Top Franchise Pros and Cons

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, you have probably considered exploring the franchise business model as a viable business option.
When it comes to opening a business, venturing into uncharted waters can be risky. As with all businesses, there are pros and cons of owning a franchise.

To help you make an informed decision about whether or not the franchise business model is right for you, we’ve compiled a list of franchise pros and cons. Spoiler alert: there are more advantages to owning a franchise than disadvantages!

Pros of Owning a Franchise

Franchising gives people without business-specific backgrounds or degrees the opportunity to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves.

It’s important to understand and explore buying a franchise’s pros and cons as a future small business owner to run a successful business and gain a loyal customer base.

1. Established Brand

The franchise’s pros and cons that stand out the most is the fact that the franchise is an established and recognizable brand. When you open an independent business, it will take a long time before your brand name starts to get recognized and your reputation gets established.

One of the primary advantages of owning a franchise is instant access to an established brand name and customer base. Consumers are more likely to trust a well-known brand, which can lead to higher foot traffic and better sales for franchisees.

You can also take advantage of the national advertising that your franchisor does, giving you extra exposure, this is an advantage that smaller brands don’t have.

2. Proven Business Model

Franchising has been around for decades. Franchisors went through the trial and error process to perfect their system and operations, and now they are ready to share their scalable business model with you.

This unique model works for that reason. You don’t have to spend the time, money, and effort trying to work out the kinks to see how to run your business effectively — the franchisor has already done that.

3. Ongoing Support and Training

The training and support you will receive as a franchisee is huge when it comes to the pros and cons of owning a franchise. No other business model gives you training and support as franchising does.

Franchisors will train you on how to run the business efficiently to ensure you are set up for success. They also offer continuous support afterward and will be there to help answer any question or solve any problem.

Franchise owners can tap into the expertise of the parent company, benefitting from their experience, industry knowledge, and best practices. Whether it helps with marketing, inventory management, or staff training, the franchisor is there to lend a helping hand.

4. Reduced Risk

Compared to starting an independent business, a franchise business typically comes with lower risks. The support and guidance from the franchisor, combined with an established brand, can increase the chances of success.

Additionally, franchises tend to have a higher rate of success compared to independent startups — 20% of independent business close after two years, while 92% of franchises are still open at the two-year mark, positioning also to be a recession-resistant business.

Cons of Franchising

While the pros outweigh the cons of franchising, it is still important to understand the cons of franchising when making an important business decision.

1. Initial Investment and Royalty Fees

Owning a franchise requires a substantial upfront investment, which can be a significant barrier for many aspiring entrepreneurs. In addition to the initial franchise fee, franchisees are required to pay ongoing royalty fees based on a percentage of their revenue.

These fees can cut into the franchisee’s profits, especially during the early stages of the business.

2. Limited Creativity and Flexibility

While owning a franchise offers a proven business model, it can also mean limited creativity and autonomy for the franchisee.

Franchise owners must adhere to strict operational guidelines set by the franchisor, leaving little room for experimentation or adaptation to local market preferences. This lack of flexibility may not appeal to entrepreneurs who thrive on creativity and innovation.

3. Contractual Obligations

Franchise agreements are legally binding contracts, and franchisees must comply with all the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement.

This includes everything from operational standards and purchasing requirements to advertising and termination clauses.

Breaking the contract can have severe consequences, including the loss of the franchise.

Final Thoughts on the Pros & Cons of Franchising

As you can see, when comparing the pros and cons of owning a franchise, there are more pros than cons. Owning a franchise can be a rewarding and profitable business venture for many entrepreneurs.

The established brand, proven business model, and ongoing support are significant advantages that can lead to success.

However, potential franchisees must carefully weigh the cons, such as the initial investment & cost, limited flexibility, and contractual obligations, before making a decision.

Conduct thorough research, seek advice from current franchise owners, and consider your own business goals and values to determine if franchising aligns with your entrepreneurial vision.

Ultimately, the right franchise opportunity can be a stepping stone to realizing your business dreams.

Shawarma Press is looking for motivated, aspiring entrepreneurs to share in the success of their expanding brand. If a healthy, Mediterranean, fast-casual restaurant franchise sounds appealing to you, then contact one of the top shawarma franchises today to start your journey.