FAQ

The first question you might ask – Why use FirstChoice Franchises instead of going directly to the Franchises?
  • Because you’ll have a personal consultant and team of professionals to carefully guide you through the complex searching and buying process
  • Because we use our proven, ten-step, individualized process and vast industry experience and resources to find franchise opportunities that may be the best fit for you
  • Because we give you the critical insider information you need to consider when you are evaluating a franchise
  • Because we know which franchises are the least risky, most reliable and most profitable in the industry

And, because our service is free, we know we can save you time, money and energy as you consider that very important question of how business ownership will change your future. So, why go it alone when you have a trained professional ready to help you?

What will it cost me to use a broker for my franchise purchase?
The consumer doesn’t pay for the services that a franchise broker offers. You will pay the published price for any franchise just as if you had gone directly to the franchisor. So it’s a true win-win-win – you get the support you need to decrease your risk and make the best decision for you, the franchisor gets a candidate that is more prepared to succeed, and I get to do what I love best – support people in achieving their dreams!

How does it work? How will the broker find the best opportunity for me?
We start with a scientifically validated assessment that helps to identify the types of businesses that would be the best match for your values, competencies and work style.
Here are a few additional questions we’ll need to consider:

  • Why do you want to own your own business?
  • Have you owned your own business before now?
  • How many hours and what time of day do you like to work?
  • Is there a certain location you desire?
  • What kind of capital do you have available to start your business?
  • Are there partners involved?
  • Do you want to have more than one business?
  • When do you want to open your door for business?
  • Will you be available full-time or part-time?

There are hundreds of franchise opportunities available, and sifting through them all can take months for a person without our knowledge of the industry. Many people get frustrated and give up. Using our service can help you avoid this situation because we create a personal profile for you and then research franchise opportunities that match your criteria. With just a few opportunities to evaluate, you save a lot of time and effort.

It’s not easy to be a part of our inventory. Each company has been thoroughly reviewed from every angle. We have high standards for every aspect of the business. By doing our homework, we are confident that we can offer you the very best opportunities that are just right for you.

What are the benefits of buying a franchise?
Owning your own business puts you in control of your own future. But it’s also difficult to do by yourself. When you buy a franchise, the franchisor offers support, experience, and knowledge to all aspects of the business. They have been there so they know what challenges will arise and the best way to overcome them.

Franchisors provide you all the tools to be successful. They will train you prior to your opening. They give you advertising and marketing support that builds your business. Most importantly, they reduce your risk because the system has already been proven to work. Their training and support insure that you will be able to handle whatever comes up along the way.

With some franchise models, that proven system can help you develop an organization that can be run by a professional manager, leaving you more time to develop additional units or pursue other business or personal goals. And if selling your business is part of your long-term strategy to build wealth, that brand name and added support can be a tremendous value-add for your potential buyer.

What if I don’t have enough capital to buy the franchise?
Funding your purchase of a franchise is nearly always a major consideration for business owners. Too often, businesses simply don’t have enough capital to help them start-up a new business. We feel it is critical to discuss financing issues early so any problems can be addressed during investigation and research steps of the process.

See our Funding Franchise page for more information about funding options and links to some of the funding experts we recommend.

How long will it take to get my business started?
It varies. If you are motivated (and not distracted!), you can complete the franchise consultation process in a few days fairly simply. Most clients can find a great opportunity in anywhere from 1 to 3 months. Once you have purchased your opportunity, it can range from as little as 2 weeks up to 6 months to get the business going.
Do I need to know the industry to buy the franchise?
Absolutely not. In fact, most franchisors prefer that you have no experience in the industry prior to owning the franchise. Franchisors want people that can use their transferable business skills to motivate employees, close sales, and manage efficient operations. They do not want their owners doing the labor, but running the business. Typically in this equation, the franchisee is the manager not the labor.