Are you looking to buy a franchise but aren’t sure you can handle the costs involved? It’s true, an average middle-class salary alone probably won’t be enough to make your dream a reality, but that doesn’t mean starting a franchise is impossible even on a limited budget. You just have to know where to find the assistance you need.
Franchise Start-Up Costs
Start-up costs vary widely and can range from as low as $10,000 to more than $1,000,000. A big factor is whether or not it will be necessary to own or lease real estate for your business. The required costs for opening a franchise are detailed in the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Item 5 contains the initial or franchise fee – the cost to join the franchise system – which is typically between $10,000 and $40,000. Item 7 lists additional start-up costs required such as real estate, equipment, inventory, signage, business licenses, and insurance. You will also want to include a budget for professional fees for accounting and legal advice.
What Can You Afford?
In order to determine what you can afford to invest in a new business, you need to have a good understanding of your current finances. You can start figuring your net worth by compiling a balance sheet that lists all assets and liabilities. Some franchise experts believe you should not invest more than 15% of your own money, but this percentage may vary. Seeking the consult of a financial advisor is wise because they can help you determine how much of your own money you can afford to invest based on your specific financial situation.
Unless you are interested in a low-cost franchise, you will likely need to borrow the majority of the funds to purchase your business. In general, lenders require you to provide 20-25% of the total investment. For example, if you have $50,000 to invest, you will want to research franchise opportunities in the $200,000 range. Before approaching any lender, make sure you are current on all bills, correct any mistakes on your credit report, and be prepared to explain any blemishes.
Traditional Bank Loans
Borrowers with good credit and collateral may be able to get a traditional loan from a bank or credit union. Most lenders are more likely to offer financing for a franchised business because they are associated with an established brand that has been proven in the marketplace. However, if you are interested in investing in a lesser-known brand such as an emerging franchise or don’t have a stellar credit rating or collateral, a traditional lender may not be an option and you will need to look elsewhere for funding.
Franchisor Assistance
One of the first places to look for financing assistance is to the franchisor. Most franchisors offer debt financing and will back either all or part of the loan. These loans may be set up in any number of ways, so be sure to check with the franchisor regarding the specific terms and repayment schedule. Some franchisors may also be able to assist with leasing necessary equipment which is often a large portion of the start-up costs.
Certain franchisors offer incentive programs for veterans, minorities or first-time franchisees including a discount on the franchise fee or other costs, or special financing assistance. Be sure to check with the franchisor about any programs they may offer if you fall into one of these categories. Some franchisors may also have relationships with a franchise financing company.
Thinking Outside the Box
When more conventional lending sources can’t produce enough cash to fund your franchise start-up costs, you may need to look beyond traditional methods. An investor such as family member, friend, or business partner may be willing to offer you funding as well, although allowing others to invest can come with some strings attached. Investors may require the ability to make decisions about the business and most will expect a return on their investment, which will cut your profits at first. Still, it may be worthwhile to take on investors if it allows you to get the franchise up and running.
No matter what kind of financing you choose, it’s important to get all the facts in advance so that you’re not caught off guard when it comes time to repay loans or investors down the line.
A limited budget does not have to mean postponing or giving up your plans to become a business owner. By finding the right financing options to meet your needs you can get started buying a franchise now and take charge of your future.
