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Before you buy a franchise, you will go through a process of exploring different franchise opportunities. First, we will work together to narrow down which franchise opportunities are best for your needs and goals as a business owner. Then, we will embark on a detailed exploration of a select few franchise opportunities. During this more concentrated stage of the process, you are going to have what is called Validation Calls. So, what are Validation Calls and why are they important?
Validation Calls give you the opportunity to talk to existing franchise owners within a brand’s system before you buy a franchise. You will speak with a variety of different owners to learn more about the experience of owning a given franchise.
What should these Validation Calls cover? Here are some key Validation Calls you should have when it is almost time to buy a franchise.
The “Day-in-the-Life” Conversation
Your first priority is understanding the reality of the role – not the brochure version. You’re not just going to buy a franchise. You’re going to buy a job description for yourself for the next three to ten years. This is the time to understand what is required of the owner to be successful. In particular, does this brand truly FIT your expectations of day-to-day involvement?
Sample Questions to Ask:
- “What does a typical day look like for you from start to finish?”
- “How much of your time is spent on sales, operations, people management, and admin?”
- “What are 2–3 tasks you personally can’t delegate right now?”
- “If someone shadowed you for a week, what would surprise them the most?”
What you’re listening for:
- Does their day align with how you actually want to spend your time?
- Are they mostly in the field? In the office? Networking? Hiring and coaching?
- Are they doing work that plays to your strengths or your weaknesses?
If their day sounds like a life you would dread, that is a sign that the model might be fine, but the fit is wrong.
The Ramp-Up & Learning Curve Conversation
The second conversation is about how hard it really is to get from zero to functioning after you buy a franchise.
Sample Questions to Ask:
- “How did your first 6–12 months go compared to what you expected?”
- “What were the hardest parts of getting started—licenses, hiring, learning the systems, something else?”
- “How long did it take before you felt confident and not constantly in ‘figure it out’ mode?”
- “If you were starting again, what would you do differently in your first 90 days?”
What you’re listening for:
- Are owners consistently saying, “It took longer than I expected”?
- Were there surprises the franchisor should have prepared them for?
- Does the learning curve match your tolerance for discomfort and chaos during that first year?
You want honest stories, not just timelines. That’s where the truth lives.
The Financial Reality (Without Being Awkward) Conversation
Money questions feel delicate, but you can absolutely have them without asking for someone’s P&L. How you ask questions is important, too. Remember, everyone comes from VERY different backgrounds and has different levels of comfort with money questions. Keep the questions simple.
Sample Questions to Ask:
- “Did your actual numbers roughly match what you saw in the FDD or were you above/below?”
- “What is your average job ticket price?”
- “What are your big monthly expense items to run the business”
- “Knowing what you know now, would you have come in with more capital?”
- “Have you been able to pay yourself? If not yet, when do you think you will?
What you’re listening for:
- Are owners consistently under- or over-performing what’s represented?
- Is there a theme around underestimating working capital?
- Are they proud and confident talking about the financial trajectory, or hesitant and vague?
You’re not looking for exact dollar amounts for these franchise opportunities. You’re looking for patterns and ranges – and whether this opportunity fits your reality and risk tolerance. Remember, you are in control of making financial decisions for YOUR business. Get the back of the napkin numbers: job revenue, expenses… Boom, you have some margin, and then you know your debt.
The Franchise Support and Relationship Conversation
A strong brand isn’t just a logo. It is also the support system behind you. When you are looking for the best franchise to buy, it is not only about money. It is also about the support you will receive and the relationship with the company behind the franchise opportunities.
Sample Questions to Ask:
- “How would you describe your relationship with the franchisor?”
- “When you run into an issue, how responsive is the support team?”
- “What kind of help do you realistically get with marketing, operations, and training?”
- “Have you ever felt like the franchisor wasn’t listening? How did they respond?”
- “How much do you engage with other owners?” “Are they supportive?”
What you’re listening for:
- Is there a culture of partnership or policing?
- Do owners feel heard or brushed off?
- Are they excited about where the brand is going, or worried?
If multiple owners use words like ignored, slow, frustrating, pay attention. Support doesn’t magically get better after you sign.
The Customers and Lead Generation Conversation
No leads = no revenue, no matter how great the brand looks on paper. How is this brand going to support you after you buy a franchise in gaining customers for your business?
Sample Questions to Ask:
- “Where do most of your customers really come from: corporate marketing, your own networking, referrals, something else?”
- “How effective has the franchisor’s marketing been in your market?”
- “What marketing activities do YOU do that move the needle the most?”
- “Have there been any big shifts in demand or competition since you started?”
What you’re listening for:
- Is the brand marketing engine actually helping—or is it mostly on the owner?
- Are there specific tactics that consistently work across owners?
- Is demand stable, growing, or shrinking in different markets?
This is where you separate hype from what actually drives business. Please note, YOU are responsible for your local marketing. All owners will complain about lead flow – what are they doing about it from all angles is important to understand.
The Challenges, Regrets, and “Real Talk” Conversation
This might be the most valuable conversation you’ll have if you ask the right questions… and then stop talking. Listening to owners talk about the realities of franchise opportunities is absolutely priceless.
Sample Questions to Ask:
- “What’s the hardest part of this business that no one prepared you for?”
- “Have you ever seriously considered selling or walking away? What triggered that feeling?”
- “What do you like least about being part of this franchise system?”
- “If someone you loved was considering this brand, what warning would you give them?”
What you’re listening for:
- Common pain points: hiring, margins, burnout, competition, support gaps.
- Signs of misalignment between what was sold and what was experienced.
- Whether the challenges are things you can live with… or not.
No franchise is perfect. You’re not looking for a brand with no problems. You’re looking at whether the problems are acceptable trade-offs for the opportunity.
The “Would You Do It Again?” Conversation
This is the ultimate gut-check question. Before you buy a franchise, this one is the absolute MUST-ASK.
Sample Questions to Ask:
- “If you could go back in time, would you buy this franchise again?”
- “Would you choose the same brand, or a different industry/model?”
- “Would you pick the same territory or market?”
- “What kind of person do you think truly thrives in this system?”
What you’re listening for:
- Their first reaction—a quick “Yes, 100%” sounds very different from a long pause.
- Subtle hesitations like, “Yes, but…” or “Probably, if…” — those “buts” matter.
- Their description of who thrives—does that sound like you?
This is where you often get the most honest, distilled perspective: regrets, gratitude, pride, and frustration all in one.
How Many Owners Should You Talk To?
This is a question so many clients ask when looking for the best franchise to buy. As a rule of thumb:
- Average: 3–5 owners
- Ideally: A mix of…
- High performers
- Average performers
- Newer owners (in first 1–2 years)
- More mature owners (3+ years in)
You want to see the whole spectrum, not just the “highlight reel” you’re introduced to. Remember to have a purpose for each call. If you are trying to talk to everyone to build a case NOT to do it – you are taking the wrong approach. Get your concerns alleviated or proven.
Bringing It All Together
Talking to existing franchise owners is not about getting one perfect answer that tells you “yes” or “no.”
It’s about:
- Spotting patterns across multiple conversations
- Checking those patterns against who you are and what you want
- Confirming whether this franchise is the right fit, not just a recognizable logo
The Franchise Fit Company is here to help you navigate, explore, and ask the right questions. Want to learn more about franchise opportunities? Book time on my Calendar here!
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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Franchising has a few stigmas. It is all about fast food, it is not sexy, and it is often seen as a shortcut to entrepreneurship: a ready-made business with brand recognition and a roadmap for success. While that’s partly true, there are plenty of misconceptions that can mislead potential franchisees and even eliminate people from considering this route to business ownership through a franchise for sale.
If you’re thinking about owning a franchise, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction. Let’s do some myth-busting!
Myth #1: Franchising Is EASY Money, Guaranteed!
Myth: Owning a franchise guarantees a profit, and fast! You will not have to work hard to make money with a franchise for sale, because the advantages of a franchise mean you are already set up to rake in the cash. Franchise ownership is easy!
Truth: Franchising can be profitable, but it’s not a guaranteed cash machine. You still have to work hard, manage people, market your business, and solve daily problems. Think of it as owning a business with training wheels – you’re still riding the bike, and there are bumps in the road. Heck, you can still fall off.
Success takes time, effort, and financial patience. Many franchisees work longer hours than they did in corporate roles, especially in the early years. You get out what you put in! In this situation, you are not sitting at your corporate desk waiting for your bi-weekly paycheck to hit the bank. If you don’t show up, neither does payroll.
Myth #2: You Don’t Need Business Experience
Myth: Your experience does not matter at all when it comes to owning a franchise.
Truth: While many franchises are designed to train newcomers, having business, leadership, or customer service experience can be a huge advantage. You’ll need to make financial decisions, manage teams, and lead operations. Franchises like to train new owners on the concept and business type (where no experience is needed), but you need to have a basic understanding of what levers to pull – even when coaching is provided.
Franchisors give you the system (aka “playbook”), but they don’t run the business for you.
Myth #3: You’re Just Buying a Job
Myth: You’re spending money in order to work every day. How silly!
Truth: It can be like owning a franchise is buying a job – especially if you’re an owner-operator working full-time in the business. But many franchisees grow to own multiple units or hire managers to create more passive income over time. Some love working “in” the business. because they see the fruits of their labor. Others hustle to work “on” the business to grow into a more general manager/executive type role. This goes back to our goal of finding YOUR fit – your involvement will be different based on the franchise of interest.
You’re building an asset, not just trading hours for dollars… That is, if you treat it like a real business.
Myth #4: The Franchisor Will Handle All the Marketing
Myth: You don’t have to do any marketing with a franchise business. Any franchise for sale is already set up for marketing success because of the larger nature of the franchisor.
Truth: While franchisors provide national marketing campaigns and brand tools, local marketing is often up to you. There are advantages of a franchise in terms of marketing, but cornering your immediate market is still in your hands. That means community outreach, networking, promotions, and managing your own local social media. The corporate franchise office is not going to come and sponsor your son’s Little League baseball team. That is the kind of local marketing engagement required of a local owner. Funny, I never thought of a franchise as being “locally-owned” – but IT IS!
Local visibility = local responsibility. Successful franchisees are proactive marketers.
Myth #5: All Franchises Are Expensive
Myth: You need to have piles of cash on hand to even consider owning a franchise. And the most profitable franchise to own? Forget about it, you could never afford that!
Truth: Not all franchises require $1 million to start. There are lower-cost options, especially in the non-brick-and-mortar space: Think home service franchises, pet franchises, wellness franchises, and more. Hundreds of options exist beyond your typical brick-and-mortar business and way beyond fast food. Again, think home service franchises, senior care, education franchises, consulting… the list goes on!
Franchising isn’t just for the wealthy – it’s for the resourceful. Most franchisees finance their franchise through SBA and ROBS offerings.
Myth #6: You Have No Freedom as a Franchisee
Myth: The advantages of a franchise are outweighed by overwhelming control from the franchisor. You won’t really feel like your own boss.
Truth: Franchises come with rules – but you still have autonomy over how you run your day, manage your team, and grow your business. Some industries are stricter than others (e.g., fast food), but many franchises encourage owner creativity, within guidelines. Believe me, no one was in my office telling me how to run my franchise.
You give up some flexibility for brand consistency—but gain support and proven systems.
Myth #7: If a Franchise Brand Is Popular, It Must Be a Good Investment
Myth: Everyone is buying up this one franchise business, so it must be a goldmine. I need to get in on that, too!
Truth: Just because a brand is well-known doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you or your market. High brand awareness often comes with high fees, saturated markets, and tough competition. The most profitable franchise to own and the best franchise to own are both determined by your individual needs, strengths, and goals.
Due diligence matters more than popularity. Look at unit performance, support quality, and franchisee satisfaction before signing anything. Also known as… Find Your Fit.
Myth #8: Franchising Is Only for Food Businesses
Myth: McDonald’s is the beginning and end of franchising. Owning a franchise means flipping burgers.
Truth: While food franchises are common, franchising spans dozens of industries, including:
- Fitness franchises
- Home repair franchises
- Child education franchises
- Health and wellness franchises
- Pet franchises (think daycare, grooming, training, and more)
- Automotive franchises
- B2B service franchises
Many of these services you may have used and NEVER knew it was a franchise. When you start looking, you will be surprised how many are at your fingertips.
There’s a franchise business for nearly everything!
Myth #9: You’ll Be Profitable in a Few Months
Myth: The most profitable franchise will be funding your retirement in sunny Florida in just a few months.
Truth: Some franchisees take a year or more to break even. It depends on the industry, your location, your skill, and how aggressively you market and operate. If you are operating on a part-time, semi-absentee basis, expect it to take longer.
Plan for a slow ramp-up and have enough working capital to get through it. It is HARD – no one said owning a franchise for sale was gonna be easy.
Myth #10: Franchising Isn’t Real Entrepreneurship
Myth: Owning a franchise doesn’t count as owning a business, because you didn’t come up with small business ideas from scratch. Buying a franchise for sale is a cop-out from “real” entrepreneurship.
Truth: You may not be inventing a product from scratch, but you are building, leading, and taking risks like any entrepreneur. You make hiring decisions, manage finances, grow revenue, and adapt to your local market. At the end of the day, that business belongs to YOU – and the success is on YOU too. As the owner, you pull all the levers.
Franchisees are entrepreneurs – just with a head start.
Final FIT Thoughts
Franchising is a powerful business model – but only if you walk in with clear eyes. Don’t let the myths about owning a franchise cloud your judgment or lead you into a situation you’re not prepared for.
Take your time, do your homework, and talk to real franchisees. The more you learn, the better prepared you’ll be to turn your investment into a thriving, long-term business. Better yet? Partner with an experienced franchise coach, like The Franchise Fit Company, to help you navigate, explore, and ask the right questions. We are here to be your third party and extra set of eyes – our goal is to find your right fit, not SELL you 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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When you are researching franchise business opportunities, one of the most anticipated sections of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is Item 19: Financial Performance Representations (FPRs). This is where franchisors may (but are not required to) share historical revenue, expense, or profit data from their franchise system.
On the surface, it feels like the holy grail of decision-making: Finally, some numbers! But here’s the reality: Relying solely on Item 19 to decide whether to buy a franchise is a mistake.
Additionally, Item 19 is not a good source to compare one franchise business to another. Comparing franchise opportunities based on their Item 19 information is the epitome of comparing apples and oranges!
Sit down for this one… Here is why:
1. Not All Franchisors Provide the Same Information (Not Kidding!)
Franchisors are not required to include Item 19… But they do because it helps sell franchise businesses. Some provide detailed financials, while others give partial or limited data (e.g., gross revenue averages without expenses). You might be looking at a “best-case scenario” instead of a complete financial picture. “It’s like a box of chocolates…”
Fit Tip: Whether you are looking at high or low cost franchise opportunities, Item 19 is just part of the whole picture. If your goal is to find the most profitable franchise for you to own, there are many other sources of data to investigate in order to have a better understanding of a brand’s financial landscape.
2. Averages Tell You What? Not Much.
Many Item 19 disclosures are based on averages, which can be misleading. An “average” can be skewed by a handful of top-performing franchisees, while the majority may be operating below that number. Without context, the average can set unrealistic expectations.
Fit Tip: Talk to existing franchise owners (and not just the ones the brand recommends) to get a better picture of what a day in the life really looks like. The key to success is not just finding the most profitable franchises to own, but also finding the best FIT for you.
3. Expense Data = Absent.
Even when revenue is disclosed, net income is rarely shown. Item 19 often leaves out critical costs of a franchise business (think rent, labor, marketing, or debt service), which directly impact what you take home. High revenues don’t equal high profits.
And don’t forget – what one owner might expense is wildly different from how another owner manages write-offs and compensation. We are over here expensing home improvements, and another person is expensing their new Audi. See my blog featuring net income – that is another story for another day.
4. The numbers are HISTORY!
The numbers in the Item 19 are historical data points. They are not futuristic. They are not current year-to-date. They do not represent the current market landscape. The numbers are completely a reflection of the previous year’s performance by owners that were operating a full calendar year prior to updating the FDD (yearly occurrence).
5. Performance Depends on You – And That Is a FACT!
Yes, I mean to tell you that just because this is a franchise, it does not mean you automatically make money! Sorry. Your results won’t just depend on the franchise brand… the most profitable franchises to own will depend on the location, market size, your management style, and your ability to execute the model too. Item 19 can’t tell you how well you will perform—it only shows what others have done under different circumstances.
Fit Tip: When you are looking at a franchise business, how well others have done monetarily is at the bottom of the list of reasons to choose a certain model. You need to pick a franchise that will let your strengths shine, aligns with your expectations around day-to-day life and flexibility, and more.
6. There is Gold In Validation
Numbers are important, but the real insights come from conversations with existing franchise owners. They’ll tell you what margins look like, what unexpected expenses come up, and how long it took them to cover expenses monthly, operate in the “black” or hit break-even. Validation calls reveal the day-to-day realities that Item 19 cannot capture. In essence, we can break it down to simple math: How much does it cost to run the business monthly (without bells and whistles), and how much does the average ticket bring in? Go ahead… Pull your napkin out and see how many customers you need to break even monthly. Can you do it PLUS some?
As for the validation stage, we can talk later about how to manage validation calls and pull out the data to use in how YOU will operate. Remember, you are going to run the franchise business… And you may not run it exactly like them. Can you get excited about the typical day-in-the-life?
Fit Tip: Item 19 is a useful tool, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Don’t let it be the deciding factor. Pair it with thorough validation, market research, and an honest evaluation of your goals and resources – Find Your Fit, and that will show you the money!
Ready to Find Your Fit? Contact us today to get started with your 100% free Franchise Fit consultation. We will help you kick off your journey to pinpointing your perfect fit – whether that is a home renovation franchise, a pet franchise, a fitness franchise, or something else altogether.
FAQs About Franchise Business Opportunities and the Item 19
What is an Item 19 in franchising?
In franchise businesses, “Item 19” refers to a specific section of the FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document). This section covers Financial Performance Representations, or FPRs. Things that could be shared in an Item 19 include earnings information, expense data, revenue, and more. Franchisors are not required to include an Item 19 section in their FDD, but many do, as it helps to sell both high-end and low cost franchise opportunities.
What is the best franchise to own?
The best franchise to own is actually a MYTH. There is no one best franchise – rather, the “best” or most profitable franchises to own are the ones that capitalize on your strengths and skills. If you hate the day-to-day management of a certain franchise, you will not succeed as an owner.
What is the most profitable franchise to own?
The most profitable franchise to own depends on finding the right FIT. When you pinpoint a franchise that lets your strengths shine and plays into your skill set, that is where you will be most successful.
What is the cheapest franchise to buy?
There are many low cost franchise opportunities available in markets like Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Jacksonville, Chattanooga, and many other areas. We can discuss finding a territory and a brand with an affordable entry point into franchising that fits your ideal franchise business profile and everyday needs.
There are affordable businesses in areas like home renovation franchises, pet franchises, fitness franchises, gym franchises, wellness franchises, electrical franchises, plumbing franchises, and many other niches that may not have even crossed your mind!
How much does it cost to buy a franchise?
The cost of buying a franchise varies greatly – and remember, buying a franchise is not just about the initial Franchise Fee. Other startup costs include marketing, hiring, buildouts or renovations, and much more. Typically, the FDD will give you an idea of the costs you will need to account for in the first year or so of getting your franchise off the ground until you break even.
Are you ready to kick off your next chapter as a franchise business owner?
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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One of the most common questions or requirements I hear from people exploring business ownership and looking at a franchise for sale is: “Can this franchise replace my salary?”
It’s an understandable question — after all, most of us are conditioned to measure career success in terms of our paycheck, job offer, and yearly raises. But here’s the truth: replacing your salary is only one piece of the puzzle, and focusing solely on the owning a franchise salary can cause you to miss the bigger picture of what business ownership offers.
With business ownership, you are in control. You define your paycheck, and there are many different ways to compensate yourself as a franchise owner. Let’s jump into helping you have a different perspective:
1. Salary Is Not Take-Home Pay
Many people think in terms of their gross salary, not their actual net income. “I make $180K a year!” Well… no, you don’t! Taxes, healthcare costs, retirement contributions, and other deductions mean your “salary” isn’t the same as the money hitting your bank account. When you consider franchising, the better question is: “How much do I actually need to run my household and live the life I want?” That number is often different — and sometimes lower — than the offer letter or raise in salary you have been chasing.
If you are looking at a franchise for sale and thinking of your salary or compensation as one concrete amount, you are thinking about this all wrong. Owning a franchise salary is dynamic, and you can make it work for you in many different ways.
2. Salary Is About Today — Ownership Is About Tomorrow
A corporate salary is predictable, but it ends the moment you leave your job. A franchise, on the other hand, is an asset. You are not just building income for yourself today; you’re building equity in a business you can grow, scale, pass on, or eventually sell. That long-term wealth creation goes far beyond “salary replacement.” Remember, you are in control of the business. You determine your raise and income based on what you put in and want out. This is a big change in mindset!
Fit Tip: There is also the pitfall of looking for the most profitable franchise. Remember, it takes time to build up your franchise to the level of profitability. Any franchise for sale will come with plenty of numbers and statistics to try to demonstrate that it is the most profitable franchise. But really, the most profitable franchise for you is the one that you will enjoy working in and that plays to your strengths.
3. Flexibility and Control Matter, Too
Think about why you’re exploring franchising in the first place. Chances are, it’s not just about money. If it is… this isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme! Owning a franchise is about controlling your schedule, creating more time for your family, or aligning your work with your personal values. These intangibles do not show up in a salary comparison, but they’re often the reason people make the leap. What are these important factors worth to you? There is value and trade-offs in what you are searching for – only YOU can determine how this plays into your search decisions.
Fit Tip: Looking at a franchise for sale or exploring low cost franchise opportunities? Here at The Franchise Fit Company, we can help you find the perfect option for you. We’ll take into account your needs, budget, skills, interests, preferences, and so much more. Remember, the most profitable franchise is one that brings you joy and makes you excited to invest in a franchise for sale.
4. Risk and Reward Look Different
Your paycheck may feel safe, but it can disappear with a layoff, restructuring, or merger. Franchising involves risk too — but it also gives you the ability to influence your results. Instead of hoping someone in a boardroom makes a decision that protects your job, you’re in charge of driving your own success. When you wake up each day, you make the decision on how hard you work, what you focus on and what happens in the business. I have not found one business owner to-date that has fired or laid themselves off.
The reward of investing in low cost franchise opportunities comes in many forms. You will reward yourself with compensation, but you will also reward yourself in living the dream of owning your own business and investing in your financial future.
5. Wealth Isn’t Just Income — It’s a Lifestyle of YOUR Choice
When you build a franchise, you are investing in something that has resale value or legacy for your kids. Many owners exit their businesses with a multiple of annual profits — something no salary will ever give you. Plus, the lifestyle benefits of business ownership (flexibility, freedom, fulfillment) add a dimension of wealth beyond dollars and cents. The value I place on time is much greater than when I was trying to climb the ladder of success. At the end of the day, who really cared about title and role? Oh, it was only me! My family, on the other hand, cared if I was present or not.
6. It’s About Return on Life as Much as Return on Investment
If your only measure of success is whether a franchise for sale replaces your old paycheck, you’re applying an employee mindset to an ownership opportunity. The real question is:
- Does this business align with the life you want to live?
- Does it give you the opportunity to create wealth, not just income?
- Does it help you define success on your own terms?
What Owning a Franchise Is Really About
Replacing your salary might be the starting point in your franchise search, but it shouldn’t be the finish line. Salary is a single number without meaning. Ownership is a whole picture — financial, personal, and lifestyle — that can transform the way you work and live.
I only wish I could explain the feeling of being on the other side. It is a journey each person must take individually and for their own reasons!
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.
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!
FAQs About Owning a Franchise Salary
What is the best franchise to own?
The best franchise to own depends on your personal needs, preferences, and desires. During The Franchise Fit Company process, we will closely examine what you need to succeed and build a profile of your ideal brand. Then, we will explore a few different options that suit your needs to discover what is truly the best fit for YOU. Remember, the most profitable franchise to own is the one where you will succeed and put your skills to good use.
What is the most profitable franchise to own?
There are certain low cost franchise opportunities that have higher average profits than others, but the most profitable franchise to own is one where you will succeed. You can buy a franchise with high margins and a strong track record of success, but if it does not play to your strengths, you will not see the same strong results.
How much do franchise owners make?
Franchise owners compensate themselves differently from those who are paid an annual salary. You will pay yourself a certain amount, but you may also make more during certain seasons of the year. Additionally, there are many tax benefits to business ownership, as you can embrace certain write-offs and other wealth management strategies.
How much do franchise owners make a year?
During the franchise discovery process, you will find out more information about how much owners with a certain franchise brand make per year. You can also discuss this topic with existing owners on validation calls, which help you learn more about the experience of being an owner with a certain brand. Of course, your own earnings will depend on your personal business success and the market you are in.
Ready to Find Low Cost Franchise Opportunities?
Here at The Franchise Fit Company, I am here to help you find the perfect franchise for sale that meets all of your individual needs. Together, we will craft a plan to help you find a profitable franchise model that plays to your strengths and will yield you excitement and success.
Contact Me to get started today!
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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.
