Franchise Ownership Can Be Life-Changing; Make Sure the Changes Align with Your Goals
- Sixty percent of self-employed people tend to be highly satisfied with their work as compared with 49% of those employed by others, according to Pew Research.
- Franchise ownership holds great appeal for many, as evidenced by the 1.5% increase in franchise units the International Franchise Association projects in 2026.
- Questions to ask before buying a franchise include those pertaining to your goals and passions, as well as the franchisor’s culture and business model.
Franchising is a strong draw for people considering business ownership, offering many advantages including a proven business model, established brand recognition, comprehensive training and ongoing operational support, as well as entrepreneurial independence. In 2026, the number of franchise establishments is expected to grow to 845,000 units across the United States, representing a 1.5% increase in the number from the previous year, according to the International Franchise Association (IFA).
If you’re among the many considering franchise ownership, how can you assess whether it’s the right path for you?
I left a corporate job more than 20 years ago, built and franchised a business, and now support franchise owners. Franchising was the right decision for me. Along the way, I’ve identified key questions that could help you to decide if a franchise is the right move for you.
6 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Franchise
1. What is your passion and what do you want in your life?
Are you looking to leave the corporate grind and be your own boss? Seeking flexibility and better work-life balance? Statistics from Pew Research suggest that 60% of self-employed people tend to be highly satisfied with their work as compared with 49% of those employed by others. With an estimated 3,000-plus franchise brands in the U.S. in industries ranging from child care to home services to wellness to fast-food restaurants – and numerous others – there are many options. Consider what the franchise and business represent to you and if you can you see yourself performing different roles within that franchise on a day-in-and-out basis.
2. Are you looking for structured entrepreneurship or do you prefer to pursue a passion or idea on your own?
Do you want to be your own boss, but also leverage an established business model, strategies and methodologies? Or do you prefer to pursue a new passion or idea? Many franchise owners cite a desire to work for themselves and make more money as their primary reasons for franchise ownership. Another leading motivation is a preference for systems and support from a franchisor. Among questions to ask before buying a franchise: How important to you are the training, sales and marketing support, technology and built-in community of owners within a franchise community. If your idea is novel, you may want to go it alone. If you want support and a community to lean on, franchising might be for you.
3. Are you looking to diversify?
There are many ways to become a franchisee. In addition to managing daily operations yourself, you might choose to employ other individuals to oversee the business for you as you continue in an existing job. If you’re seeking to diversify or add another source of income, franchise ownership might be a good option as franchising remains very strong; franchise output is projected to reach $921.4 billion in 2026, increasing 1.6%, from $907.3 billion the year before, according to the IFA.
4. Does the franchise align with your passions, values and lifestyle?
What is the culture of the franchise you are considering? Does the franchise model support personal and professional growth? Does it enable you to work in your local community or to make a difference and give back to causes you agree with? Statistics suggest that more than 80% of consumers choose brands whose values align with their own, too. Consider how the business and franchisor management makes you feel. Look at reviews, talk to other franchise owners and management. Is the culture open and supportive? Is it innovative and growth-oriented? Are management and other franchise owners graceful in helping through challenges? Does the franchisor encourage giving back as part of the culture?
5. Are you looking for a family venture?
Does your family share a passion for retail, home improvement, financial services or pets? A family business can bring shared purpose and trust, the possibility to build generational wealth and pass on a business. It can also provide greater flexibility by giving family members the ability to take on roles that align with their skills and availability, and it can be a great way for kids to learn about building a business and giving back to the local community. With many franchises having proven systems in place, the risk of owning a business may be reduced. Consider your family’s shared interests and individual desires to become business owners, the capital required to buy into the franchise, and the expected market size and growth opportunities.
6. Is your “why” strong enough to sustain challenges?
Starting a business can be extremely rewarding – and hard. In addition to asking what you truly want to do and have a passion for, consider whether you can commit the capital, time and energy required to start and ramp-up a business. Can you remain passionate about the business and your goals even on the hard days? Is the reason you are going into business strong enough to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship? If your answer is, “yes, but I need guidance,” a franchise could offer the supportive structure needed as you work to grow and sustain your own business.
Deciding to become a franchise owner is a significant commitment that many consider a rewarding career move, offering flexibility, financial opportunity and personal fulfillment. To determine if it is a fit for you, consider your goals, passions, the franchisor’s culture and business model, and if these align with your needs. These questions to ask before buying a franchise provide a starting point to get you thinking about what’s important to you. Don’t hesitate to solicit the information you need to determine if franchising is the right move for you.
About the Author
Amy Addington is co-founder and president of Woofie’s, an Authority Brands company and premium pet services brand focused on pet sitting, dog walking and mobile pet spa services. She built Woofie’s after leaving a successful corporate tech career more than 20 years ago.
