Don’t waste your time “just browsing” for a franchise

Hey there,

Let’s get one thing straight:

If you’re not ready to buy a franchise in the next 90 days… you’re not ready to look at franchises.

Speed That’s not a diss. It’s actually a strategic advantage. More on that in a second.

But first, let’s talk speed.

The 60–90 day window

When I work with someone, we aim to get a franchise agreement signed within 60 to 90 days.

Why? 

Because I hunt for great franchises. But unfortunately, I’m not the only one.

Top-tier brands move very quickly. It’s a simple supply and demand equation. 

Is it ideal? No. But it’s reality. 

So if you’re looking at brands before you’re ready to move forward, you’re looking at opportunities that likely won’t be available once you are ready. This is not a good use of your time.

Imagine you’re trying to rent an apartment in Manhattan… 

… except you aren’t going to have the money or the time to move for another 6-12 months.

You’re gonna get smoked in the process by others who are prepared to move more quickly. 

Franchise selection is the same. The best deals go to the fastest qualified buyer.

What about “getting a feel for the market?”

My apartment rental analogy isn’t perfect. 

If you’re looking to move, it makes sense to view some apartments and see what you’ll get for your budget.

So why not hop on some sales calls or read a couple of FDDs? 

Here’s the problem: the second you raise your hand, even just to learn, you’re being sold to, not educated.

Your inbox is going to be flooded with franchisors trying to get you on calls and distracting you from what you should be doing: gaining clarity and getting your ducks in a row so that you’re able to move forward when the time is right.

If you’re not ready to act, then at best it’s wasted time. At worst, it’s a trap that pushes you into a deal you shouldn’t have made.

How do I know if I’m ready?

To get yourself ready, there are three things you should figure out.

1. Know yourself

Get clear on your long-term goals. What do you actually want? A day-to-day role? An executive seat? A 10-unit empire?

2. Know your market

You don’t need census data, but you do need to know the basics. Are you in a suburb with wealthy families? A city with dense foot traffic? An industrial hub? Different businesses thrive in different terrains.

3. Know your capital

You don’t need to have the full funding plan baked yet (I can help with that). But you do need to know how much you’re willing to invest, and what kind of risk you’re comfortable with.

The last word

Don’t start looking at franchises until you’re ready to stop looking at franchises. Because if you’re not ready to strike when the right deal comes along, somebody else will. 

So think about it: 

Are you ready to be a business owner in the next three months?

If that’s a yes, I can help you find great-fit options, weigh the pros and cons of each opportunity, and help you through the financials and paperwork — at no cost to you.

Book a free strategy call today.

Connor

P.S. If you’re not ready… that’s totally okay. Keep following, keep reading, and keep learning, until you know whether franchising is the path for you. I suggest starting here: 

Which franchise should I choose? (... is the wrong question)

When the time comes, I’ll be here.

Ready for the next step? Here are 3 ways I can help you: