>As a franchise owner, you’ll still be starting your own business. The most notable difference is that, rather than starting with a blank slate, you’re investing in a proven system and will have access to a support system that’s in place to help you succeed.&nbsp;Buying a franchise is a good choice if you are teachable, collaborative, willing to follow a system and interested in getting a strong start to their entrepreneurial journey.Here are some of the most important things to consider about the franchise model:<ul><li>Most franchises come with immediate brand recognition, which reduces the amount of time and effort you’ll need to spend attracting customers.</li><li>The franchisor provides you with a proven business model that minimizes your risk as an entrepreneur.</li><li>As a franchisee, you’ll receive comprehensive training and support from your franchisor in marketing, site selection, operations and more.</li><li>By joining a larger franchise system, you’ll benefit from collective buying power.</li><li>The franchise model requires both an initial investment and ongoing royalty payments.</li><li>Franchisors sell territories, but these areas&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/uncharted-territories-understanding-a-franchises-territorial-rights-2722948#stories">may or may not be exclusive</a>.</li></ul>Depending on your personality and goals, these factors may be assets or liabilities. Some entrepreneurs enjoy following a proven model, but others find it difficult to remain within the boundaries set by the franchisor. Similarly, ongoing royalty fees are an annoyance to some, while others feel they’re getting more than their money’s worth from the ongoing support they receive. It is important to weigh the costs (literally and figuratively) and benefits of the franchise model before investing.<h3>What Does It Mean To Start an Independent Business?</h3>When you start an independent business, everything is up to you! Whether you find this exciting or intimidating hinges on your personal goals and disposition.&nbsp;Consider the following:<ul><li>You have the creative freedom and flexibility to steer your business in any direction you choose.</li><li>You’re responsible for creating your own brand recognition.</li><li>If you need help with training or operational support, you can build your own team.</li><li>Many people consider independent business ownership to be more risky.</li></ul>Again, these statements can be interpreted as positive or negative things depending on your preferences. The freedom and flexibility to make any decisions you see fit for your business can be exciting, but it can also become overwhelming in busy seasons. Or, building brand recognition can be hard work, but once it’s complete, you can control your own image — a franchisor’s missteps will not reflect poorly on your business.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtka/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=start-a-business-or-buy-a-franchise-which-is-right-for-you-2725238" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Court Aiken</a>, brand leader of Paramedics Brands, shared how these perks and challenges tend to manifest in his experience.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/plumbingparamedics/info">Plumbing Paramedics</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/heatingandairparamedics/info">Heating and Air Paramedics</a> have worked with independent business owners who later chose to convert to the franchise model, and Aiken hears a similar pain point each time.“The vast majority of business owners who have been in our trade for a while come to the realization, at some point, that they’ve capped out. Whether it’s the scalability of their business or the limitation of their own knowledge of business, they’ve hit that point,” he explained. “They have that epiphany where they say, ‘I need help.’ Most independent business owners will look around at consulting groups, but those companies don’t really build solid relationships with the business owners. That’s where franchising is different.”Aiken went on to explain that, depending on the level of support business owners want, they could be looking at tens of thousands of dollars each month to be paid to the consulting group; while this cost does bring expertise into the equation, it’s more of a business transaction than a partnership.Franchising relies on smaller and more consistent royalties to support the resources offered by the franchisor. As a result, franchisees are able to build a partnership with the people in their system and, ultimately, create a long-lasting relationship and a strong business.“I’m never going to tell someone who wants to go into business on their own that they’re wrong. I offer myself as a resource and wish them well,” said Aiken. “There are those people and entrepreneurs that don’t want to be told what to do. But what I’ve found over the last 22 years is that they do try it, they realize there is a roadblock, and they come back and say, ‘I can now justify becoming a franchisee and paying that royalty to you every month because of all of the benefits.’”As you start your entrepreneurial journey, weigh the pros and cons of both approaches within the context of what you want and need. There is no one right answer, so choose the model that will give you the support/creative license, connection/independence, and reputation/open potential that best fits your goals.Related articles:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/are-franchises-considered-small-businesses-2716510">Are Franchises Considered “Small Businesses”?</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-is-a-franchise-a-comprehensive-overview-of-the-business-model-2724757">What Is a Franchise? A Comprehensive Overview of the Business Model</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-start-the-process-of-buying-a-franchise-a-comprehensive-guide-2723007">How to Start the Process of Buying a Franchise: A Comprehensive Guide</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/consider-these-factors-when-deciding-which-franchise-to-invest-in-2724990">Consider These Factors When Deciding Which Franchise to Invest In</a></li></ul>

Should I Start a Business or Buy a Franchise?

1851 Franchise

Starting an independent business and investing in a franchise are two great ways to get into entrepreneurship, but each has its own set of perks and demands. Here’s how to choose which option is best for you.

Start a Business or Buy a Franchise: Which Is Right for You?

start-a-business-or-buy-a-franchise-which-is-right-for-you

Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers - Midyear Press Release 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Comfort Keepers® Hits Mid-Year Stride With Strong Franchise Growth and Rising Demand for In-Home Care

comfort-keepers-franchise-midyear-momentum-2025

petbar

petbar - Garrett Dewan - Why I'm Investing - 1851 Franchise

Why Garrett Dewan Is Choosing To Reinvest in petbar

petbar-franchise-austin-garrett-dewan-multi-unit

Paris Baguette

NJBIZ: Paris Baguette Ramps Up Expansion With New Franchises, Facility and 2030 Growth Target

njbiz-paris-baguette-ramps-up-expansion-with-new-franchises-facility-and-2030-growth-target

Busy Bee Jumpers

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise in 2025

top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-in-2025

Home Halo

home-halo-former-athletes-frachisees-image

Why Former College Athletes Can Make Winning Home Halo Franchise Owners

former-college-athletes-home-halo-franchise

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

Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down Amid Challenges, Leaving Franchisees Facing Uncertainty

wendys-ceo-transition-kirk-tanner-franchisee-uncertainty

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

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

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

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

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

paris-baguette-franchise-overland-park-khandelwal

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe

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

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Start a Business or Buy a Franchise: Which Is Right for You?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS