Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Franchise First Step?

A. We act as a business opportunity brokerage, representing franchises, licensors, dealerships, and business opportunities of all sizes, descriptions, styles, prices, and locations.

Q. Why deal with Franchise First Step?

A. We offer one-stop-shopping for all your entrepreneurial needs, with the advantage of time saving research and business matching, performed at no cost to you.

Q. Do I pay more for a franchise by dealing with Franchise First Step?

A. No. You will pay the published price for any franchise, just as if you had gone directly to the seller.

Q. What type of businesses does Franchise First Step represent?

A. We represent a cross-section of hundreds of different businesses, full and part-time, involving small-to-large investment, nationally known to start-ups, works at home, mobile, and brick and mortar.

Q. Does Franchise First Step charge any up-front fees to the purchaser?

A. No. You never pay us for any of our work, before or after the purchase. Our income is earned through commissions paid to us by the sellers of the businesses.

Q. Does Franchise First Step offer training, advice, or counsel?

A. No. We leave that to the franchise or business opportunity officers. We are careful to represent only the highest quality businesses and we carefully research any business before adding it to our listings. We also recommend that you seek advice from a qualified attorney or CPA before making a major business purchase decision.  If you do not have an attorney or an accountant, we can help you locate them in your area.

Q. How does Franchise First Step differ from a standard business brokerage?

A. A business brokerage lists and sells existing businesses, often including real estate and leases in the sale. Usually these are local businesses run by local owners and are frequently overpriced or lack sufficient bookkeeping controls. Franchise First Step represents only new business opportunities.

Q. Why should I buy a franchised business?

A. There are many reasons, increasing your odds for success is chief among them. Consider this, the United States Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Administration found that after 5 years, 97% of franchise businesses are still open while only 38% of non franchised businesses have survived. Additionally, landlords love franchises because of a very stable track record, a proven system, and an effective business model. Last year, 42% of all retail goods and services were sold through franchised outlets. You are in business for yourself, but never by yourself.

Q. Is financial assistance available?
A. Financing can be a major hurdle for any potential franchisee. Start-up costs can reach a high level and it is essential that the franchisee have adequate working capital. It is important to address any financing issues during the investigation of franchise opportunities.    

The best source of information about financing options for any franchise is the franchisor. Once again, we are dealing with an issue that the franchisor has addressed numerous times with other franchisees, and they will have a good deal of information about the practical options that are available.

Q. What is the next step?

A. Contact Us, or call our toll free number at 877-884-0667 . We will provide you with information about business opportunities that are available in your area.