Although there are definite advantages to franchises, just remember that there are two sides to every coin. If you are buying a franchise because you can't stand working for someone else, you may want to think twice. When you buy a franchise, you are not free to do as you please. In many cases, franchisors require you to play by their rules. These rules may pertain to such things as the products you are allowed or must carry, reporting procedures, dress codes, hours, and, overall, how you run your business.
Nothing is ever free.
In addition to the initial franchise fee you will have to pay, most franchisors require that you pay a percentage of your monthly gross sales back to the parent company. Please remember that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to buying a franchise. You must decide for yourself, depending on your requirements and constraints. For some people, giving up just a little control is completely out of the question. For those of you in this second category, there are some things you need to consider before actually putting money on the table.