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ans Serif">Reviewing For Suitability
There are a number of essential attributes which a business must have to franchise successfully. These are as follows; treat them as a checklist for your own business. If any of them are not present, then you must be able to put them in place before going any further.

ans Serif">Image and branding.
There must be strong and easily recognised branding and signage. Franchisees are paying to use the name - make sure it is worth having. Logo's and the name should be legally protected. Image and branding must be consistently used throughout the business, not only on signs but on uniforms, stationery and wherever else it appears.

ans Serif">Product supply.
The product or service being sold must be able to be sourced without risk of interruption or of significant currency or cost fluctuation. There should also be a long-term, proven market in this country for the product or service.

ans Serif">Standards and systems.
There must be (or be able to be developed) operating systems and standards for all aspects of the business. These would be consistently applied to the day to day operation. Every aspect of the business must be capable of being documented and put into practice after suitable training.

ans Serif">Management.
The management of the parent organisation should be capable of dealing with owner operators as distinct from employees, or be prepared to employ people who can. This is an important change in philosophy which some organisations fail to grasp. Results and change in a franchise system are achieved by persuasion rather than decree. The franchise relationship is one of mutual trust and co-operation.

ans Serif">Profit and turnover.
The business must be profitable and have good potential for increases in turnover as a result of greater collective buying and marketing and an increasing public profile. There must be sufficient profit to be made for the franchisee to earn an acceptable living and receive a higher than average return on investment. At the same time, the franchised outlet should be able to sustain a level of fees payable to the franchisor which are sufficient for the franchisor to provide appropriate services and still make a profit.

ans Serif">Able to be duplicated.
The operation of the business must be able to be taught to others, rather than relying upon the style or personality of the existing owner. With the aid of training, a detailed operations manual and ongoing assistance, franchisees must be able to operate a clone of the business as successfully as the franchisor has done. In addition, the business must be such that it does not require major modification each time it is established in a new area or territory.

ans Serif">Preparing A Franchise Business Plan
Once you have reviewed the above factors and made the necessary adjustments, it is time for the next phase. This essentially deals with how the franchise system you set up is going to work.

ans Serif">As a minimum, you should draw up a five year plan which addresses all likely occurrences during the growth phase. This is important because there is usually little opportunity to make structural changes once franchise agreements have been signed by your first franchisees.

ans Serif">In the business plan, you should address the following: