How To Research a Franchise or Business Opportunity

Just what is a business opportunity? The question has plagued so many of us trying to make a decision whether to get a current independent business, a franchise, or, as it called, a business opportunity. We provide an easy analogy that won’t confuse you. Think back to elementary school when your teacher was explaining the difference between a rectangle and a square. A square is additionally a rectangle, but a rectangle is not at all a square. The same relationship exists between business opportunities, independent businesses that are for sale and franchises. All franchises and independent purchasable businesses are business opportunities, but not all business opportunities meet the need of being a franchise nor are they within the strictest sense of the word independent businesses for sale.

Making matters even more confusing is the incontrovertible fact that 26 states have passed laws defining business opportunities and regulating their sales. Often these statutes are drafted so comprehensively that they include franchises also. Not every state with a business opportunity law defines the term within the same manner. However, most of them use the subsequent general criteria to define one:

1. A business opportunity involves the sale or lease of any product, service, equipment, etc. which will enable the purchaser-licensee to start a business.
2. The licensor or seller of a business opportunity declares that it'll secure or assist the customer find an appropriate location or provide the merchandise to the purchaser-licensee.
3. The licensor-seller guarantees an income greater than or adequate to the worth the licensee-buyer pays for the merchandise when it's resold and also that there's a market present for the merchandise or service.
4. The initial fee paid to the vendor so as to start out the business opportunity must range between $400 and $1,000.
5. The licensor-seller promises to shop for back any product purchased by the licensee-buyer within the event it can't be sold to the potential customers of the business.
6. Any products or services developed by the seller-licensor are going to be purchased by the licensee-buyer.
7. The licensor-seller of the business opportunity will supply a sales or marketing program for the licensee-buyer that a lot of times will include the utilization of a brand name or trademark.

The laws covering business opportunity ventures usually exclude the sale of an independent business by its owner. Rather, they're meant to hide the multiple sales of distributorships or businesses that don't meet the wants of a franchise under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule passed in 1979. This act defines business offerings in three formats: package franchises, product franchises and business opportunity ventures.

In order to be a business opportunity venture under the FTC rule, four elements must be present: 1. The individual who buys a business opportunity, often mentioned as a licensee or franchisee, must distribute or sell goods or services supplied by the licenser or franchisor. 2. The licensor or franchisor must help secure a retail outlet or accounts for the products and services the licensee is distributing or selling. 3. There must be a cash transaction between the 2 parties of a minimum of $500 before or within six months after the licensee or franchisee starts the business venture. 4. All terms and conditions of the connection between the licensor and therefore the licensee must be stated in writing.

You can readily see that the sale of business opportunities as defined by the FTC rule is sort of different from the sale of an independent business. When you're handling the sale of an independent business, the customer has no obligations to the vendor. Once the sales transaction is completed, the customer can subscribe any business operations system he or she prefers. There's no continued relationship required by the vendor. Business opportunity ventures, like franchises, are businesses during which the vendor makes a commitment of continuous involvement with the customer.

Types of business opportunities

The FTC describes the foremost common sorts of business opportunity ventures as follows:

Distributorship. Refers to an independent agent that has entered into an agreement to supply and sell the merchandise of another but isn't entitled to use the manufacturer's brand name as a part of its brand name. Counting on the agreement, the distributor could also be limited to selling only that company's goods or it's going to have the liberty to plug several different product lines or services from various firms.

Rack jobber. Involves the selling of another company's products through a distribution system of racks during a sort of stores that are serviced by the rack jobber. Typically, the agent or buyer enters into an agreement with the parent company to plug their goods to varied stores by means of strategically located store racks. The parent company obtains variety of locations during which the racks are placed on a consignment basis. It's up to the agent to take care of the inventory, move the merchandise around to draw in the customer, and do the bookkeeping. The agent presents the shop manager with a replica of the internal control sheet which indicates what proportion merchandise was sold, then the distributor is paid by the shop or location which has the rack-less the store's commission.

Vending machine routes. Very almost like rack jobbing. The investment is typically greater for this sort of business opportunity venture since the businessperson must buy the machines also because the merchandise being vended, but here things is reversed in terms of the pay procedure. The slot machine operator must pay the situation owner a percentage supported sales. The large secret to any route deal is to urge locations in high-foot-traffic areas, and in fact, as on the brink of each other as possible. If your locations are spread far apart, you waste time and traveling expenses servicing them.

In addition to the three sorts of business opportunities listed above, there are four other categories you ought to remember of:

• Dealer. Almost like a distributor but while a distributor may sell to variety of dealers, a dealer will usually sell only to a retailer or the buyer.
• Trademark/product licenses. Under this sort of arrangement, the licensee obtains the proper to use the seller's brand name also as specific methods, equipment, technology or products. Use of the brand name is only optional.
• Network marketing. This is often a generic term that covers the realm of direct sales and multilevel marketing. As a network marketing agent, you'd sell products through your own network of friends, neighbors, co-workers then on. In some instances, you'll gain additional commissions by recruiting other agents.
• Cooperatives. This business is analogous to a licensee arrangement during which an existing business, like a hotel or ironmongery shop, can affiliate with a bigger network of comparable businesses, often for the only purpose of advertising and promoting through a standard identity.

How the Government Protects You

The FTC Rule, which has been in effect since the latter a part of 1979, has had a broad-ranging impact on the franchise and business opportunity industry and would-be franchisees and licensees. The rule is meant to assure all prospective buyers, of either a franchise or business opportunity, that they will receive a full disclosure containing the sort of background information needed to form an informed investment decision. In spite of the FTC's rule and aggressive action at the state level, there are sellers who seek every possible means to flee regulation. Neither the FTC rule nor state regulations can guarantee freedom from fraud. That's why you ought to pay especially close attention to the FTC disclosure statement that's presented to you.

Every prospective buyer of a business opportunity must receive the FTC disclosure statement a minimum of 10 business days before signing a binding contract or paying money (or other consideration) to the vendor. The 10-business day requirement is minimal. If you meet face-to-face with the licensor or a representative to debate a proposed sale or purchase of the business opportunity, and if the conversation leads to a serous sales presentation, the licensor must provide you with a disclosure document at that point.

If you haven't received an FTC disclosure document, don't sign anything or disburse any money, albeit claims are made that it's "refundable."

If the vendor doesn't offer you a disclosure document, they're violating federal law and should even be violating state law. If the salesperson claims his or her offering is exempt from the FTC requirements, demand to ascertain an opinion letter from counsel before handling them any longer. Also ask the salesperson for the telephone number of the local state agency or FTC office that has advised them they're exempt. Only a few business opportunity offerings are exempt. The sole major exceptions are those where the entire initial payment within the primary six months is a smaller amount than $500, or where payment is formed just for initial inventory sold at real wholesale price.

Franchises vs. Business Opportunities

As a rule of thumb, a franchisee receives more support from the parent company, gets to use the trademarked name, and is more stringently controlled by the franchisor. Business opportunities, on the other hand, don't receive as much support from the parent company, generally aren't offered the use of a trademarked name, and are independent of the parent company's operational guidelines.

As we've previously noted, there are numerous forms of business opportunity ventures. Some are even turnkey operations similar to a lot of package-format franchises. These business opportunities provide everything you could possibly need to start a business. They help you select a location, they provide training, they offer support for the licensee's marketing efforts, and they supply a complete start-up inventory.

Unlike a package-format franchise, however, these types of business opportunity ventures aren't trademarked outlets for the parent company. The company's name, logo and how it's legally operated are left solely to the licensee. Many times the only binding requirement between the seller and the buyer is that inventory be purchased solely through the parent company. Of course, all these stipulations are outlined in the disclosure statement and contract.

The Advantages of a Business Opportunity

Requires a lower initial fee than a franchise. Although the amount of low-investment franchises has increased, the fee to urge into a business opportunity remains considerably lower. The FTC requires a $500 minimum investment for a chance to be considered a business opportunity, but there are many who fall into this set fee, although most average around $2,000 to $3,000.

A proven system of operation or product. Existing systems serve to maximize efficiency and returns and minimize problems. It's simply a matter of passing on experience, still the simplest teacher. Whether or not they admit it or not, most of the people like having their hands held once during a while. During crises, the parent company is there to assist the licensee over the bumps. Many of us like this concept of safety in numbers.

Intensive training programs. In any new business, tons of your time and money are consumed during the training period. An honest business opportunity venture can eliminate the bulk of ineffective moves through an intensive educational program.

Better financing options. Due to its financial size, credit line and contractual agreements, the parent company offering the business opportunity can often arrange better financing than a private could obtain. Financial leverage is a crucial consideration in any investment situation.

Professional advertising and promotion. Most small businesspeople don't spend sufficient money on advertising. When they do, their efforts are often poorly conceived and inconsistent. Many business opportunity ventures supply the buyer with print advertising slicks, radio ads, TV storyboards, etc., in order to provide a better marketing effort. Some business opportunity ventures will even have a cooperative advertising agreement under which they will split the cost of print, radio or TV ads. This type of marketing help is especially beneficial in large metropolitan areas where the cost of media is prohibitive to the one-shop owner.

Ongoing counseling. Most business opportunity ventures offer support not only through training but also through counseling from a staff of experts who offer assistance that no independent could afford. Legal advice is available to a certain degree. The most efficient accounting systems-perfect for that particular business-have been designed by experts in the field. Some licensors offer free computer analysis of records, and through comparison with other units can pinpoint areas of inefficiency or loss as well as profitable aspects of the business that are being neglected.

Site selection assistance. Experts in site selection and marketing choose locations using all the scientific tools available. Professional negotiators arrange leases and contracts to the best advantage, using the power of a large organization to influence landlords and other important figures.

Purchasing power. Many times, the parent company's tremendous buying power and special buying techniques can bring products, equipment and outside services to the licensee at a much lower cost than an independent could ever get.

No ongoing royalties. In a business opportunity, unlike in a franchise, there are no ongoing royalties to pay to the seller. The profits are all yours.

The Disadvantages of a Business Opportunity

Under ideal conditions, business opportunities are an honest, low-investment thanks to get into business with minimum risk and an honest chance for fulfillment. But nothing during this world is ideal, so here are some problems which will be expected:

Poor site selection. The bulk of business opportunities are consumer-oriented retail operations which believe good location, visibility and straightforward access to the establishment. Most buyers of business opportunities casually accept the locations chosen for them. DON'T! Look it over thoroughly yourself. You would possibly even hire an outdoor marketing consultant to guage and possibly argue with the parent company's choice. Having a far better locations could literally mean many dollars in profit over the course of 20 years.

Lack of ongoing support. There’s usually no requirement for the business opportunity seller to supply ongoing support of any kind. If the vendor decides to not supply information or guidelines that would assist you once you're operational, you'll not have much recourse available to you.

Exclusivity clauses. Are you restricted to selling only the manufacturer's merchandise? If this is often the case and you deviate for any reason whatsoever, you run the danger of the licensor canceling the agreement. If you are doing buy from other sources, it'll be very hard to hide-most parent companies would require you to open your books for examination at predesignated periods of your time. Any irregularities are going to be spotted at these times. Most smart buyers of business opportunities will negotiate the purpose within the agreement stipulating sources of supply just in case product quality is inconsistent.

Parent-company bankruptcy. Another pitfall is that the possibility of the parent company overextending itself and going bankrupt. While this is often not as serious during a business opportunity because it would be during a franchise, you continue to run the danger of losing the business because your property contracts may are financed through the parent company.

You should carefully investigate any business opportunity you're considering. Get an inventory of operators from the parent company and call them. Have a lawyer look over any agreement drafted by the parent company. Confirm you receive a disclosure statement. Then carefully evaluate the licensor. Don't let anyone hurry you. Confirm a responsible company backs the business opportunity.

Guidelines for Choosing a Business Opportunity

First make sure your business opportunity of choice complies with all business opportunity statutes--which vary from state to state--and is registered in states where required. Next, find out if the business opportunity you're interested in provides an offering prospectus to buyers. If it's a business opportunity that falls under the FTC rule, then it's required to disclose specific information to you.

When choosing a business opportunity, keep in mind that if you buy an opportunity from a company with a sizable number of outlets that's been in business for at least three years, you'll pay more for this established concept that you would for a newer one. If you're considering a more recently established business opportunity, you should check out the parent company's history to evaluate its success and longevity in its particular field of operation.

If you were to ask a business consultant how to evaluate the "right" business opportunity for you, you would probably receive these guidelines:

1. Make an honest evaluation of yourself and your abilities. If you've been behind a desk for many years, will you be happy calling on businesspeople and selling them an intangible service? If you've been a field salesperson for years, will you be satisfied selling snack foods behind a counter?
2. You must run your business enthusiastically. Will you be happy introducing a new product or an unusual service that the public knows nothing about? Can you generate excitement for an item not nationally advertised?
3. You must have complete knowledge of the product or service with which you are involved. If the parent company gives you little or no training in technical or management know-how, be wary of the business opportunity. If the licensor-seller has organized all the operating knowledge into a standard operating manual, look with favor upon this business opportunity.
4. Make a market evaluation of the product or service to be offered. Is the time right to introduce it to the public? Is there a need for this type of item, and what is its potential in relation to competition?
5. Find out how many buyers have been in the business successfully for a respectable period of time. A legitimate business opportunity will even provide you with phone numbers of other buyers, so you can verify that they're generally satisfied with the opportunity and that the seller is capable of fulfilling his or her promises.
6. Check the training and experience required to run the business properly. Is there a suitable curriculum of training? What is the scope of training? Does your background fit its requirements?
7. What is the company's profit ratio to sales; to time and service requirements; and to the financial leverage requirements? Can you make more in another type of business?
8. Do you have to work more hours to make the same amount you do now? Can you invest the same amount in the business opportunity yet operate a larger operation and get a better return on investment?
9. Check with current operators to see how they're making out. Are they happy with their businesses? What problems do they have, if any that are common to all units sold?
10. Research company's history. Is it a new firm with little expertise and experience? Is it an older firm whose regular products have satisfied customers for years? Are the business opportunities all offshoots of their regular business?
11. Is there financial strength and strong credit behind the business opportunity? Can the licensor-seller give you an escrow agreement to deliver a building, equipment, leasehold improvements, inventory, etc., as the unit is made ready for your use? Check out the bank references given by the licensor-seller; discuss the company's financial strength with the appropriate managers.
12. Evaluate the policies and plans of the company with the associations and business groups in which the parent company or seller is involved.
13. The Better Business Bureau will give you a report if others have lodged previous complaints against the company.
14. Having an attorney, accountant or business consultant conduct an in-depth study of the company may be an excellent idea.
15. Visit the headquarters of the licensor-seller. Talk to the personnel and the training director. Visit the original prototype of the business being sold. Evaluate other outlets. Expose yourself to the other outlets' products and services to determine the quality dispensed.

Evaluating a Potential Opportunity

What the Disclosure Statement Tells You

A disclosure statement is a document that contains everything there is to know about the business opportunity and the seller's company. It includes the promoter's financial strength, how many operating units there are, and exactly what you're going to be required to pay in total so there are no hidden fees. The purpose of the disclosure statement is to protect the licensee as well as the licensor and to eliminate some unscrupulous licensors.

As already mentioned, some 26 states have legal requirements for disclosure statements and registration. In addition, there are also federal laws regarding business opportunities. The most significant is the FTC rule requiring full disclosure of the business opportunity on a national level. The rule doesn't require a registration, but it does require a disclosure that follows a specific format.

Most states that have disclosure requirements parallel the federal standards of information that must be supplied to the buyer. In addition, state-required disclosure statements often include information stating that the buyer has three to seven days referred to as a "cooling off" period so the purchaser/investor can reconsider the subject after being bombarded by sales pitches from slick salespeople.

When reviewing a disclosure statement, be aware of the following items:

The licensor. The history of the parent company needs to be detailed. It should include the identity and business experience of any persons affiliated with the licensor, whether the company has been involved in any litigation, whether it or any of the officials in the company have ever declared bankruptcy, any other initial payment or any payment in total, and any other fees.

Obligations of the licensee. If there are any financing arrangements, they have to be stated. If you are going to be required to buy from any supplier, that should be stated up front. The disclosure statement also states what the parent company will have to provide in terms of equipment, training, ongoing services and a training manual.

What the licensor promises to deliver. This should include whether you're getting an exclusive area or territory as a licensee. Any trademarks, service marks, trade names, logo types and commercial symbols as well as any patents or copyrights which you're going to be able to use as a licensee need to be identified in here.

Obligation of the licensee. This is how you will participate in the actual operation of the business opportunity. If this is an absentee business, it must be stated. If the licensor indicates that you must personally operate the business, that should also be stated. Restrictions on goods and services offered by the licensee are covered. It has some provisions for renewal and termination, repurchase and modification. It also has to list the current licensees and their addresses so you have the opportunity to contact these people.

Public-figure relationships. If this is a business opportunity that is identified with a given public figure like a celebrity or athlete, it should indicate what arrangements have been made with that person. Is that person active in the business or receiving a royalty out of the proceeds?

Financial statements of the company. This is required in almost every state. It is an audited financial statement prepared by a CPA. There is usually a letter from the accountant indicating that the books have been audited and are available for people to study. Any estimates or projections of earnings would have to be part of the disclosure statement.