How Much Cash Do I Really Need to Get Started?
The franchise fee is not your cash number. Here’s how to figure out how much cash you really need to get started, without guessing.Continue Reading
SBA Loans for Franchises: What Lenders Want to See
Thinking about an SBA loan for a franchise? Here’s what lenders actually look for, and how to get ready before you apply.Continue Reading
Can I Use My 401(k) to Buy a Franchise?
Yes, some buyers use retirement funds through a ROBS structure. Here’s what the IRS says, and the risks that rarely show up in the sales pitch.Continue Reading
How Do I Pay for a Franchise? Every Funding Option Explained
Wondering how to pay for a franchise? Here’s a plain look at the funding options buyers actually use, and what the SBA says about each.Continue Reading
The 10 Biggest Mistakes First-Time Franchise Buyers Make
Most franchise mistakes happen before opening day. Here are the 10 first-time franchise buyer mistakes I see most, and how to avoid them.Continue Reading
How to Read Item 19 Without Getting Fooled
Item 19 is where franchisors share earnings numbers. Here’s how to read Item 19 so the numbers tell you the truth, not just the sales pitch.Continue Reading
What Is an FDD, and What Should I Look For in It?
The Franchise Disclosure Document is the most important thing you’ll read before buying a franchise. Here’s what it is and where to look first.Continue Reading
Semi-Absentee Franchises: Can I Keep My Day Job and Still Own One?
Semi-absentee franchises let some owners keep their day job. Here’s what that really takes, and how to check a brand’s claims before you buy.Continue Reading
How Do I Know If a Franchise Is Actually Profitable?
Gross sales aren’t profit. Here’s how to tell whether a franchise is actually profitable before you put your money in.Continue Reading
What Questions Should I Ask a Franchisor Before I Sign Anything?
Before you sign a franchise agreement, ask these questions. Here’s what to ask a franchisor, and where in the FDD to check the answers.Continue Reading