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FAQ

Your Franchise Buying Questions Answered

Who is Franchise Inspectors?
Franchise Inspectors is a network of independently owned brokerage offices, supported by a team of seasoned franchise professionals. Each member brings a minimum of a decade of franchising expertise, with our collective experience spanning franchise law, multi-unit franchise ownership, and franchise system development. Our diverse backgrounds ensure clients receive unparalleled insight and guidance at every stage of the franchise journey.
More details about the Franchise Inspectors team.
How much capital is required to buy a franchise?
Each franchisor sets distinct financial criteria for prospective owners. For example, food franchises generally require a higher net worth and greater liquidity than service-based franchises, primarily due to increased overhead expenses. A Franchise Inspector coach will assist you in identifying suitable franchise opportunities based on your credit standing, liquid assets, and overall net worth. As a guideline, we advise candidates to possess a minimum net worth of $50,000 and maintain a strong credit score to be considered for franchise investment.
What Franchises do you represent?

While we actively work with over 600 franchise brands, buyers should know we can also include other franchises in the research process, even those that do not partner with brokers. For example, if you are considering a brand like McDonald's, we can provide a general overview of availability, basic operations, and how it compares to other options. However, for franchises outside our network, our analysis is limited to high-level insights rather than detailed financial or operational reviews. You are welcome to suggest additional brands you'd like us to include for comparison.

Do I have to Buy a Franchise?

There’s absolutely no obligation to buy a franchise. However, because our franchise coaches are only compensated when a franchise is purchased, we ask that buyers enter the process with a genuine interest in making an investment if the right opportunity is found. Your coach will dedicate significant time and resources to helping you find the best possible fit. If we aren’t able to find a franchise that matches your goals and investment criteria, there’s no pressure — we completely understand if you decide not to move forward.

Does Franchise Inspectors have any Testimonials?
Yes, absolutely! You can read testimonials from clients who have worked with various brokers across the Franchise Inspectors group.
Read Testimonials
Are there ongoing fees after purchasing a franchise?

Most franchises require ongoing fees such as royalties and marketing contributions. These are detailed in the franchise agreement.

Do I need experience in the industry to own a franchise?

While experience can be beneficial, many franchises offer comprehensive training programs to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Do You Operate Outside of the USA and Canada?

We do not sell franchises outside of the USA and Canada. However, we do offer consulting services for master franchising and area developer licenses internationally. If you are looking to acquire a master franchise abroad, we can assist you. For single-unit opportunities outside of the USA and Canada, though, we are unable to provide consulting, as we do not have the necessary regional market expertise.

What Our Clients Say

“I called them on a whim, and boy, was I missing out on a wealth of information and better opportunities! Joe took time to understand my interests, experience and goals to match me to franchises in industries I had never considered. He was able to steer me towards franchises that not only fit me, but were the best run and had the greatest profit potential. I highly recommend anyone looking at franchise opportunities take the opportunity to talk with Joe first!“
*David Morrison - Disaster Recovery Franchise in Canada

“I  have worked with many consultants and consulting firms over the years  and would rank Jerry Rieder as one of the most insightful  and strategic with whom I've partnered. With his  extensive business franchise consulting background, was absolutely  critical in guiding me through the selection process.”
*D. Johnson, former CFO of a Fortune 500 Healthcare Co.

“Brad  Thomas is not only a great guy with high business ethics, morals and  values, but he is a great partner. He is a great communicator and always  wants what is best for his business ownership candidates. We work well  together as Brad provides updates after talking to his candidates and is  receptive to what I have to share as well. It is a true pleasure to  work with Brad and appreciate that he is a business partner but also a  friend.“
*Dave Woogon – President Phoenix Funding Source 

What are the Benefits of working with Franchise Inspectors vs going Direct to the Franchise?

Franchise Inspectors

Direct To Franchise

Explore & Compare Hundreds of Franchises
Franchise Inspectors offers access to hundreds of franchise opportunities, giving you a broad range of options rather than just one. When you contact a franchise directly, you only hear their side of the story. Working with Franchise Inspectors allows you to compare multiple franchises side-by-side, making it easier to identify the best fit for your goals.
Experienced Franchise Coach
Our team comprises highly experienced franchise professionals with decades of expertise in the industry. Many of our members are also current or former business owners who have successfully assisted hundreds of buyers in navigating the often complex processes of franchise identification, research, and acquisition. To learn more about our team and their backgrounds, please visit the About Us page.
What are the Most Profitable Franchises

Why do some buyers invest in franchises with low revenue? Simply because they didn’t have the right information. Gathering revenue data across thousands of franchise opportunities would take years if done independently, requiring individual applications and extensive research. Franchise City streamlines this process by providing access to up-to-date financial information for a wide range of brands. Your franchise consultant will work with you to identify the most profitable opportunities based on your goals, market demographics, and operational strengths.

Research Multiple Franchise Sectors

While buyers often believe they know which industry best suits them, many discover better-aligned opportunities once they are introduced to a variety of industries and gain a deeper understanding of the operational requirements. For example, being a chef does not automatically mean you would thrive as a restaurant owner, and lacking experience in painting doesn’t mean you couldn’t excel with a painting franchise. Ultimately, it is the franchise’s operational model — and the day-to-day activities you engage in — that will have the greatest impact on your satisfaction and long-term success.

Franchise Research Help
Your Franchise City mentor will guide you through the entire process, from identifying and introducing franchise opportunities to navigating the discovery phase and reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). We help you understand the distinctions between brands and highlight why certain franchises may align better with your specific goals and circumstances. While we never tell you what decision to make, we do point out important factors you may have overlooked and key differences that could significantly influence your success.
Franchise Comparative Analysis

Franchise FDDs and agreements can span hundreds of pages, making it challenging to compare different opportunities. To simplify the process, we provide our candidates with a detailed comparative analysis report that highlights the best options based on royalties, territory sizes, potential revenue, and other key data points.

Resale Businesses Access

In certain situations, acquiring a resale business can be a more efficient route to achieving profitability. Franchise City offers access to hundreds of resale opportunities across a range of industries, many featuring established cash flow and existing customer bases.

Access to Data without a Formal Application

Franchise companies often require multiple interviews before granting access to their FDD. At Franchise City, we already have current franchise data on file, allowing us to help you identify the best strategies quickly and efficiently. Engaging with just 10 franchises individually could take weeks, but with Franchise City, candidates gain immediate access to information on thousands of franchise opportunities.

Red Flag Reports

Lawsuits, bankruptcies, strained franchisee relationships, and other issues often go unnoticed by buyers until after they invest. As part of our reporting process, we highlight any potential red flags you may want to take into consideration before making a decision.

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Ready to Start Your Franchise Journey?

Contact us now to learn more about how Franchise Inspectors can help you find the perfect franchise opportunity. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don't wait, take the first step towards your future success!

Robert Edwards

Marketing Advisor


In the 90's Robert left the corporate world to pursue entrepreneurship full time. His varied business ventures included a Toronto based video store chain (Zap Video) an web-based educational products distribution company, a web design and development firm (B-dox), a property development company, and the Franchise Consulting Group Franchise City. Robert also hosts the Nations most watched Franchising channel on Youtube: Franchise Inspectors, and is the Author of The Dark Side of Franchising

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Kevin Kohler

Over the past 15 years, I’ve been in sales for a Fortune 200 company, started a couple businesses from scratch, and worked in franchise development for two home improvement franchises. From my very different career experiences, I’ve found that franchising is the best fit for me (and many other people). Starting a business from scratch is risky, and it’s hard! In franchising, you’re not only buying into a proven business model and track record, but you have a whole network of people to work with that are doing the exact same thing you’re doing … not to mention all the support and systems you have from day one.


I am passionate about helping find YOUR best path to business ownership. Whether it’s a franchise model or starting a brand new business, I love navigating the different options with people to discover what is right for your career and lifestyle.


As a certified franchise broker, I have access to over 3,000 franchise concepts in 30 different industries. Through a comprehensive process, I learn about who YOU are as a business person and leader, what you want your day-to-day to look like, and help you match to good franchise opportunities.

In my free time I enjoy traveling (been to 30+ countries), food, wine, and pickleball. My wife Amanda and I have two children, a 2 year old daughter and a 1 year old son!

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Charista Baye

I spent the first 8 years of my career working in the marketing and advertising industry. After playing the games and dealing with corporate politics, I couldn’t handle it anymore and decided to quit and start my own business in 2017. I longed for flexibility and financial freedom that I couldn’t find in Corporate America. One of my businesses was an epic failure while the other was a success and I almost turned it into a franchise system. That led me to learn more about the franchise world where I then became a franchise broker.


My passion is people. I love learning about you – what your values are, what you envision your ideal day-to-day to look like, if you desire to work 9-5 hours, if you want to be a part of something from the ground up, what your financial goals are, and so much more. I absolutely love being a franchise broker and helping people to find a great fit for their situation.


I live in Omaha, NE with my husband and 3 kids. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family and going to my kids sporting events. I am on the Board of Directors at the private high school that I attended.

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Matt Rieder

For most of his career Matt has worked in strategic partnerships, operations, and consultative services within the restaurant technology sector for several industry leading corporations. Much of his experience has been focused on working with national restaurant franchises to assist them in adapting to the changing landscape of e-commerce.


Now a Franchise Inspector affiliate and partner at Rieder Franchise Consulting (est. 2012), Matt is leveraging his experience and expert consultative skills in the franchising industry, specializing in aiding aspiring entrepreneurs realize their goal of franchising ownership.


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Jeff Lutz

Jeff started his career over twenty years ago in corporate America in various sales, sales management and business development roles with companies such as Honeywell, Siemens & American Standard.


In 2006 Jeff & his wife Nancy opened their own Goddard School franchise after realizing that corporate America was not going to give them the kind of work/life balance, freedom, or wealth building capability they desired. Jeff is an innovative entrepreneur with extensive franchise ownership, advising and matching experience.

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Chad Olson

Founder - Pro Image Sports Franchise. Entrepreneur of the Year Inc Magazine & Ernst & Young.

National Young Entrepreneur of the Year by Chivas Regal.- SBA Utah Small Business Person of the Year.- SBA National Small Business Person of the Year Second Runner-up presented by President George Bush in the White House.- Regional Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. Magazine and Ernst & Young.- Inducted into the institute of American Entrepreneurs.

Having spent 30-years developing his own franchise chains, with hundreds of franchise stores, consulting Franchisors and being on many of their Boards, training and lecturing on franchising at Universities and businesses, Chad has returned to his roots to "Pay It Forward" by donating about 15-hours a week to the industry that gave so much to him, by giving free franchise search and coaching advice to ordinary people wanting an insiders view on how to find the right franchise opportunity for them and also to those entrepreneurs wanting help and direction on franchising their proven but early stage concepts. After all he's been through, Chad's true satisfaction comes from seeing the numerous people he's helped become wealthy and then finding and mentoring others, with those same passions and desires, to become the next successful franchisee and franchisor entrepreneurs.


As a serial entrepreneur Chad Founded/Co-Founded ten companies in franchising, retailing, technology, manufacturing and distribution, real estate, all with successful exits. .

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Joe Fedorchuk

For the first 20 years of his career Joe Fedorchuk worked as a Chartered Accountant and Senior Project Management Professional for several large corporations.


In 2005 Joe left the corporate world and opened two Subway restaurants which he successfully developed and eventually sold. During this time he also owner and operated a home building and renovating company. Seeking to leverage his years of franchising and business experience Joe became a Franchise Consultant in 2014. Joe also owns FranService and helps aspiring entrepreneurs find their ideal franchise fit. .

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Gary See

Gary started in Corporate America as a senior consultant with Anderson Consulting in New York. In 1987 Gary and his wife took the equity from their home and started a wholesale graphics supply company that eventually became a full service tradeshow booth and graphics manufacturer.


In 1994 Gary started a business brokerage with the goal of helping executives transition from corporate life into business ownership. With over 21 years experience helping aspiring entrepreneurs get started in their own business Gary is an incredible resource. Gary has a BS from Clarkson University, an MBA from Columbia University, has earned the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation of the International Business Brokers Association and is a Licensed Realtor in North and South Carolina.

Gary has operated and owned a variety of businesses including a PuroClean Franchise.

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Brad Thomas

Brad is a franchise consultant who helps sort through the potential businesses that may be appropriate for an individual. Brad developed Franchise Empowerment to help candidates with the very important decision-making process of determining if a franchise is the right business model for them and if they're qualified to be awarded a franchise.


His unique background makes him the perfect franchise consultant for this task. From his very first career owning a family, bricks and mortar business, and entrepreneur, he has been a business owner who set up his business to be scaled and sold. From purchasing and human resources to sales, marketing, accounting and bookkeeping, Brad has had many years experience running and building a business from the ground up with the infrastructure to succeed.

In addition, his many years as an executive at Kraft Foods for over 30 years in operations, sales and marketing has awarded him the business consulting experience, working with leading corporate, independent and franchise retailers including Kroger, Wal-Mart, and IGA.

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Bobby Chung

Bobby is an immigration attorney focusing on U.S. investment and business visas. Bobby advises and collaborates with franchise consultants in evaluating franchise businesses to determine eligibility for the E-2 Investor Visa and EB-5 Investment Immigration.


Before entering private practice, Bobby served as an Attorney Advisor with the U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review, where he assisted federal immigration judges in adjudicating immigration cases. Bobby has extensive experience representing foreign citizen entrepreneurs in investor visa matters involving start-up franchises as well as acquiring existing franchise businesses. Based in the Los Angeles area, Bobby helps clients on U.S. visa and immigration matters in all 50 State and worldwide. Bobby is an active member of the California State Bar and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Bobby C. Chung Website

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Yes, I'm Ready. Please Help Me Find My Ideal Franchise

 

Please complete the form below. A consultant will contact you shortly to discuss your business goals
We Only Service The USA & Canada
Buyers must have a Minimum $50K Liquid Capital and an acquisition timeline no longer than 3-6 months to request our services.

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Download The Dark Side of Franchising Ebook


Available in both Pdf and Epub formats.

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Yes, I'm Ready. Please Help Me Find My Ideal Franchise

 

Please complete the form below. A consultant will contact you shortly to discuss your business goals
We Only Service The USA & Canada
Buyers must have a Minimum $50K Liquid Capital and an acquisition timeline no longer than 3-6 months to request our services.

Thank You! A Representative Will Contact You Shortly.

Thank You! The download link will be delivered to your inbox.

Jack Erlenbusch

My journey to becoming a franchise broker has been an interesting one, shaped by my military experience, education, and diverse sales background. After serving in the Army for six years, I decided to pursue a career in business. I enrolled at Montana State University and majored in marketing. During my time in college, I gained valuable skills in market research, strategic planning, and customer relations. I started my sales career with Verizon, where I spent the better part of a decade helping customers find the right products and services to meet their needs. I then transitioned to the mortgage industry, where I helped countless clients navigate the complex process of securing a mortgage and purchasing a home


As my sales career progressed, I became increasingly interested in business ownership and franchising. I saw the tremendous value that franchises offer to entrepreneurs, providing them with a proven business model, training, and ongoing support. I decided to become a franchise broker to help aspiring business owners find the right franchise opportunity to fit their goals, skillset, and budget. Today, I’m proud to help people achieve their dreams of business ownership. I live in the Tampa, FL area with my wife and daughter. When I’m not working, I enjoy watersports, sporting events and spending time with my family.

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Mike White

I was born and raised in Texas and went to the University of Texas at Austin. I majored in Business and Accounting and obtained my CPA license in Texas. I worked in the Corporate world in Accounting and Finance for 6 years and eventually grew restless. I struggled to find purpose in my work and then began the next 15 years in professional ministry. I primarily spent my ministry career working with students and enjoyed helping them find purpose and truth in the Christian faith. We moved to Omaha in 2013 and I continued my ministry career at a large church in town. I grew from my roles in student ministry to a chief of staff role.


I was eventually ready for something new and I transitioned into an executive role with a franchisor. I began to learn about the nuances of running a business with close proximity to our 3 corporate locations as well as the macro picture of a franchise system. I came to realize how important it is to place the right owner/operator in the right franchise system. Not all franchise systems are created equal! I found that when there is a disconnect between the culture of the franchisee and franchisor or the franchisee chooses a less than ideal business model, the results can be catastrophic. I saw that firsthand and strive to help potential owners make wise decisions when entering a franchise system. I’m excited to help people find and start the right business under a healthy franchise system.


My wife and I have 2 kids---a senior and freshman in high school and we still live in the Omaha area. We enjoy traveling, good food, good drinks and cheering on our Longhorns!

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