The Franchise Business Model: How it Works and Why it’s a Popular Choice for Entrepreneurs
Franchising is a business model where a company, known as the franchisor, grants the right for another person or business, known as the franchisee, to use its name, trademark, and operating system to run a similar business. Franchising has become a popular method of business expansion, with benefits for both the franchisor and franchisee.
One of the primary benefits of franchising is the right for the franchisee to use the franchisor’s name and corporate image. This allows the franchisee to take advantage of an established brand, which can be crucial in attracting customers and establishing credibility. Customers are more likely to trust a familiar brand, making it easier for the franchisee to build a customer base.
Franchising also allows the franchisee to take advantage of the franchisor’s established operating system. The franchisor has already developed a business model that has proven successful, and the franchisee can benefit from this by following the same model. This includes everything from the products and services offered to the way the business is run, making it easier for the franchisee to get started and become profitable quickly.
Franchising is a model that has a much higher success rate than other business models. Data published by Natwest’s regular sector survey shows that the failure rate amongst start up franchise businesses is far lower than for independent start-ups. Additionally, the survey shows that around 97 per cent of all UK franchisees reported a profit for more than 20 consecutive years.
A franchise agreement is a legal contract between the franchisor and franchisee that outlines the terms and conditions of the franchise relationship. This agreement typically includes details on the franchise fee, ongoing royalties, marketing requirements, and other operational guidelines.
There is no law of franchising as such. First and foremost it is a commercial contract. There are, however, features to a franchise agreement which distinguish it from other forms of distribution agreements. As already mentioned, the use of the intellectual property is vital as in a business format franchise all outlets operate under a common name and brand. Franchise agreements are subject to the same constraints in terms of competition law as many mainstream distribution agreements. The level of support and back-up from the franchisor again distinguishes the franchise model from other forms of distribution networks.
However, franchising also has some potential drawbacks that prospective franchisees should be aware of. One potential disadvantage is the upfront cost of buying a franchise. Franchise fees can be expensive, and franchisees may also need to pay ongoing royalties and other fees to the franchisor. This can make franchising a more expensive option than starting a business from scratch.
Additionally, franchisees may be limited in their ability to make changes to the business model or brand. Franchisors typically have strict guidelines and procedures that franchisees must follow, which can limit their flexibility and creativity.
Overall, franchising can be a good option for entrepreneurs who want to start their own business but do not want to start from scratch. However, prospective franchisees should carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of franchising before making a decision. They should also do their research to ensure that they choose a reputable franchisor with a proven track record of success.
Speak to our Franchising experts
To contact the team please email either:
Andrew Hayward on Andrew.Hayward@ibblaw.co.uk,
Jane Masih on Jane.Masih@ibblaw.co.uk,
or Russell Ford on Russell.Ford@ibblaw.co.uk, or call 03456 381 381.
