Franchising has come a long way since Isaac Singer began licensing local business owners to repair and sell his famous sewing machines after the US Civil War. Nowadays, franchise consultants help aspiring entrepreneurs find the right fit for their skills, interests, and resources. They research and identify opportunities that have the potential to succeed as a franchise, and provide guidance throughout the entire franchising process.

franchising consultants typically work on commission-based sales models, meaning they receive a certain percentage of the total franchise fee for each person they help buy a franchise from the franchisor. Because of this, a good franchise consultant will make sure you have all the information you need before recommending any specific franchise opportunities to you.

Navigating Success: How Franchising Consultants Can Shape Your Entrepreneurial Journey

They also assist aspiring entrepreneurs in setting goals, which is a key part of finding the right business to buy. A good consultant will ask you questions about your background, including your financial capabilities and how much time you want to devote to working on your business. They’ll also assess things like foot traffic and the ability for a franchise to thrive in the area you live.

Depending on the consultant’s commission model, it may be in her best interest to present you with multiple franchise opportunities. But what if you don’t want to invest in any of them? You might tell the consultant that, and she might stop presenting you with new opportunities. But it’s a good idea to keep looking on your own. After all, it’s your money you’re investing.