During a severe economic downturn, small business franchise opportunities are the safest method of starting a business. Franchise networks usually have proven business models and plans, corporate identity at the local, regional, or national level, and effective marketing strategies you need to get started quickly. However, if you are not selective in choosing among the available franchises, succeeding will be challenging.

Several excellent franchise analysis programs on the market can help you gather and evaluate important information to dramatically improve your ability to make decisions about small business franchise opportunities. While you may end up paying more for the most effective software packages, it’s a little expensive when you think you can spend your savings buying a franchise.

So why are franchise analysis programs so helpful? Here are a few things these products can do to help you find the best franchise to buy.

• The best franchise analytics program guides you step by step through the information you need to gather for each small business franchise opportunity, where to find this information, and how you can help to evaluate it to create a clear picture of your potential for profit and success.

• An excellent program will help you identify the red flags in each franchise agreement, which will help you during negotiations with the franchisor. For example, some franchisors require personal guarantees in the event of a breach of an agreement or if the franchisee’s business goes bankrupt. An optimal franchise analysis tool will help you identify these problem points in the franchise agreement agreeing on a contract; you can discuss them with the franchisor.

• An effective franchise analysis program will provide a systematic approach to interacting with franchisors. Most franchisors are decent and honest people, but if they feel confusion or weakness in a potential franchisee candidate, they can outright give up trying to buy a franchise or show less flexibility during negotiations. Remember, you should always do your best with franchisors to make the most of your leverage with them.

• Business and financial plans are essential for any business owner’s efforts to evaluate available franchises to choose the best one to buy. An optimal schedule will allow an entrepreneur to create specific business plans and financial plans that will help develop the business and even estimate when it will reach the break-even level.

• The franchise analysis tool should be computer-based and easy to use, even for inexperienced users. A separate product, including software, forms, reports, and related documentation, is essential. The program should also allow the entrepreneur to download and test it before making a purchase. Don’t step back at this stage. There is no reason to purchase without first testing your needs. The program must have ongoing technical support to help the entrepreneur solve any technical problems or issues that may arise.

Conclusion

Entrepreneurs can do effective franchise analysis, but most do not understand the complexities of financing and running a franchise or even know what questions to ask, let alone how to interpret the information. It is worth considering buying a franchise analysis program to help you make the best decision when choosing a franchise.