<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[SmallBusinessNotes.com Recent Articles: Franchises]]></title><link>http://www.smallbusinessnotes.com/starting-a-business/franchises/</link><description></description></channel>
<item><title>Selecting a Franchise</title><link>http://www.smallbusinessnotes.com/starting-a-business/selecting-a-franchise.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Like any other investment, purchasing a franchise is a risk. When selecting a franchise, carefully consider a number of factors, such as the demand for the products or services, likely competition, the franchisor's background, and the level of support you will receive. Demand Is there a demand for the franchisor's products or services in your community? Is the demand seasonal? For example, lawn and garden care or swimming pool maintenance may be profitable only in the spring or summer. Is there likely to be a continuing demand for the products or services in the future? Is the demand likely...]]></description><pubDate>November  1, 2010  5:15 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Franchises</title><link>http://www.smallbusinessnotes.com/starting-a-business/franchises.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A franchise is a legal and commercial relationship between the owner of a trademark, service mark, trade name, or advertising symbol and an individual or group wishing to use that identification in a business. The franchise governs the method of conducting business between the two parties. Generally, a franchisee sells goods or services supplied by the franchisor or that meet the franchisor's quality standards. Franchising is based on mutual trust between the franchisor and franchisee. The franchisor provides the business expertise (marketing plans, management guidance, financing assistance, site location, training, etc.) that otherwise would not be available to the...]]></description><pubDate>November  1, 2010  5:15 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Shopping at a Franchise Exposition</title><link>http://www.smallbusinessnotes.com/starting-a-business/shopping-at-a-franchise-exposition.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Attending a franchise exposition allows you to view and compare a variety of franchise possibilities. Keep in mind that exhibitors at the exposition primarily want to sell their franchise systems. Be cautious of salespersons who are interested in selling a franchise that you are not interested in. Before you attend, research what type of franchise best suits your investment limitations, experience, and goals. When you attend, comparison shop for the opportunity that best suits your needs and ask questions. Know How Much You Can Invest An exhibitor may tell you how much you can afford to invest or that...]]></description><pubDate>November  1, 2010  5:15 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Investigating Franchise Offerings</title><link>http://www.smallbusinessnotes.com/starting-a-business/investigating-franchise-offerings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Before investing in any franchise system, be sure to get a copy of the franchisor's disclosure document. Sometimes this document is called a Franchise Offering Circular. Under the FTC's Franchise Rule, you must receive the document at least 10 business days before you are asked to sign any contract or pay any money to the franchisor. You should read the entire disclosure document. Make sure you understand all of the provisions. The following outline will help you to understand key provisions of typical disclosure documents. It also will help you ask questions about the disclosures. Get a clarification or...]]></description><pubDate>November  1, 2010  5:15 PM</pubDate></item><item><title>Before Selecting a Franchise System</title><link>http://www.smallbusinessnotes.com/starting-a-business/before-selecting-a-franchise-system.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Before investing in a particular franchise system, carefully consider how much money you have to invest, your abilities, and your goals. The following checklist may help you make your decision. Your Investment How much money do you have to invest? How much money can you afford to lose? Will you purchase the franchise by yourself or with partners? Will you need financing and, if so, where can you obtain it? Do you have a favorable credit rating? Do you have savings or additional income to live on while starting your franchise? Your Abilities Does the franchise require technical experience...]]></description><pubDate>November  1, 2010  5:15 PM</pubDate></item></rss>