How to Properly Research a Pet Franchise

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Researching a franchise is imperative to the buying process. Sure this starts by looking up the information you can find online. This is what allows you to narrow down your searches so you can find the ones that will be right for you. Once you think you have the perfect franchise in mind, you will need to do the real research: visiting the franchise. So here is what you need to know when you visit the franchise.

 

Why Visiting a Franchise is Important

The main reason why visiting a pet franchise is important is because it allows you to get to see how the business operates on a day to day basis. It will give you a better idea of what you will face if you have a business. Sure no two businesses even within the same franchise brand are exactly the same, but it will give you a better understanding. The franchisor can say many things but this will give you the opportunity to know for yourself.

 

Take In Everything Around You

You want to watch the way everything happens within the pet franchise. Look at the way the store looks, the processes the people go through, the number of employees, and more. You want to be sure you know how your day to day life will look so you can know if it is right for you.

 

Ask Plenty of Questions

While you may think you are being a pest, chances are you are not the first prospect to spend a day with the franchisee. So don’t feel bad about asking questions. You want to ask them the real questions. Ask them about things you fear with owning the franchise. Things you are curious about. Just make sure you ask away. You may even want to make a list. Here are some of the questions you may want to ask:

 

  • Do you feel the franchisor addresses your needs on a timely basis?
  • Are you happy with your choice of this industry?
  • Are you happy with this choice in your franchise?
  • If you could go back in time would you still buy a franchise?
  • What do you struggle with the most in the franchise?

 

These are just some of the things you may want to ask the franchisee. Chances are they will be open and honest with you. This can open up the table to a dialogue you didn’t expect and maybe even more questions about the franchise.

 

Visit Two Pet Franchise Owners

Sure you asked all your questions and did your observation at one. But truth be told, this isn’t enough. This is because each franchise is a little different. So when you observe, look at the differences in the two stores. See if one operates more efficiently than the other and why this may be. Also, ask the questions to this franchisee as well. Even though this will not give you an exact understanding of what it is like to own your own pet  franchise, it can give you a better understanding.