There are two different reasons that people as the question, "How Do I start a Franchise?" The first reason is that a burgeoning business owner would like to purchase a franchise and is wondering how to take the first step. The second reason is because an existing business owner would like to franchise their business to other people in different areas.

This guide will explain how to start a franchise from both perspectives. In the first section, soon-to-be business owners will find franchising information and franchising tips. In the second section, existing business owners will find information about cloning their business into a franchise and offer some advice one what to think about and what to do next.

1. Franchises exist in every town and city throughout North America. Start your discovery by talking to current franchise owners in your area. Ask them what new business they think will work in your area and if they have any experiences to share.
2. Carefully review franchise options. As you move through your search for the perfect franchise, make a list of available franchises that interest you without consider the local market or feasibility. Don't allow someone to "sell" you on a franchise idea. Form a list and then start to evaluate them. There are a variety of websites that list available franchises.http://openafranchise.com/ Franchise shows often occur quarterly or semi-annually in many large cities.
3. With your list in hand, carefully evaluate the feasibility of the franchise in your area. While some franchises do this for you, seeking help independently along with the help of interesting franchises is the best way to proceed. Some people that can help you include: Close friends and family with successful business experience, a community business lawyer or a busy local accountant.http://www.startups.co.uk/6678842911141015536/why-buy-a-franchise.html
4. Narrow your list of possibilities down by conducting market research that includes sample sales, surveys, community feedback, and importantly accurate sales projections specifically for your area.
5. Find out if a similar business has ever existed in your area. If a similar business exists, make sure that it is making enough money for there to be competition. For example, a town with 1000 residents and only 1 pizza shop, may be able to support another pizza shop. However, if the same 1000 resident town had a well established photo copy / print shop, there may not be enough business to sustain another.

1. Review the International Franchise Association (IFA) website. It has numerous in-depth articles on starting a franchise.http://www.franchise.org/industrysecondary.aspx?id=10008
2. Starting a franchise is complicated, expensive and can be extremely rewarding.
3. Make sure that you have the capital to sustain both your current business and the development of a franchise. Most advisors (such as a good lawyer) will tell you that starting most franchises cost between $500,000 and $1,000,000 to start. Depending on your business, marketing costs may reach significantly beyond those rough estimates.http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/buyingafranchise/franchisecolumnistjeffelgin/article66178.html
4. You will require help from the following people:

• A business lawyer who has experience in forming franchising agreements and formation. If your business lawyer does not have experience in this area, ask for a referral. While conceptually easy, there are a variety of nuances that must be carefully documented. A specialized business franchise lawyer could save you time and money.
• An accountant. If you don't already have an accountant, now is a good time to get one. Taxes and accounting procedures change when you enter into franchise arrangement.

1. Joining your local government supported Business Development Group is one of the best ways to talk to other business owners. These groups often sponsor group breakfast sessions and other events to connect local business owners. It is not a requirement to own a business, you can become a member before you purchase a franchise or at any time that you run a business.
2. Having a pool of interested franchisees or customers identified before you start building a franchise is a good way to project success or failure.
3. Don't franchise too early. Ensure that you have enough liquid cash to finance your franchise.
4. Many people involved in franchises report that they work harder than they ever have in their lives running a franchise. These same people say that they don't take home any money for the first 2-3 years.http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/buyingafranchise/franchisecolumnistjeffelgin/article66178.html