Category: Expert Advice

from Ned Levitt, senior partner, Dickinson Wright LLP. Buying power, name recognition, expertise (both in the business and in the business of franchising), advertising clout and research and development are some of the benefits prospective franchisees expect when buying a franchise. With the newer systems, these benefits may not materialize for several years, if at all. There is no question that the risks for franchisees in the start-up… Continue reading Buying a Franchise: New Systems Versus Mature Systems

from Darryn McAuliffe, Industry Solutions Executive, NAB Franchise Banking. Whether it is a natural career progression, or a change of lifestyle that you’re looking for, making the decision to buy a franchise can be an exciting yet daunting one. Many individuals are achieving business success by opting into franchises that offer a proven business model… Continue reading Finding and Buying the Right Franchise for You

from Lori Karpman, President, Lori Karpman & Associates Ltd. I am a born and bred “Quebecoise”, and proud of it. I grew up and was educated in English in the Province of Quebec. I have lived through the turbulence of the sovereignty calls, the language laws, and the economic situation it has created. Notwithstanding all that,… Continue reading Business in La Belle Province – Can You Really Afford to Ignore it?

from Joseph Pisani, Director of National Franchising Services, Bank of Montreal. If you are in the process of buying a franchise or have plans to expand your existing location, chances are you will seek some level of financial assistance.  In most situations, this scenario would require that you submit an application for financing to your local… Continue reading Financing Your Franchise: The Five C’s of Obtaining Credit

from Wayne Maillet, President, Franchise Specialists. Over the years great franchise companies have become more selective in whom they grant franchises to. Strong franchisors know the qualities of successful franchisees and will watch for them as they recruit new franchisees into the system.  They might do this through interviews, aptitude tests and/or observation. Franchisors recognize that… Continue reading Top Ten Qualities of a Successful Franchisee

from Joseph Pisani, National Manager of Franchising Services, Bank of Montreal. Purchasing a franchised business is not an easy process. As a prospective franchisee, you must take your time, performing a great deal of research and due diligence before finally making the decision to buy. Following this decision, your focus will turn to financing and the… Continue reading How to Understand Banks and Franchising

from John Woodburn, President of C.J. Woodburn & Associates. As a prospective franchise business owner, you’ve read everything you can get your hands on. You’ve learned to: Get Disclosure Document and comments from franchisor – read carefully! Talk personally to many existing franchisees. Ask for a location – franchisor or real estate agent. Assuming you’ve… Continue reading Is Your Franchise Location an Asset or a Liability?

from Michel Gagnon, President and Senior Consultant, Davier Consultants Inc. A few years ago on a trip to some North African and Middle East countries, we presented a series of seminars on franchising to local business people. With the support of the regional Canadian Embassy Trade Commissioners, we were witnesses to a growing trend to… Continue reading How to Find Opportunities in International Franchising