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I frequently speak to prospective clients that are really diving into the ETA (entrepreneurship through acquisition) evaluation, looking at existing businesses to buy. ETA is the “sexy” and popular route for investors and people looking to own a business without starting from scratch. Many haven’t even thought about a franchise business – but owning a franchise is becoming more popular as a way to leave corporate or diversify your revenue streams. Let’s dive in a bit more:
- Franchise Business: You will buy the rights to operate under an established brand.
- Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA): You acquire and grow an existing independent business.
Both models have their pros and cons, and your decision should depend on your goals, risk tolerance, personality, and resources.
Let’s break down both options to help you make a confident, informed choice about the best businesses to buy, whether that is a franchise business or the ETA route.
What Is Franchising?
Franchising involves investing in a business model developed by an established brand. You pay fees to become a franchisee and get access to brand recognition, systems, support, and ongoing training.
Example: Opening a Jersey Mike’s or ServPro
There are many different types of franchise business opportunities out there, from pet franchises to gym franchises, wellness franchises, home service franchises, home remodel franchises, plumbing franchises, painting franchises, design franchises, and so much more.
What Is ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition)?
ETA is the process of buying an existing, independent business with the goal of running and scaling it. These are usually small-to-medium-sized companies with stable cash flow, retiring owners, and untapped growth potential.
Example: Buying a local HVAC company or a regional marketing agency.
There are advantages of a franchise business as well as an ETA. Now, we will take a look at the key differences between these opportunities and how to select the best businesses to buy.
Franchise vs. ETA: Key Differences
| Factor | Franchise | ETA (Acquisition) |
| Risk Profile | Lower (proven model) | Higher (varies by deal) |
| Startup Time | Faster (weeks to months) | Slower (6–12 months for search and close) |
| Support | Extensive franchisor support | Usually none – you’re on your own |
| Brand Control | Limited (must follow rules) | Full control and flexibility |
| Entry Cost | Often lower ($50K–$500K+) | Varies ($200K–$5M+) |
| Operational Complexity | Simpler, more standardized | Often complex (employees, systems, legacy issues) |
| Exit Potential | Depends on brand and territory | Potential for higher valuation/multiple |
| Ownership Feeling | Shared with the franchisor | Full ownership and autonomy |
This chart can guide you in determining whether you prefer a franchise business or ETA. But if you are still decided on the best businesses to buy, keep reading – or book a consultation to talk about it with me, 100% free. I’m happy to help you discover whether or not franchising is right for you.
When a Franchise Business Might Be Right for You
- You want structured support and a proven roadmap.
- You’re a first-time entrepreneur looking for lower-risk entry.
- You prefer operational execution over building from scratch.
- You’re okay with paying royalties and following a system.
Best for: Operators who want to plug into a successful machine and scale within clear guardrails. In some cases, you may even be able to find a home based franchise business for ultimate flexibility.
When ETA Might Be Right for You
- You want to own and control 100% of the business.
- You have experience in leadership, operations, or deal-making.
- You’re comfortable with uncertainty and willing to solve messy problems.
- You’re aiming for bigger upside and long-term equity value.
Best for: Strategic thinkers who want to grow and transform a business over time.
Fit Tip: You Can Do Both
Some entrepreneurs start with a franchise to gain experience and cash flow, then move into ETA once they’re more confident. Others acquire an independent business and later franchise it themselves.
Choosing the best businesses to buy is all about understanding your individual risk tolerance, cash flow options, and long-term goals for your financial future and career. Beginning your investment journey with a franchise business can help you build wealth and confidence, opening the doors to other opportunities like ETA in the future. You may also try owning a franchise and discover that it does fit your goals and that you prefer this lower-risk, proven option and the actionable systems involved in a franchise business.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the best businesses to buy, franchise vs ETA. It’s all about determining your personal preferences.
Final Thoughts
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. Whether you choose franchising or ETA, you’re already ahead by pursuing ownership over employment.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want freedom or structure?
- Am I more of a builder or an executor?
- How much risk am I willing to take?
Both franchising and ETA can lead to financial freedom and personal fulfillment—if you choose the path that aligns with who you are and what you want.
The biggest question I ask of anyone considering ETA or Franchise Ownership: What do you want your role to be? Define your day-in-the-life. You still need to find FIT in any business.
Have questions about either path? Schedule a free meeting right here. I can’t wait to chat with you and discuss franchise opportunities, building your business, and starting a new chapter in your career. Working with me is always 100% free, 100% of the time. Talk to you soon!
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When I set out to buy a franchise, it was one of the biggest (and best) decisions I’ve ever made—but let me be real: It wasn’t all sunshine, roses, and rolling in dough. The journey came with surprises, challenges, and lessons I learned the hard way.
If you’re thinking about becoming a franchisee, here are the honest truths I wish someone had told me before I got started.
1. The Franchise Isn’t a “Business-in-a-Box”
I assumed that to buy a fanchise would be like opening a business with training wheels—plug-and-play, smooth sailing. But here’s the truth:
YOU STILL HAVE TO HUSTLE. HARD.
This is not a take the bow off the box and SURPRISE here is a successful business! Yes, the brand provides a proven model and there are many advantages of a franchise, but it’s up to you to execute. You still need to build relationships, hire the right team, market your location, and solve daily problems. The system is a guide—not a guarantee, and all franchise opportunities are different.
This is where the importance of finding FIT comes to play. If the hard work and day in the life does not align with your strengths and something you enjoy doing, it is even HARDER. You are your local business in your area. Franchise or mom and pop: It is your territory to build.
Fit Tip: Work with your franchise coach/consultant to define your ideal owner role. Take time to reflect on what you enjoy doing from previous roles. When you buy a franchise, you want to feel confident that you will enjoy this new chapter in your career.
2. Not All Support Is Equal
Franchise support varies widely between brands. Some franchise opportunities provide world-class training, marketing help, and a dedicated rep. Others… hand you a manual and disappear. I learned this now having owned two franchise brands with different franchisors. Support goes into the franchisee network as well. You are investing into a team of owners – how well do they support each other, share best practices and grow the brand is essential as well. (See more notes on culture below.)
Fit Tip: Speak with multiple existing franchisees during your research. Ask them how responsive the franchisor is after the ink is dry and if they would buy a franchise from this brand again.
3. Friends, Family and You
It is natural to ask friends, family and colleagues about your new idea and new potential business. While they all love you, they will give you all the BUTS, negatives, WHYS…you must be prepared to filter through this. Some will be excited for you, some will be jealous you are making a JUMP (because maybe they can’t), and others will not be buyers of your business so they can’t see the potential.
YOU also may not be a buyer of your business. For example, we own home service franchises – we build decks. My husband would NEVER pay to have our deck built – he is handy and a do-it-yourself guy. But there are SO MANY people that are not in that boat. So ask yourself, can you see the potential for others?
Fit Tip: Do the research, ask for feedback, and look at your territory. Take outside feedback with a grain of salt and use solid data points. I also like going with your gut, too.
4. You’re Not Just Here to Buy a Franchise—You’re Joining a Culture
Franchisees are part of a community. That can be a huge asset or a serious red flag, depending on the brand. A strong, collaborative network is gold—you’ll lean on each other more than you think, and this is one of the big advantages of a franchise. The Franchisor is a culture too – they will also be your support and guide.
Fit Tip: If other franchisees are bitter, frustrated, or disengaged, take note. Not every business owner is happy – but on the flip side, maybe they didn’t do the work to find the right FIT.
5. You Need More Cash Than You Think to Buy a Franchise
The initial investment is only part of the picture. Be prepared for:
- Working capital for at least 6–12 months
- Marketing expenses not always covered in your franchise fee
- Delays in breakeven—even if you’re doing everything right
- Owner salary – I highly recommend setting yourself up to not need anything in year one.
Fit Tip: Budget for the worst, hope for the best. Running out of cash is one of the top reasons franchise locations fail—not poor performance. If you are stressed to pay the bills, you will not be focused on building your business. Franchise opportunities all have different times to break even.
6. Employees Can Make or Break You
WOW – I should have put this as number one! As a leader in my corporate career for years, I have always prided myself in management principles, led good teams and supported growth. It is imperative you think through the business and the types of employees you will be hiring. I thought it would be easy. It wasn’t. Recruiting, training, and retaining staff took far more time and energy than I expected. One of the advantages of a franchise is that many brands give you a framework for how, who, and where to hire. But you will still need to put in some legwork.
In some industries (like food, retail, senior care, some home service franchises), employee turnover is a constant challenge. Be ready to become a people manager—even if that wasn’t your goal (but this needs to be considered in franchise selection).
Fit Tip: Hire and Fire Fast! Always be hiring and remember, people are the biggest expense to the bottom line – be diligent about performance and expectations.
7. You Still Need an Entrepreneurial Mindset
If you’re looking for a true “set it and forget it” business, franchising might not be the right fit (really, most businesses will not be a good fit). The best franchisees think like entrepreneurs, even if they’re operating within a system of franchise opportunities.
Fit Tip: Creative problem solving, local marketing, and community involvement are all up to you. The more proactive you are, the more successful you’ll be when you buy a franchise. No one knows your market better than you – figure out how to reach your customers.
8. Compliance Can Be Frustrating (But It’s Non-Negotiable)
Franchise opportunities have brand standards, operational rules, and marketing guidelines. Sometimes they’ll feel restrictive—but that’s part of the deal. Franchisors set up franchises for everyone to be successful. They charge royalties to support system growth and enhancements for you.
You have to be comfortable following someone else’s system. If you’re a rebel or an innovator at heart, this could feel suffocating.
Fit Tip: Franchisors are not looking for owners to figure out how to change the system or create new ideas and ways of doing things. Yes, there are franchisee advisory councils to help guide and provide constructive feedback to the franchisor, but do not go into a franchise with a “I can do this better” attitude.
9. ROI Takes Time
I thought I’d be profitable in 6 months. It took closer to 14. And that’s not uncommon. Now, our home service franchises make us money and help us to support our family. But it didn’t happen overnight.
Fit Tip: Franchising is a long game. If you’re expecting instant returns, temper your expectations. And remember, you get out of it what you put in – part-time gets part-time results.
10. It’s Not Easy—But It’s Worth It
The ups and downs are real, but so is the satisfaction of owning something. I’ve grown more as a person and a leader than I ever did in a corporate role. I control my time, I build my team, and I make decisions that shape my future.
Would I do it again? Yes – in fact, we did! And the second time around, we learned from our mistakes and we did it better. Now, I love getting to share my insights on franchise opportunities with all of you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering franchise ownership, go in with open eyes and realistic expectations. Ask tough questions. Budget conservatively. Talk to franchisees, and not just the ones the brand recommends.
Franchising can be a powerful path to business ownership, but success doesn’t come from the brand alone—it comes from you.
Got questions about becoming a franchisee or lessons I didn’t cover? Let’s talk – no cost, no commitment. I am here to educate you for your best FIT (and sometimes that is not to buy a franchise).
Schedule a free meeting right here. I can’t wait to chat with you and discuss franchise opportunities, building your business, and starting a new chapter in your career. Working with me is always 100% free, 100% of the time. Talk to you soon!
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Owning a franchise can be an incredible step toward independence—but not all franchises are created equal. What works for one person might be a terrible fit for another. Believe me, I learned the hard way! I will dive more into that in a second. But first…
Take a look at the top two questions that people ask me when they are looking at owning a franchise, which are NOT the most important questions.
1. “What’s the best franchise?”
2. “What franchise makes the most money?
What you need to ask is: “What is the best franchise FIT for ME?”
Fit Secret: If the franchise FITS you, then you will have the answer to the questions above. That will be the best franchise, and you will increase your odds of business success.
Finding the best small business fit isn’t just about profit potential. It’s about aligning your small business ideas with:
- The role you want to play
- The time you’re willing to invest
- The customers you want to serve
- The team you want to lead
Before I go any further, let me share my own story.
I was handed the opportunity to own a franchise—literally handed to me. Who wouldn’t be excited? Owning my own business had always been in the back of my mind. I’d gone to graduate school, built a solid career, and when this opportunity came along, I thought, Yes! This is it. Let’s do it.
Fast forward: I took over an existing franchise (check out my blog on the pros and cons of buying existing vs. starting fresh). Right away, I realized I had some serious fires to put out. The customer base needed to be cut in half. The staff turned over. Marketing wasn’t even turned on. It was go time.
So, I rolled up my sleeves and got deep in the weeds. And what I quickly realized was this: the day-to-day reality of running this business looked nothing like I had imagined. It didn’t align with my strengths. In fact, it pushed me into areas I dreaded. I started losing sleep. I cringed when the phone rang. I felt frustrated, overwhelmed—and worst of all—I started to resent something I was supposed to be building with pride. That is not to say that owning a franchise was not for me… but maybe owning this franchise was not for me.
Those feelings made it hard to justify investing more time, energy, or money. I felt like I was failing. And as a competitive person, that was a tough pill to swallow. But quitting? That felt like giving up.
So, I kept going. I led the business for two years. I turned it around. We became profitable. And I’m proud to say I had built an exit strategy—and I took it.
The experience taught me a lot. I’m grateful for it. But here’s the biggest lesson: owning a franchise is hard enough. Trying to be someone you’re not just to make it work? That’s not success—that’s survival. And in my opinion, those aren’t the same thing.
Okay. Now, let’s talk about finding the FIT and finding the best businesses to buy for you:
1. Define the Role You Want to Play
Before looking at brands or industries, ask yourself: What kind of owner do I want to be?
There are generally three types of franchise ownership:
- Owner-operator: You run the day-to-day operations. Ideal for hands-on people who enjoy leading from the front.
- Semi-absentee: You manage the manager. Great for those who want to keep a job or pursue other ventures.
- Executive owner: You hire a team to run it and focus on strategy/growth. Suited for experienced leaders or multi-unit investors.
Fit Tip: Be honest about how much control, time, and energy you want to commit. And, a business needs to be “run” – so some level of involvement will be required in any of the best small businesses.
2. Match the Business to Your Strengths
What are you naturally good at? Are you a people person, a problem-solver, or a sales machine? Picking a franchise that complements your skills will make everything easier – from hiring to customer service. This is how you find the best businesses to buy – “best” is a relative term dependent on your unique strengths and preferences
Fit Tip: Franchising works best when you run in your lane. Do not force yourself into a role you’ll burn out in or dread.
3. Be Realistic About Your Time Commitment for Owning a Franchise
How much time are you really willing to spend in the business?
- Do you want flexibility or to keep your day job?
- Do you want to replace your job and be your own boss full-time?
- Are you looking to plan to build a team and scale fast?
- What does “part-time” or “full-time” mean to you?
Fit Tip: Everyone defines working hours and availability differently. Full-time doesn’t always mean 40 hours, especially if you came from Wall Street! Do you want to work weekends? Evenings? Many people underestimate the time it takes to launch and stabilize a business. Start small and grow owning a franchise into a bigger commitment.
4. Think About the Customers You Want to Serve
You will be interacting with customers – either directly or through your staff. So ask yourself:
- Do you want to work with families, professionals, or businesses?
- Do you prefer high-touch service (like tutoring) or transactional models (like QSR)?
- Are you drawn to community impact, or do you just want a recurring revenue machine?
Fit Tip: Passion isn’t everything, but liking who you serve definitely helps on tough days. When you think about the best small businesses, your customer base makes a huge difference.
5. Consider the Staff You’ll Need to Hire and Manage
The small business ideas you gravitate toward will determine the kind of team you’ll build.
- Food and retail: High turnover, entry-level roles, strong training systems required.
- Fitness or education: Staff with certifications or niche skills.
- Home services/B2B: Techs, sales reps, or customer service pros.
Ask yourself:
- Am I comfortable hiring and managing hourly employees?
- Do I want a lean team or a larger operation with more complexity?
- Would I rather manage specialists or generalists?
Fit Tip: Your ability to lead and retain the right team can make or break your business, and it also helps determine the best businesses to buy for YOU.
6. Align Your Personal Goals With the Franchise Model
Finally, ask the big-picture questions about your small business ideas:
- Do I want time freedom, financial growth, or both?
- Is this franchise scalable? Sellable?
- Will I still be happy doing this in 5–10 years?
Fit Tip: This is your business, so make sure it aligns with your definition of success, not someone else’s.
Final Thoughts: The Best Franchise Is the One That Fits YOU
Owning a franchise is a powerful vehicle – but only if you choose small business ideas that align with your strengths, goals, and lifestyle. The right franchise won’t just make you money – it’ll make you better at what you love to do.
So before falling in love with a brand or business model, ask:
- What role do I want to play?
- Who do I want to serve?
- Who do I want to work with?
- What kind of life do I want to build?
Fit Tip: Answer those honestly, and the best businesses to buy will be easier to uncover. You will know what questions to ask, what to look for… and with the help of The Franchise Fit Company, you can find your way into the best small businesses with the RIGHT franchise for YOU.
Thinking about franchise ownership but unsure where to start? Let’s connect—I help aspiring owners find the best small businesses based on who they are, not just what’s trending.
Schedule a free meeting right here. I can’t wait to chat with you and discuss franchise opportunities, building your business, and starting a new chapter in your career. Working with me is always 100% free, 100% of the time. Talk to you soon!
Finding the Franchise FIT for YOU: Find the Best Businesses to Buy With Your Strengths and Lifestyle
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I took over an existing franchise for almost zero investment—literally just opened a bank account and added some operational funds. Yes, these opportunities exist. Sometimes, an owner is ready to move on, and you can get a steal of a deal.
But let’s be clear: nothing is ever truly free.
What I inherited:
- A business that had once grossed over $1M annually
- At takeover, it was bringing in ~$40K/month and declining
- 8–10 staff members, solid customer accounts, 2 office locations, and all the equipment and supplies
Sounds great, right?
Well, here’s what I actually found:
- Jobs were severely underpriced—no profit in sight, lots of “friends and family” discounts
- A team with poor attitudes and little accountability—zero leadership, zero quality control
- No GM in place (and I had planned on running this semi-absentee)
- Marketing? Nonexistent for the last 6–8 months
- Leads weren’t being worked, and new business came solely from word-of-mouth
So yes, I got a deal—but it came with surprises.
What I did next:
- Cut the business in half within 60 days—raised prices, lost some customers, but that was OK
- Addressed the team—some left, others were let go. Also OK
- Promoted a manager to oversee the day-to-day
- Restarted marketing efforts
It still took over a year (and a lot of trial, error, and tough calls) to turn a profit.
Lesson: Buying in doesn’t guarantee a head start. You must dig in, evaluate thoroughly, and be ready to do the work.
Starting a Franchise from Scratch
In contrast, my husband and I launched a brand-new franchise location together—and the difference was night and day.
With strong franchise training, a detailed launch plan, and ongoing support, we were able to:
- Make every decision with intention
- Shape the customer experience from day one
- Stay laser-focused on margin and quality
Within six months, we were closing projects, protecting our profits, and putting money back in the bank.
Yes—it was still work. But when you’re aligned with a franchisor that has proven systems, real support, and a solid structure, starting from scratch doesn’t have to be scary.
Moral of the story:
Whether you buy existing or build new, the right FIT matters.
Know your strengths, understand the work required, and partner with a brand that aligns with your goals.
If you’re exploring franchise ownership, I’d love to share what I’ve learned—and help you find the path that’s truly the right fit for you.
