If you want to own your business but don't want to start from scratch, maybe buying into a franchise is the right choice for you! Franchising can be a great way to get started in small business without taking the huge risk of founding and building a company on your own. But before you jump in there's plenty you need to know in order to make sure you do it right. Franchising For Dummies, Second Edition gives you all the inside insight and smart advice to make sure you pick the right investment opportunity and make the most of it. Written by one of the nation's leading franchise consultants and by the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's International, this fun, friendly guide is packed with guidance from top industry professionals. Packed with practical resources you need to succeed, this handy guide will help you: * Pick the perfect franchise opportunity for you * Find an ideal location * Raise the capital you need to launch your franchise * Manage daily business operations * Understand complex legal issues * Work and communicate with your franchisor and other franchisees * Read and understand a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular * Expand your business and buy new franchises Full of handy resources-including sample forms and agreements and a listing of available government resources-Franchising For Dummies, Second Edition is a great way to discover a great franchising opportunity, get started, and achieve your dream of small business success and independence. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Table of Contents

Introduction. Part I: Franchising Basics: Separating the Myths from the Facts. Chapter 1: The Power of the Brand: Franchising and You. Chapter 2: Franchising Is More than Just a Food Industry. Chapter 3: Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall: Am I to Be a Franchisee? Part II: So You Want to Be a Franchisee? Chapter 4: Making the Choice: Deciding Which Business Is Right for You. Chapter 5: Raising Capital: Wowing, Wrangling, and Winning. Chapter 6: Signing on the Dotted Line: Legal Issues. Part III: Operating Your Franchise like a Well-Oiled Machine. Chapter 7: The Start-Up: Setting Your Franchise's Wheels in Motion. Chapter 8: Hiring, Training, and Other Staffing Decisions. Chapter 9: Working with Your Franchisor and Fellow Franchisees. Chapter 10: Attracting and Keeping Customers. Part IV: Times Change: Deciding What to Do Next. Chapter 11: Acquiring Other Franchises. Chapter 12: Acquiring Other Brands. Chapter 13: When the End Is Nigh. Part V: On the Flip Side: Building Your Own Franchise. Chapter 14: From Small Business Owner to Franchisor. Chapter 15: Growing Your Franchise Family. Chapter 16: Building the Network: Expanding Wisely. Part VI: The Part of Tens. Chapter 17: Ten Keys to Franchise Success. Chapter 18: Ten Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Franchise. Part VII: Appendixes. Appendix A: Glossary of Common Franchise Terms. Appendix B: About the CD. Index. End-User License Agreement.

About the Author

Michael Seid is the founder and managing director of Michael H. Seid & Associates, one of the nation's leading franchise consultants. Dave Thomas was the founder of Wendy's International. He passed away in 2002.