While your small business is thriving because of the product you developed, you may be aware that your intellectual property may be the most at-risk asset you have, which is why you keep the construction instructions secret. You have become aware that a competitor has...

There are many factors to consider before embarking on the journey of acquiring a franchise. Most business decisions involve a certain level of risks, with nothing being guaranteed.  However, personal and financial success can occur through the growth of a franchise....

Savvy entrepreneurs know to review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before investing in a franchise. This document generally includes 23 numbered items, which include the franchisor’s background, any previous bankruptcies, and any restrictions about territory...

Starting a franchise can be easier than starting a business from scratch. You get to draw on an established customer base and a well-developed brand. You don't have to perfect processes or advertising on your own because the parent company will handle that for you....

Few franchisees may realize it, but a franchise relationship is a business model with significant power imbalances between parties involved. That's why it's so important that you have a firm grasp of your rights and responsibilities to the franchisor as a franchisee....

A franchise is often based on the idea of uniformity, rather than creativity. Whenever you go into a specific store, you feel like you’ve been in it before. All of the various outlets are the same. This can be hard for some business owners, who wanted to start a...

What is popular and successful in business constantly changes. Aesthetics and morals shift from generation to generation. Your company will need to adapt to changing times in order to remain competitive. Rebranding your business can help make it seem more modern and...

In recent years, franchisees have faced increasing concerns over encroachment from their franchisors. When not handled properly, franchise encroachment can virtually cripple a franchisee, making it nearly impossible to have the kind of success they hoped for when...

If you want to take out a franchise, you need to sign a contract. Once you sign, you are bound by the terms of that contract. That does not, however, mean you cannot seek to change it. The best time to seek alterations to a franchise deal is before you sign the...

The marketing material and promises made by franchisors to potential franchisees are often glowing. However, once a franchise is purchased, sometimes, the franchisee finds out that the franchisors have over-promised and under-delivered. More than just poor...