FAQs

Why use Smart Choice Franchises and not go directly to the franchisers?

Quite simply to save time, money and potential aggravation!  Our service is free.  Your franchise fees or business purchase price will not be greater if you choose to use our service.  We provide all the information a potential business owner needs to find the opportunity that fits their goals, plus we already know many of the safest, strongest and most lucrative opportunities in business today, a task that can take months for someone outside the industry.

How much does it cost to use the services of Smart Choice Franchises?

The consumer doesn't pay for the services that Smart Choice Franchises offers.  You will pay the published price for any franchise just as if you had gone directly to the franchiser. The franchiser absorbs our marketing costs.  The franchisers respect the processes we follow and recognize the quality and fit of clients we refer to them after our consultations are complete.   Smart Choice Franchises is uniquely able to provide a win-win scenario for the investor and the franchiser.

How will Smart Choice Franchises find the best franchise for me?

Our goal is to find an opportunity that will meet the specific needs of each individual we work with. To do this effectively, we first have to learn what those needs are. We will ask you a series of detailed questions. Some sample questions you will be asked are:  

• What are your reasons for wanting a business of your own?
• Have you ever owned a business of your own?
• What hours do you like to work?
• Where do you want you business to be located?
• How do you feel about managing people?
• How much capital do you have to start a business with?
• Will you have partners?
• Do you want to build multiple units?
• How soon do you want your business to open?
• Will you be involved on a full-time or part-time basis?

These are just a few of the many issues we will discuss with you over the course of our consultation process. With this information we can create a personalized profile and model for you to use in evaluating opportunities. We can also usually match our clients with a few opportunities that have characteristics consistent with the ones they’re looking for in order to save time and effort in the process.  

Sorting through the over 5,000 franchise opportunities can be a long, confusing process. Many people spend months sorting through companies without ever finding an opportunity that has what they really want in a business. We can help!  

We’ve done a lot of the homework for you. We have pre-screened hundreds of companies from all areas of business. They must meet the exacting standards we have set to be included in our inventory.  We do all of this so we can offer the franchise opportunity that will be the “perfect fit” for you. 

Why should I buy a franchise?

Franchising offers individuals the opportunity to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves. The Franchiser is there to provide support with all the different functions of the business. They have seen the issues that can arise in their business and know how to deal with any problems effectively.   

Prior to your opening, they provide extensive initial training and support so you’re well prepared to handle whatever comes. They can also provide advertising and marketing support to help build your business faster. The most significant benefit to franchising is the reduced level of risk. This comes from a franchise system’s proven method of doing business. 

Is financial assistance available?

Financing can be a major hurdle for any potential franchisee. Start-up costs can reach a high level and it is essential that the franchisee have adequate working capital. It is important to address any financing issues during the investigation of franchise opportunities.    

The best source of information about financing options for any franchise is the franchiser. Once again, we are dealing with an issue that the franchiser has addressed numerous times with other franchisees and they will have a good deal of information about the practical options that are available.

How soon can I get my business started?

This depends almost completely on you. The franchise consultation process can be completed easily within a few days if you are responsive and motivated. After you begin investigating opportunities, most clients can find a great match for them within one to three months. After you select the right business for you, it will typically take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months for your actual business to open for operation.

Do I need specific industry experience to successfully own a franchise?

No, in fact most companies are looking for people with no experience in their industry. This is because they want their business operator to focus on running the business and not performing the labor their concepts require. Franchisers need people who can be effective in areas such as motivating employees, generating sales, and running the day-to-day operations as efficiently as possible. The franchisee role is typically one of management rather than labor.