What Franchisors Ask Most (And What They Really Need to Know)
Whether you’re just starting your franchise journey or have a few locations already under your belt, some questions come up again and again. And for good reason. Franchising isn’t just about duplicating a business. The goal? A repeatable system with legal backing and long-term support.
Hundreds of franchisors, new and seasoned, have relied on Upside Group Franchise Consulting for guidance. Over the years, they’ve seen a clear pattern of what business owners want to know most. Answering these five common questions correctly will set your franchise system up for a successful future.
1. “How Do I Know If My Business Is Franchiseable?”
This is usually the first question on a founder’s mind. The short answer? Most service or product-based businesses can be franchised, but not all should be.
The Upside team looks at key markers: Is your business profitable? Can your systems be documented and taught? For franchisees with backgrounds outside of the industry, are there skills that make training easier? Think about it: management experience, sales skills, customer service – these all help.
They use a feasibility consultation to assess your model, walk through projected financials, and help you decide if franchising is the right path or if you should take more time to solidify operations first.
2. “What Does It Cost to Franchise My Business?”
The second question is always about cost, and it’s a fair one. But the answer isn’t a flat number.
Upside Group breaks the process down into clear stages: legal documentation (like the Franchise Disclosure Document), operations development, training systems, sales infrastructure, and marketing. Every person gets a unique plan; there’s no single approach. They customize the development process based on your goals, building a clear, staged payment plan that avoids surprises.
Best of all, their dual-track system often allows clients to start generating franchisee leads while finalizing their materials, helping the process begin to self-fund early.
3. “How Do I Find the Right Franchisees?”
Leads are one thing. Attracting the right leads is another.
Upside Group trains clients to screen for franchisees who align with their brand, not just financially, but culturally and operationally. They build sales scripts, qualification checklists, and personality profiles so franchisors know who to say yes to and when to say no.
4. “What’s in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)?”
The FDD can be overwhelming. It’s over 20 items long, packed with legal language, and required by law before you can sell a franchise. It includes everything: startup costs, your legal history, and the promises you make to your franchisees.
Upside Group helps make the FDD understandable and useful. We’ve got attorneys on our team, working hand-in-hand to make sure everything’s compliant with the law and works seamlessly within your company’s processes. Think of it as a legal and operational double-check for complete peace of mind. This means what’s in the FDD isn’t just legal filler; it’s a reflection of how your business really runs.
5. “How Do I Support Franchisees After They Sign?”
Support doesn’t stop after the contract is signed. In fact, this is when it really starts. Franchisees need onboarding, training, local marketing support, and a clear path to profitability. Upside builds this into every client system through tools like the Franchisee Jumpstart Module, Grand Opening playbooks, and ongoing operational modules.
They also create secure intranet portals, templates, and training documentation: everything a new franchisee needs to launch and operate with confidence.
The power of franchising for business expansion is undeniable; still, important questions remain. Think it through. The difference between success and struggle often comes down to who’s helping you answer them.
At Upside Group Franchise Consulting, every question gets a thoughtful response, backed by real experience. Whether it’s your first time franchising or you’re expanding across new regions, they’ll help you find the right systems, avoid common pitfalls, and build a model designed to grow.
Ready for a change? Get a free consultation to figure out your best move. Contact us now and build your franchise the right way.
