What You Should Ask Yourself Before You Become a Franchisee
- Matt Tiefenbrunn
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
Franchise ownership comes with a ready-made brand, a support system, and a tested business model. But it also comes with expectations, structure, and responsibilities that aren't always obvious at first glance.
Before you commit, take time to reflect on how you work, how you handle structure, and how you lead. These self-check questions will help you get clearer about whether franchising is the right move for you.
1. Can You Learn New Skills Even If You’ve Built a Career
Franchise systems come with specific processes, tools, and standards. Even if you've been managing people or running businesses for years, you will need to adapt to someone else’s way of doing things.
You will be expected to:
Complete mandatory training before opening
Learn brand-specific tools, procedures, and service protocols
Train your team to follow those same standards
What if you're in this situation? What will you do?
You join a fitness franchise after working in senior management. During training, you're required to follow a set script when welcoming members. It feels robotic to you. But data shows it improves retention. Do you adapt and trust the process, or default to your own approach?
Success in franchising often starts with being open to learning, even when it feels uncomfortable.
2. Do You Prefer Structure or Full Creative Control
Franchise models are designed for consistency. The brand identity, pricing, promotional materials, and service offerings are all set up to maintain uniformity across every location.
Ask yourself:
Can I operate within a system that limits my ability to change things?
Am I okay with using corporate-approved ads, menus, and marketing materials?
What if you're in this situation? What will you do?
You open a smoothie franchise. A regular customer asks for a trending ingredient that's not part of the approved recipe list. You know it would sell well locally, but it's not allowed. Do you stick to the plan or make your own adjustments?
Success comes from understanding where your creativity fits—and where it doesn't.
3. Can You Accept Feedback Without Taking It Personally
Franchisors and their field teams will check in with you. They may offer suggestions, flag issues, and hold you accountable for performance.
Ask yourself:
Am I open to coaching, even when I have experience?
Can I adjust when the data shows something needs to change?
What if you're in this situation? What will you do?
A field rep visits your senior care franchise and notices inconsistent call logs. They ask you to implement a new tracking method immediately. You feel your system works better. Do you update your approach, or resist because it feels unnecessary?
Being able to take direction can improve operations and strengthen your relationship with the brand.
4. Are You Willing to Be Consistent Even When It Feels Repetitive
Customers choose franchise brands because they know what to expect. Every location is supposed to deliver the same product or service, every time.
What if you're in this situation? What will you do?
You’re running a chicken wing franchise known for 25 signature sauces. One day you come up with a 26th flavor that everyone on your team loves. It's not on the approved list. Do you stick with the set offerings, or introduce your own?
Consistency protects the brand and builds customer trust. Your ability to follow the system is what makes your business scalable.
5. Can You See Yourself Leading a Team Every Day
Even in a semi-absentee model, someone needs to set the tone, solve problems, and lead the people serving your customers. That person is you.
Ask yourself:
Am I prepared to coach and support a team, not just manage numbers?
Do I have the energy and focus to deal with hiring, training, and turnover?
What if you're in this situation? What will you do?
Your general manager quits a few days before your busiest week. Your staff is under pressure, and customers are waiting longer than usual. Do you step in to adjust schedules, support your team, and handle complaints—or do you hope it stabilizes on its own?
How you respond in moments like this defines your business more than any marketing strategy.
Every franchise comes with a system. What matters is whether you’re ready to operate inside that system with consistency, discipline, and a willingness to learn.
There is no perfect personality for franchising. But there is a strong fit when the structure matches your mindset and your goals.
Want to Talk It Through
If you want help deciding whether franchising is the right move for you, we’re here for a no-pressure conversation. You’ll get clarity and insights based on real business models and owner experiences.
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