Franchise Business Articles

Welcome to Franchise News and Articles Resource Center. Browse the latest franchising and small business articles and news stories. Check back often if you are researching the purchase of you own business or franchise.

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Franchise Solutions’ Business Directory Includes Health and Beauty Concepts that Help People Look and Feel Their Best
In the ongoing quest for self-improvement, consumers rely heavily on products and services that help them enhance and maintain their appearance. As a result, the health and fitness and beauty sectors have grown into multi-billion dollar industries.   more...

Businesses that Offer Customers Affordable Products and Services Prosper
As we recover from tough economic challenges, consumers and businesses alike seem to have learned some valuable lessons abut spending: We’ve all learned to spend less, save where we can, and indulge in smaller luxuries. Businesses that offer products and services that are affordable have successfully made it through the economic storm.   more...

The Auto Industry Attracts a Wide Range of Prospective Business Owners
Despite a period of economic tumult, certain sectors remain unscathed. The automotive aftermarket and service industry is proving to be one area that withstands economic fluctuations. In fact, with drivers keeping their vehicles longer, the automotive service industry is thriving. Aspiring business owners, from all walks of life, have taken note and are increasingly choosing to own auto-related franchise concepts. Automotive franchises offer prospective franchisees the opportunity to become part of an enduring industry, and previous automotive experience often isn’t necessary to qualify.   more...

Getting Financed!
Are you ready to be a franchisee, but you do not have the liquid assets necessary to make your big purchase? You can still own a franchise! Learn the basics of getting financed and you'll be on your way to becoming the owner of your own business.   more...

Women and Minorities Fuel Economic Growth and Franchise Expansion
From the leadership positions they hold, to the purchasing power they wield, women and minorities play an important role in the overall U.S. economy. Women and minorities have a presence in every industry and their contributions fuel economic growth. Hispanics alone account for 15% of the U.S. population, and by 2050 that number is expected to nearly double to 29%.   more...

Economic Challenges Haven’t Shaken the Fitness Industry
During a rough period in our country’s economy, it’s hard to find a business that hasn’t been affected by the consumer trend of spending less, but one brand in the massive fitness and wellness industry has seen positive growth and brand loyalty. One2One BodyScapes, a Massachusetts-based personal training franchise has seen an increase in personal training sales for the first quarter of 2009, up 9% over the fourth quarter of last year.   more...

Don’t Judge a Book, or an Online Franchise Inquiry by its Cover
According to Mario Altiery, President and CEO of the Upside Group, and other franchise sales consulting and training professionals, it's not the quality of the leads, but how franchisors are handling those inquiries and communicating with prospects that perpetuates what has become a very inefficient sales process.   more...

How Social Media Can Help You Find the Right Business to Own
We’ve all heard a thing or two about Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and other popular social media vehicles…everyone from The White House and Oprah to your best friends and relatives seem to be captivated by these new forums for communication and information. In fact, social media sites can help you find the right business to own by providing you with insider information and by connecting you with business ownership experts, franchisors, other prospective business buyers, and current and past franchise owners. Now is the ideal time to use this technology to help you find the perfect business.   more...

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Maintains a Bright Spot in the Franchise Community
According to R. L. Polk & Co. in its annual vehicle population report, the median age of passenger cars in operation in the U.S. increased to 9.4 years in 2008, breaking the previous two-year record high. In fact, analysts from J.D. Power, Deutsche Bank Securities, and Wachovia Capital Markets all estimate that auto sales in the U.S. declined as much as 43 percent last month in comparison to sales in March of 2008. What does all this mean to prospective franchise owners? With the economy still in a rut and more consumers keeping and maintaining their vehicles versus buying new, the automotive repair industry is a smart business choice for those seeking a franchise to own.   more...

Rise Above Current Economic Woes with a Business that Meets the Fast Growing Needs of Today’s Families
Whether you’ve recently been laid off and are seeking a job alternative, lost a large percentage of your retirement fund and wish you could find a different place to invest your hard-earned money, or you’re simply ready to take control of your future, business ownership in a high-demand service industry could be exactly what you’re looking for. In particular, services that cater to the fast growing senior population are in high-demand throughout the country.   more...

Planet-Friendly Franchises Sweep the Nation
As environmental awareness increases and governments, companies, and consumers demand planet-friendly alternatives for just about every product and service, a growing number of franchise companies are meeting the demand by changing the way they do business. Some concepts have centered their businesses around going green, while others have simply moved with the times by bettering the ways in which they do business. Today, the green movement is sweeping across the nation, positively impacting the franchise industry.   more...

Think Owning a Franchise Business Entails Cleaning Homes or Managing a Fast Food Restaurant? Think Again!
If business ownership appeals to you but you do not want to clean homes or work in a fast food restaurant, you’re in luck. Franchises are available in well over 90 diverse industries and depending on your preferences, goals, and of course, business choice, you can potentially own a single territory without any employees, or you can own multiple locations and simply manage the managers.   more...

Explore Your Financing Options During Difficult Economic Times
If you’re considering your franchise ownership options, you’ll need to decide how much money you’re willing to invest in your new business. Most franchises, big or small, require some amount of cash down when a new franchisee plans to purchase a business. Regardless of total investment, some franchisors require that prospective franchisees possess a large amount of available cash, while others require less liquid capital to cover the initial investment. Unless you have enough cash to completely cover the initial investment, you will definitely need to find a source of funding in order to purchase your franchise.    more...

Even During Troubled Economic Times, High-Demand Industries Offer Recession-Resistant Franchise
For the focused entrepreneur, a franchise business can offer a proven opportunity to succeed, regardless of the economy. One of the keys to success is choosing a business in an industry that is in high demand with few competitors in a particular market.    more...

Save Time and Money: Own a Home-Based Business
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 49 percent of the nation’s businesses are run from home. With lower start-up fees and overhead, home-based businesses are a smart choice and with computers and technology, a wide variety of franchises can now be run successfully from home. Surprising industries with home-based businesses for sale include pet training, business consulting, carpet and blind dealers, and senior in-home care businesses, just to name a few. So, if business ownership is in your future, you may want to consider a home-based business.   more...

No Previous Experience Required: Why You Do Not Need Industry Experience to Own a Franchise
If you’re in the middle of searching for a franchise to own, you’ve probably read about franchise concepts that state, 'No previous experience is necessary.' How can this be the case when you’ll own and possibly manage a business? The reality is that although some concepts do require previous business ownership or industry experience, most truly do not.   more...

Investing Wisely: Why an Investment in a Business Makes Sense
Wealth equals stability, independence and control and regardless of the economic climate, we all want to increase the size of our nest eggs. During challenging economic times, we’re all seeking investments that continue to prosper and if you choose a high-demand business in the right market, franchise ownership could be an ideal investment for you.    more...

Make Your Mark on the Beauty and Fitness Industry With a Proven Franchise
Maintaining one’s appearance requires investing a considerable amount of time and money. Consumers are so concerned with their looks that they go to great lengths to enhance, preserve and alter what Mother Nature gave them. Our obsession with youth and beauty has made receiving Botox injections as commonplace as a visit to the dentist; and is spurring a beauty and rejuvenation industry estimated at $128 billion in the U.S. alone. Beauty is big business and there is a vast array of fitness and beauty franchises that keep people looking their best. Make your mark on the beauty and fitness industry by owning a franchise.   more...

As of July 1, 2008, The New Franchise Rule will Provide Franchise Buyers with More Information
In an effort to streamline the Franchise Rule to make it more similar to the, Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (or UFOC - the official document franchises use to disclose information about their business to potential buyers), the Rule is undergoing a transformation. The amendments to the Franchise Rule were announced in January 2007, and as of July 1, 2008 all franchisors are required to comply with the new regulations. As a result, prospective franchisees will have access to more information about the franchises they’re considering buying than ever before.    more...

Summer is a Hot Season for Many Franchises
Summer involves embracing a whole new lifestyle for many people. Routines and responsibilities fall by the wayside and are replaced with leisurely activities. As many people’s habits and activities change with the season, so do their needs and wants. Consumers with more leisure time on their hands frequently rely on the convenience and familiarity of franchises whether they’re close to home or vacationing across the country. Travel and lodging, automotive and landscaping companies typically experience increased business activity during this time of year, but there are many other franchises that see business heat up during the summer.   more...

Owning a Cleaning Franchise Doesn’t Involve Getting Your Hands Dirty
But it does mean that you’ll join the fastest growing segment of the home services industry. Demand for cleaning franchises is increasing by 5.5% every year. Residential cleaning is projected to be a $10.7 billion a year industry in the next two years. But you don’t have to love cleaning - or perform any cleaning - to own a business in this thriving industry. House cleaning franchises, like CottageCare provide a lucrative, stable opportunity for franchise owners who don’t clean homes themselves, but rather manage a staff that performs the cleaning. Rescue consumers from the dreaded task of cleaning their homes by owning a solid business with staying-power.    more...

Taking a Bite Out of the Multi-Billion Dollar Pet Care Industry
Pets are beloved family members that occupy a special place in peoples’ hearts. As families become increasingly busy and juggle hectic schedules, caring for their pets is a responsibility they’re often outsourcing. Just as people hire someone to clean their house or mow their lawns, consumers are hiring experts to train and clean up after their dogs.    more...

Your Self Employment Options Include Business Ownership
If you know you are ready for self employment but you are unsure of how to get there consider franchise ownership. Franchise ownership can make your dreams of self employment come true faster and safer than going it alone. Franchises have proven products/services, established brands, and the support and training you will find invaluable. Whether you plan to throw yourself into your business wholeheartedly or take it slowly and build your company on the side, there are franchises and business opportunities to suit your lifestyle and interests.   more...

Financing Your Future is Easier When You Choose to Own an SBA-Approved Franchise
You’re thinking of taking the leap and starting your own business. You know that you have the skills and business savvy to start your own franchise or business opportunity and you’re ready to leave your current career The only piece of the puzzle that’s missing is funding your dream. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved franchises are an excellent choice for prospective business owners because it’s easier to obtain financing if the franchise is SBA-approved. Fortunately, there are also a host of additional funding options available from lenders.    more...

Starbucks Isn’t the Only Path to Owning an In-demand Coffee Shop
If you’ve ever dreamed of opening your own coffee shop franchise, owning a Starbucks Franchise is probably the first thing that came to mind. However, the Starbucks Corporation does not franchise their stores. Fortunately, coffee shops as a whole are booming.    more...

McDonald's and Burger King Continue to Pave the Way for Fast Food Franchises
When people think of ‘fast food’ franchises, McDonald’s golden arches and Burger King’s crown insignias are the first images that come to mind. However, in addition to traditional fast food restaurants, there is a plethora of other fast food franchise opportunities available ranging from healthier fast food alternatives to fast casual concepts.    more...

The ‘Booming’ Franchise Industry
As the nation’s population of baby boomers approach retirement, they are finding themselves with financial security and the luxury of free time. Their children are grown and they are embarking on a new chapter in their lives. Many are devoting time to traveling and taking better care of themselves. As they embrace their new lifestyle, they are discovering new wants and needs. Frequently, the products and services provided by franchises are meeting those needs.    more...

Own a Home-Based Business: Enjoy Freedom and Flexibility
"I have so much flexibility. I can attend my children's soccer games and school plays. I can stay home with them when they get sick. I can shop in the morning and work in the evening if I prefer! I am not tied to anyone's schedule," explains Kellie Healy, who worked in the corporate world for twenty years. Today, Healy happily owns and runs a TSS Photography franchise from her home.   more...

Franchise Basics in 2008
As a New Year begins, now is a great time to brush up on basic facts about franchising. Whether you've vowed to buy a franchise in 2008, or already own a franchise and just want to make sure you have your facts straight, here's your opportunity to learn the basics.   more...

Technology Helps Franchisees Run Their Businesses
The use of technology in franchising is widespread. Even businesses that seem surprisingly un-technical, utilize computers, software programs, Intranets, websites, and email vehicles for use in communication, management, advertising, and day-to-day running of the business. From travel agencies to home improvement businesses, almost every franchise system imaginable uses at least some technology in their business system.   more...

Home Services: Booming Businesses in a Fabulous Industry!
The home services industry is booming. As Americans work and play harder than ever, it's becoming more and more common for various home tasks to be outsourced. People simply don't have time to clean, take care of their lawns, and fix problems that might arise in their homes. That's when the home services industry comes into the picture.   more...

Understanding Franchise Earnings Claims
If you’re considering purchasing a franchise, and wonder just how much you will be able to earn and whether the business is a good, sound investment, now is a great time to learn more about earnings claims, and what a franchisor can and cannot tell you.   more...

Home Services: High-Demand Businesses in a Fabulous Industry!
The home services industry is booming. As Americans work and play harder than ever, it's becoming more typical for busy consumers to outsource various home-related tasks and projects to professionals. People simply don't have time to clean, take care of their lawns, and fix problems that might arise in their homes. That's when the home services industry comes into the picture: From in-home, non-medical senior care services to home decorating, this category of businesses offers solutions to just about any home-based need a consumer can think of. There are many misconceptions regarding the ownership and management of a franchise in this industry. Read on and learn about the many exciting opportunities available to you, and why in today’s market, buying a home services franchise can be a great choice.    more...

Always Dreamed of Working from Home?
Over 20 million businesses are run from home offices in the United States. With lower start-up fees and overhead, home-based businesses are a smart choice for many and with computers and technology, a wide variety of franchises can now be run successfully from home.   more...

Franchise or Original Business...
The economy and job market are tough: Recent college graduates are working in stores and loyal, long-time employees are being laid off. Owning a business of one’s own is becoming more and more appealing for people in all levels of their career. So how do you choose between starting an original business and buying a franchise?    more...

Federal, State Law Enforcers Complete Bogus Business Opportunity Sweep
The Federal Trade Commission today announced Project FAL$E HOPE$, a federal and state law enforcement sweep targeting bogus business opportunities and work-at-home scams. The crackdown includes more than 100 law enforcement actions by the FTC, the Department of Justice, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and law enforcement agencies in 11 states. In four of the new FTC cases alone, consumers have lost more than $30 million.   more...

Children's Resale Shopping Gaining Traction
Ann Arbor, MI – Children's resale shopping is a growing trend among U.S. consumers, according to a newly released survey whose findings showed that more than two-thirds of American families purchased items for their children at resale stores during the past two years.    more...

Franchise Basics
As a New Year begins, now is a great time to brush up on basic facts about franchising. Whether you've vowed to buy a franchise in 2006, or already own a franchise and just want to make sure you have your facts straight, here's your opportunity to learn the basics.   more...

'Cool' Franchises are Hot!
As summer kicks into full-gear and the sun heats up, millions of people flock to their nearest warm-weather treatery for the best super-premium ice cream, frozen custard, and smoothies.   more...