Skip to content

What Types of Businesses Are Franchisable?

Table of Contents

Franchising involves a business owner granting others the right to use their established business model and brand identity. The franchising model can be flexible and a possibly lucrative endeavour. However, if you are interested in franchising, it is essential to consider whether franchising is the right way to grow your business. This article will explain which types of businesses are franchisable and the ideal qualities your business should have before franchising. 

Is There a Right ‘Type’ of Business for Franchising? 

There is no particular type of business that suits franchising more than others. However, some businesses are better prepared than others and contain qualities that can increase the franchise’s success.

Each type of franchised business belongs to one of three categories. The following table explains these categories. 

TypeExplanation 
Product distribution franchiseThe franchisee obtains the right to distribute or sell the franchisor’s products to customers. Generally, with this franchise model, the franchisee operates under their branding, not the franchisor’s. The difference between product franchising and regular supplier contracts is that the franchisee will often only stock the franchisor’s product. For example, car franchises will sell the cars of the franchised brand but operate under their name and branding. 
Business format franchise This is the most popular type of franchise model. The business format franchise involves the franchisor providing franchisees with a complete package. Franchisees will operate under the franchised business’ name and branding, often using the same business model, suppliers, and equipment. The franchisee will manage their employees. 
Management franchise This franchise model is similar to the business format franchise. However, in management franchises, the franchisee is more of an overseeing manager than somebody actively involved in the business’ daily operations. The level of involvement of management model franchisees varies from franchise to franchise. 

The Ideal Business Model For Franchising

The ideal business for franchising has:

  • a successful history; 
  • a replicable and scalable business model; and
  • long-term consumer demand beyond its existing market.

Considering whether your business has the above qualities before embarking on a franchise journey is crucial. Franchising success is not so much about the specific type of business you have but your preparedness for franchising and whether your business model is replicable. 

Continue reading this article below the form
Need legal advice?
Call 0808 196 8584 for urgent assistance.
Otherwise, complete this form and we will contact you within one business day.

Preparing Your Business for Franchising 

As with any approach to business growth, there is no guarantee of franchising success. However, you can test whether franchising would be an appropriate endeavour for your business. First, write a franchise operations manual detailing everything a new franchisee would need to know about your business. If you complete this document, this is a good starting point and indicates that you might have an appropriate, teachable model. 

The true test comes with giving your document to somebody unfamiliar with your business. Do they understand the contents? Would they be able to replicate your business model? If yes, this indicates that your business may be franchisable.

Taking the previous advice further, some prospective franchisors pilot their business model as a franchise. They would formally set up a franchise by creating the necessary documents, including a franchise agreement and franchise operations manual. Then, they would find a prospective franchisee who will join the franchise, and they will either pay nothing or dramatically reduced fees while they set up and test the pilot franchise. The franchisor would then use the outcome of this test to indicate how successful a larger franchise might be. 

Front page of publication
UK Franchisor Handbook

This handbook covers all the essential topics you need to know about franchising your business.

Download Now

Key Takeaways

There is no right or wrong type of business in the franchise industry. However, there are businesses that franchising is better suited to. Suitable businesses will have easily replicable business models, broader consumer demand, and a history of proven business success. If your business has all these qualities, then franchising may be an appropriate choice for expanding your brand. It is also essential to remember that no method of business growth has guaranteed success, including franchising. This lack of guarantee is why it is vital to carefully consider whether your business is franchisable before you seek franchisees and create a franchise. 

If you need help setting up a franchise, our experienced franchise lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 0808 196 8584 or visit our membership page.

Register for our free webinars

Selling a Business: Tips for a Successful Sale

Online
Selling your business? Learn essential tips to reduce risk and achieve a successful sale. Register for our free webinar today.
Register Now

How to Recover Unpaid Debts from Customers and Suppliers

Online
Struggling with unpaid debts? Discover your options. Register for our free webinar today.
Register Now

Preventing Employee Competitors: How to Protect Your Business

Online
Learn how to protect your business from employee competitors. Register for our free webinar today.
Register Now

Protecting and Enforcing Your Brand

Online
Protect your brand from misuse and infringement. Register for our free webinar.
Register Now
See more webinars >
Jessica Drew

Jessica Drew

Read all articles by Jessica

About LegalVision

LegalVision is an innovative commercial law firm that provides businesses with affordable, unlimited and ongoing legal assistance through our membership. We operate in Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Learn more

We’re an award-winning law firm

  • Award

    2024 Law Company of the Year Finalist - The Lawyer Awards

  • Award

    2024 Law Firm of the Year Finalist - Modern Law Private Client Awards

  • Award

    2023 Economic Innovator of the Year Finalist - The Spectator

  • Award

    2023 Law Company of the Year Finalist - The Lawyer Awards

  • Award

    2023 Future of Legal Services Innovation - Legal Innovation Awards