Questions to Ask During Franchise Validation
To ensure you get the most out of the validation process, we have prepared a list of questions to ask during franchise validation to make sure you have all the data you need.
The Importance of Franchise Validation
Franchise validation is one of the crucial steps in the franchise investment due diligence process. It involves reaching out to former and current franchisees to gain insights about the brand, providing you with a clear understanding of the challenges you may face, the potential rewards, and what it’s like to be part of the franchise system.
The franchise validation process is vital to determining if the franchise you are interested in is worth pursuing. To properly validate a franchise, you can speak with former and current franchisees in the system to better understand what the brand is like. These franchisees have experience operating the franchise, so their knowledge is essential in reducing the risk of buying a franchise that does not meet your expectations or needs.
Thus, the franchise validation will allow you to determine if the franchise fits your objectives and can qualify as an E-2 visa investment. In addition, this process can teach you the best practices of successful franchisees, avoid unsuitable franchises, and negotiate better terms and conditions. It is important to understand what questions to ask during franchise validation.
We recommend you go through franchise validation with the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney, who will be able to assess the franchise alongside you and recommend vital matters to investigate. Also, prepare the right questions to ask during franchise validation.
When to Validate a Franchise?
Ideally, it would be best to start validating the franchise upon receiving a copy of the franchise disclosure document (FDD) from the franchisor. The FDD will have a section listing other franchisees in various locations. Review the FDD and consult with your immigration attorney if you have concerns. You should contact as many franchisees as possible to questions to ask during franchise validation such as inquire about their experience, performance, satisfaction, location, and challenges running the franchise and dealing with the franchisor.
Click here to learn more about the FDD and its contents.
How to Validate a Franchise?
Firstly, you should prepare a list of questions to ask during franchise validation covering topics like trends in the industry, market conditions, customer preferences, training and support, relationship with the franchisor, revenue and profit, business performance, ongoing costs, legal and regulatory matters, challenges faced, marketing and advertising, territory, competition, growth and expansion opportunities, and more. Then, how you choose to approach the franchisees depends on your preference. Their contact information should be in the FDD. You can make phone calls, send emails, do surveys, conduct site visits, check online reviews, or arrange a face-to-face meeting. These are the first steps to questions to ask during franchise validation.
Questions to Ask During Franchise Validation
Here is an extensive list of questions to ask during franchise validation process to ensure you clearly understand the franchisees’ experience with the franchise and franchisor. These questions should help you make an informed decision:
How long have you been in the business?
Do you have a previous business or entrepreneurial experience?
Why did you choose this franchise?
Can you share your site development experience?
How long did it take to open your location? Did it meet the agreed-upon time?
Do you own multiple locations?
What was your most difficult challenge during the first year of operations?
What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing?
How long did it take to achieve profitability?
How is the franchise positioned in the market compared to competitors?
How satisfied are you with the franchise so far?
How is the relationship between you and the franchisor?
Did the franchisor’s initial training set you up for success? What about ongoing support?
How much does the franchisor help with lead generation?
What are your best practices to gain customers?
Is the management supportive or responsive?
What is the franchise’s corporate culture and values like?
Have you ever had trouble hiring staff?
What do you like and dislike about this franchise?
Can you walk me through a typical day running this franchise?
What is your main role in the business?
What is the biggest mistake you have made in the business so far?
What were your expectations before starting the business? Were these expectations met? Why or why not?
How much working capital did you need to start with? Did you need additional funds?
How accurate are the estimated initial investment and expenditures in item 7 of the FDD?
How has the franchise’s system improved since you joined?
What is the biggest mistake a first-time franchise owner can make?
What advice would you have given yourself as a franchise buyer knowing what you know now?
Ready to explore your E-2 visa franchise opportunities?
With experienced E-2 immigration attorneys, technical business plan writers, and over 700 franchises to choose from, our team at E2visafranchises is here to guide you every step toward making your business aspirations a reality. Message us for a free initial consultation.