Are You Suited To Be A Franchisee?

Carefully consider the following questions before getting involved with franchising:

Financial
1. Have you, your spouse and knowledgeable family members discussed the idea of becoming a franchisee?
2. Are you in complete agreement?
3. Do you have the financial resources required to operate your own franchise? If not, where are you going to get the capital?
4. Are you and your spouse ready to make the necessary sacrifices in the way of money and time in order to operate a franchise?
5. Will the possible loss of company benefits, including retirement plans, be outweighed by the potential monetary and self-pride rewards that would come from operating your own franchise?
6. Have you made a thorough written balance sheet of your assets and liabilities, as well as liquid cash resources?
7. Will your savings provide you with a cushion for at least one year after you have financed the franchise, allowing a one-year period of time to break even?
8. Do you have additional sources of financing, including friends or relatives who might be able to loan you money in the event that your initial financing proves inadequate?
9. Do you realize that most new businesses, including franchises, generally do not break even for at least one year after opening?
10. Will one of you remain employed at your current occupation while the franchise is in its initial, pre-profit stage?

Personal
11. Are you and your spouse physically able to handle the emotional and physical strain involved in operating a franchise, caused by long hours and tedious administrative chores?
12. Will your family members, particularly small children, suffer from your absence for several years while you build up your business?
13. Are you prepared to give up some independence of action in exchange for the advantages the franchise offers you?
14. Have you thoroughly examined the Screenmobile franchise and can truthfully conclude that you would enjoy running it for several years or until retirement?
15. Have you and your spouse had recent physicals?
16. Is the present state of your health and that of your spouse good?
17. Do you and your spouse enjoy working with others?
18. Do you have the ability and experience to work smoothly and profitability with your franchisor, your employees and your customers?
19. Have you asked your friends and relatives for their candid opinions as to your emotional, mental and physical suitability to running your own businesses?
20. Do you have a capable, willing heir to take over the business if you become disabled?
21. If the Screenmobile Franchise territory you gain license to, is not near your present home, do you realize that it would not be beneficial to sell your home and buy one closer until the new venture is successful?

Business
22. Do you and your spouse have past experience in business that will qualify you as a franchise operator?
23. Have you conducted independent research on the industry you are contemplating entering?
24. Have you determined whether the Screenmobile products or services have a market in your prospective territory?
25. What will the market for your product or service be like five years from now?
26. What competition exists in your prospective territory already?
27. From franchise or non-franchise businesses?