The Pros and Cons of Using Franchise Brokers

Franchise brokers are industry experts equipped with in-depth knowledge of the franchise market. They play the role of a matchmaker, carefully assessing the interests, skills and goals of potential franchisees to align them with suitable franchise opportunities. But like any business arrangement, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using franchise brokers.

1851 Franchise spoke with Chuck McKinney, principal at Franchise Connection Partners, about the role franchise brokers play in helping franchisees find success. 

The Pros of Working with Franchise Brokers

With thousands of franchise brands available, brokers help prospective franchisees narrow down their options based on their preferences and qualifications. They’re backed by extensive networks and industry expertise so they can advise franchisees to consider brands they may not have found in their own research.

“There are so many times where I'll work with franchise candidates and they'll say, ‘How in the world did you come up with this idea? I love it! I never would have thought about this on my own.’ About 99% of the time, that’s my first conversation,” McKinney said.

While some may feel that they have the business acumen and tech savvy skills needed to go it alone and undertake their own online research, McKinney believes that technology simply can’t replace the human touch and years of industry experience. 

“No matter what technologies or other things come into play, people like having knowledgeable guides and facilitators in the process,” said McKinney.

Franchise brokers also play a crucial role in vetting potential franchisees, filtering out individuals who may not be serious or qualified investors. This selective approach benefits franchisors by connecting them with high-quality leads, making for increased efficiency in the franchise recruitment process. By understanding the unique needs of both the prospective franchisee and franchisor, brokers facilitate mutually beneficial connections, which is truly the key to success in franchising. 

The Cons of Working with Franchise Brokers

Despite the advantages, working with franchise brokers can have some drawbacks as well. One notable concern is the potential for inflated costs associated with franchise fees. Since brokers typically earn a percentage of the franchise fee upon successful placement, there’s a financial incentive to steer franchisees towards certain brands. This could result in higher signing fees for franchisees, impacting their overall investment.

According to McKinney, it’s important to seek out a good franchise system that’s growing responsibly. You should do your best to avoid systems that are overly motivated by financial incentive and solely interested in growing the brand as quickly as possible. 

Additionally, franchisors may find themselves facing higher expenses when engaging with franchise brokers. Commission rates imposed by broker networks can significantly reduce the franchise fee revenue, limiting the resources available for other crucial aspects of business development, such as real estate, marketing and support.

Navigating the Franchise Landscape

Even with emerging technology, the role of franchise brokers remains significant. While they offer valuable expertise and connections, it's essential for both franchisees and franchisors to approach their partnership with caution. Conducting thorough research, interviewing multiple brokers and scrutinizing franchise opportunities are essential steps in making informed decisions.

To learn more about starting or growing a franchise, check out these stories and resources:

• 1851 Growth Club
• 7 Key Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Starting a Franchise
• How to Buy a Franchise: Where to Start