Frequently Asked Questions

Franchising FAQ: Clear Answers for Growing Your Business

Below is a concise list of frequently asked questions about franchising your business, with brief answers you can later expand into longer-form videos.

General Franchising Questions

What does it mean to franchise my business?  

Franchising is a growth model where you allow other owners to operate under your brand and systems in exchange for fees and ongoing support.

How do I know if my business is ready to franchise?  

You are usually ready if you have a profitable, proven concept with repeatable systems, prospective customers nationwide, and a system that can be taught to others.

What types of businesses can be franchised?  

Many types of businesses can be franchised if they have clear operations, consistent results, and enough market demand in other locations. Franchising touches more than 80 different industries, including home services, retail, food, professional services, manufacturing, pet, education, childcare, senior services, and hospitality.

How long does it take to franchise a business?  

Timing varies by business, but with a focused effort, many brands are able to complete the core franchise development work in a 6 to 12-month process. 

You typically need a Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchise agreement, and compliance with federal and applicable state franchise regulations.

What does it cost to become a franchisor?  

Costs depend on your current systems, documents, and goals, including legal work, operations manuals, marketing, and franchise development. 

How do I protect my brand and intellectual property?  

You work with legal counsel to secure trademarks and build agreements that outline how franchisees can and cannot use your brand and systems.

How much control do I keep over franchise locations?  

You keep control through your brand standards, operations manual, franchise agreement, and ongoing training and support structure. 

What are common mistakes new franchisors make?  

Common issues include rushing the process, selling too many franchises too fast, selling to the wrong franchisees, underestimating support needs, unclear fees, a weak training and onboarding program, and weak ongoing support.

What are the advantages of franchising compared to opening more company locations?  

Franchising allows faster growth with lower capital outlay while leveraging motivated owner-operators who invest time and money in their own franchise businesses.

Working with Big Sky Franchise Team

What does Big Sky Franchise Team do?  

Big Sky Franchise Team helps entrepreneurs successfully franchise their businesses strategically, ethically, and profitably. Big Sky Franchise Team understand what is involved with franchising a business, if your business is franchisable, and prepares the strategy, operations manual, marketing documents, and go-to-market materials to franchise a business. 

How does Big Sky Franchise Team support new franchisors?  

  • Preparing a franchise feasibility study called the Franchise Blueprint®
  • Guidance on legal structure and franchise documents
  • Support with operations and systems documentation
  • Marketing, recruitment, and franchise sales strategy support
  • Help developing franchisee training programs

What is Big Sky Franchise Team’s experience in franchising?  

Big Sky Franchise Team started in 2016 and their leadership team brings more than 20 years of franchise experience. We have supported hundreds of brands across various industries.

What is Big Sky Franchise Team’s 3-step process?  

Their framework is Plan, Document, Multiply: planning your franchise model with their trademarked Franchise Blueprint®, documenting systems, and then supporting franchise sales implementation.

Can I start with a small commitment?  

Yes. You can start with a short free, no obligation,introductory consultation or a free 1-hour webinar to decide if franchising and Big Sky Franchise Team are right for you.

How does Big Sky Franchise Team differ from larger firms?  

They are a boutique, family owned and operated, consulting firm focused on small and mid sized businesses, offering attentive, hands-on support instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Turn Your Franchise Questions Into a Clear Growth Plan

If you still have questions after reviewing our frequently asked questions, we are ready to walk you through your next steps toward franchising growth. Schedule a consultation with Big Sky Franchise Team or contact us so we can discuss your goals and outline a customized path forward.