Franchising Classroom Lesson 4: Make some preliminary choices.
 
The total number of business franchises out there is already in the thousands and is growing. Where do you begin? You are already there. At Francorp Connect, you can research and evaluate a wide variety of top franchise opportunities without leaving your computer. Franchise trade shows are another means of finding out about franchise offerings. National Franchise Shows put on by the New Business Centre and the IFA's International Franchise Expo are recommended. Performing Internet keyword searches (by company name, product or service type, industry of interest) is another means of finding business franchise opportunities. Compile a list of candidates, review web sites, request franchising brochures.
 
Franchises to avoid. Below are some warning signs to look for that may indicate that an existing business franchise may not be a particularly good choice.

• Business franchises with a single "fad" product
• Labor-intensive or widely unautomated business franchises
• Business franchises with legal problems or many failed franchisees
• Business franchises with declining unit sales or sales below industry averages
• Business franchises with limited support and/or advertising