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250 QUESTIONS
to ask your franchisor
What do you need to know before you buy a franchise? Here's a comprehensive list of over 250 vital questions to ask the franchisor that will help you make the right decision.
Find the RIGHT FRANCHISE
With hundreds of franchise opportunities to choose from, how do you choose one that's going to perform for you? Here's our guide to starting up in business
50 questions TO ASK FRANCHISEES
Want to know what a franchise is really like? Ask the people who know
CUTTING THROUGH THE JARGON
a guide to common clauses in franchise agreements
Franchise lawyer David Foster explains what to expect in a franchise agreement and what it means for your future.
Franchising & You
250 QUESTIONS
to ask your franchisor
What do you need to know before you buy a franchise? Here's a comprehensive list of over 250 vital questions to ask the franchisor that will help you make the right decision.
50 questions TO ASK FRANCHISEES
Want to know what a franchise is really like? Ask the people who know
All About Franchising
Franchising is attracting more people than ever.
Changing Hats
As the armed forces and emergency services restructure, many personnel are moving out into businesses of their own.
Come Home Kiwis - Your Country Needs You
The government wants to encourage New Zealanders overseas to return home to work. Carlene du Toit and Simon Lord talk to some of those who have heard the call and chosen self-employment through franchising
Could You Be A Franchisee?
Would you make a good franchisee?
Danger Signals
We list the warning signs to look out for when choosing a franchise
Electioneering Doesn't Help Fraud Victims
February 2008 - The recent outburst by Chris Carter, the Minister for Ethnic Affairs, accusing Green Acres of being devious and ruthless in its dealings with those affected by the apparently fraudulent sale of non-existent franchises to Chinese and Indian immigrants marks a sad decline in the previously sensible commentaries on the situation.
Expro
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS in 2012
Franchisors need to book early for popular Franchise Expo
Find the RIGHT FRANCHISE
With hundreds of franchise opportunities to choose from, how do you choose one that's going to perform for you? Here's our guide to starting up in business
Home Sweet Home
There are over 2,000 home services franchisees in New Zealand. What is the appeal of this franchise sector, and what should you look for?
how to spot a QUALITY FRANCHISE
New Zealand has more franchises per capita than any other country. How do you tell the difference between the good and the great? Simon Lord looks at what quality franchises have in common
It's All About You
Glenice Hibbard suggests some smart things to think about when buying a franchise
Live Fast Buy Young
March 2005 - Out of school and into business? Teens and 20s are increasingly finding franchising offers a great way to get into a business of their own.
Mary Lambie - lessons of a new franchisee
TV presenter and cover girl Mary Lambie tells us what she's learned in her new career as a Subway franchisee.
On The Move
Mobile franchises are a popular and affordable way to get into a business of your own, but what’s it really like being on the road every day? We asked three franchisees to share their experiences
Part-Time Franchises
Can you turn spare time into spare cash?
Redundancy - the Other R-Word
September 2008 - Facing redundancy? Simon Lord discusses the pros and cons of buying a franchise
Researching Your Franchisor
Buying any sort of business always involves a certain amount of risk, but there's an expectation that when you buy a franchise that risk will be substantially reduced. When you're buying from an established name that's usually the case, but even then it is possible to get it wrong. And if the franchise you are buying is new-to-New Zealand, you owe it to yourself and your family to do your homework and make sure that you are making a wise decision.
Sacking The Boss: Opportunities for White-Collar Workers
Tired of the daily grind and the office politics? Franchising offers a wealth of opportunities for experienced managers. Here are eight good reasons why.
Shopper's Guide To Franchises
Franchises come in all shapes and sizes, so how do you choose something that is right for you? The first thing you'll need to do is decide what type of business you want to be in. Here's our industry-by-industry guide to franchises in New Zealand which will help you pick out the cherries.
STARTING AFRESH in New Zealand
Simon Lord considers the opportunities and issues for immigrants looking at franchised businesses
The Top 10 Franchise Questions
WHK
buying a business or buying a job?
Martin Richardson looks at the differences between franchise types
Financial Advice
A Worthwhile Investment?
Advice Makes All The Difference
Wondering how to choose the right franchise for you? Getting the right advice from the right people can set you on the path to success
Can you still find funding?
Is inability to raise funding stopping people buying into good opportunities?
DOING THE SUMS
on buying a franchise
October 2010 - How do you evaluate a franchise from a financial point of view? Lorraine Lord follows one man’s journey as he does his sums on a real-life business opportunity
Grant Thornton New Zealand
how to STRUCTURE AND FINANCE a franchise investment
Financial advice for new franchise buyers from Colin De Freyne and Paul Kane of Grant Thornton
Guarantees - What Do They Mean?
Franchises across several sectors are now offering guarantees of work or income levels. What do these guarantees mean? Simon Lord investigates
Hot Prospects – LOW INVESTMENT
March 2009 - Buying a job or following a dream? There are plenty of franchises available that don’t cost an arm and a leg, says Simon Lord
How To Choose The Right Advisor
Many of the articles on this website talk about the importance of consulting ‘specialists', ‘good' advisors and ‘experts' before buying a franchise - but how do you ensure that your chosen advisors fit into this category? Here are seven handy hints.
How To Write A Simple Business Plan
A business plan provides an essential map to get you to your business destination. This guide from The National Bank outlines the benefits of having a business plan, the key elements, and how you can prepare a simple but effective plan that will function as an 'action template' for your business.
Is This A Good Time to Buy A Franchise?
May 2009 - If you're thinking of buying a franchise, perhaps now is not the time. Doom and gloom is all around and the future is uncertain. Well, think that way if you like, but you could be missing out on a great opportunity.
Making Sense Of The Numbers
When you buy a business, you need to know if it will make money and when.
Seeing Eye to Eye
Professional advisors are sometimes criticised by franchisors for not really understanding franchising. In this article from our archives, here's how an accountant in Westport took a pro-active approach to helping his clients buy into a franchise and make it successful
Valuing A Business
Thinking of buying a business?
Westpac - A Good Investment?
Daniel Cloete looks at buying a franchise as an investment for the future
Westpac - Build On Solid Ground
No small business is without risks – even a franchise. Westpac’s Daniel Cloete looks at some potential risks and how to avoid them
Westpac - Choosing The Right Time
With the economic environment improving, is this the right time to buy a franchise?
Westpac - Facts About Franchise Funding
Daniel Cloete of Westpac answers some common questions regarding funding a franchise and the issues influencing a franchised business
Westpac - Finding Answers On Funding
Daniel Cloete of Westpac answers some of the most common questions about funding a franchised business
Westpac - Finding Funding in Difficult Times
Graeme Wyllie of Westpac offers a South Island perspective on franchising and the credit crunch
Westpac - Funding a Service Franchise
Service franchises present some unique challenges with regard to funding. Daniel Cloete from Westpac looks at some of the issue
Westpac - Get The Right Funding
When looking at the financial side of buying a franchise, there are two important questions to ask: how much can the business afford and how do I get the bank to help? Daniel Cloete of Westpac has the answers
Westpac - Interesting Times
Katia Addison from Westpac looks at how economic cycles may influence the franchise you buy
Westpac - Investing In Your Future
With market conditions improving, is it time to commit to the future? Daniel Cloete of Westpac looks at how to fund any investment
Westpac - Know What You're Buying
Due diligence is the business term for investigating a transaction such as the purchase of a franchise. If done properly, it should help minimise problems and maximise the health of your new venture. Beverley Barnaby of Westpac provides a guide
Westpac - Know Where You Stand
Dean Madsen from Westpac looks at how break-even analysis can help you make good decisions
Westpac - Looking At The Long Term
Daniel Cloete of Westpac has some advice on setting up loans for a franchise
Westpac - making the DREAM COME TRUE
As the market improves, Daniel Cloete from Westpac looks at how to fund a franchise business
Westpac - Measure Your Progress
Daniel Cloete of Westpac explains how to use financial ratios to understand your business
Westpac - new kiwis START HERE
Daniel Cloete of Westpac looks at what new immigrants should consider when buying a franchise
Westpac - Raising The Money
Cat Feaunati of Westpac looks at how to obtain finance for your franchise
Westpac - What Are You Paying For?
When you buy a new franchise, you're paying for a business that doesn't yet exist. So what are you actually buying and how much should it cost? Daniel Cloete of Westpac explains
Westpac - What makes a franchise A QUALITY FRANCHISE?
Daniel Cloete of Westpac looks at the elements that define a quality franchise system
Westpac - What to Ask About Funding
Daniel Cloete of Westpac provides a guide to the questions you need to ask in order to help ensure your new business has a profitable future
Westpac
buying a SERVICE FRANCHISE
Service franchises present some unique challenges with regard to funding. Daniel Cloete from Westpac looks at some of the issues
What Do You Get For Your Franchise Fees?
How much should franchise fees be and what do you get for your money? Lorraine Lord answers the questions
what does this franchise
REALLY COST?
Lorraine Lord and Philip Morrison look behind the figures to evaluate the true cost of buying a franchise and suggest ways to set up your new business for maximum success
what’s the story WITH GST?
March 2010 - How is Goods & Services Tax calculated on franchise purchases – and what difference will a rate change make to existing franchisees and franchisors? Craig Weston explains
Why Use An Accountant?
Does money matter? The way some franchise buyers avoid taking advice, they don't seem to think so.
Will It Make Money?
Legal Advice
Advice Makes All The Difference
Wondering how to choose the right franchise for you? Getting the right advice from the right people can set you on the path to success
Choosing A Professional Advisor
When you're buying or setting up a franchise, its important to get accurate and useful advice.
Court of Appeal decision bolsters protection for franchisors
April 2010 - Last year’s judgement by the Court of Appeal that upheld the effectiveness of notices to franchise buyers that they should get their own specialist advice has been reinforced in another case.
CUTTING THROUGH THE JARGON
a guide to common clauses in franchise agreements
Franchise lawyer David Foster explains what to expect in a franchise agreement and what it means for your future.
Dealing With High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Reputable franchisors never use high-pressure sales tactics, but some companies do. Rory MacDonald suggests some of the tricks to look out for and why you should never be hurried into making a decision.
False franchisors plead guilty
16 October 2009 - The Commerce Commission has welcomed the conviction and sentencing today of Stewart John Brown and Robert Llewelyn Parr
Franchise Agreements Where Are The Hooks?
When you buy a franchise, you will have to sign a legal contract called a Franchise Agreement. Does it contain any nasty surprises?
Franchisee's Due Diligence is Paramount, says Court Of Appeal
6 March 2009 - The Court of Appeal has delivered an extremely important judgement for the franchise sector in respect of a long-running case involving James Home Services
Good Faith vs. Unconscionable Conduct
July 2009 - One of the topics covered at the 2009 Franchise Law Reform Symposium in Auckland was the possible introduction of the concepts of 'good faith' and 'unconscionable conduct' into New Zealand law. Here, Stewart Germann expands upon the commentary he gave at the seminar.
Green Acres fraud case still a year away
July 2009 - There will be no speedy resolution for those affected by the alleged Green Acres fraud
How To Choose The Right Advisor
Many of the articles on this website talk about the importance of consulting ‘specialists', ‘good' advisors and ‘experts' before buying a franchise - but how do you ensure that your chosen advisors fit into this category? Here are seven handy hints.
Making a Formal Complaint
If you think you have a justified complaint about a franchise, what should you do? Here's our guide to making a complaint under the Franchise Association's Code of Practice.
Master Franchising - Global Opportunities
Stewart Germann draws some lessons from experience for those importing and exporting franchise brands
Territory - What Are You Getting?
Knowing what is and isn't your territory helps new franchisees avoid problems, say Stewart Germann and Clive Neifeld
The need for caution
December 2009 - What are the lessons for potential franchise buyers from the successful prosecution of two men for misrepresentation in selling franchises? We’ve spoken to one of the victims and learned more about how the men lied – including pretending to be a successful franchisee. We also look at the most common type of complaints about franchises made to the Commerce Commission.
what happens at
THE END OF THE TERM?
Franchises don’t last forever: Stewart Germann looks at some of the issues franchisees need to understand
What Happens When The Franchise Changes Hands?
A series of mergers, acquisitions and buy-outs has resulted in established systems changing hands, changing names or even closing down.
What should a disclosure document contain?
A good disclosure document is a great help when buying a franchise. What should it tell you?
What's In The Franchise Agreement?
At the very heart of any franchise relationship is a lengthy legal document - the franchise agreement. But what should you expect to find in one, and what does it actually mean? Miles Agmen-Smith provides a guide.
Why Use A Lawyer?
There's no excuse for cutting corners when buying a franchise
Other
As Seen on TV
February 2009 - Reality television gives a false impression of franchising to intending franchisees and franchisors
Buying Australian
March 2006 - Increasing numbers of Australian franchises are crossing the Tasman. What should Kiwi buyers look out for?
Buying Group or Franchise?
Is a franchise just a buying group with more fees?
Discovery Days help potential franchisees learn about opportunities
October 2009 - Discovery Days, when groups of potential franchisees visit franchisors, are common practice overseas - but haven't taken off in New Zealand yet.
Franchise advice for migrants to NZ
December 2009 - What can new migrants expect when they buy a franchise – and what should they look out for? Philip Morrison offers some advice
give your franchise A HEAD START
How can you best prepare for running your own business? Lorraine Lord takes some advice
Landlords & Leasing
Lost In Translation
Franchises don't always transfer successfully from one country to another. Simon Lord looks at the lessons to be learned from past experience and Win Robinson defines four key steps to successful exporting
Master Licences - What Do They Offer?
Looking for a bigger challenge? Wanting to diversify your company's interests? Searching for growth? A master licence from overseas might offer exactly what you need.
Measurement & Management
Preparing new franchisees effectively
What are the issues impacting effective new franchisee preparation? Corven research has just released results of a recent study.
Revealed - the inspiring story behind
the success of NZ's top franchisee
December 2005 - The extraordinary story of Shiraz Hajee, New Zealand's Franchisee of the Year for 2005.
Sharing The Buzz
How do franchises tap into all the accumulated wisdom of their franchisees? How do franchisees get quick and practical advice?
The Gold in the Mine
Manage your knowledge and be more competitive.
What Does A Franchisor Want To Know About Me?
In every issue of Franchise New Zealand magazine we feature and 'Ask The Experts' column. In this extract, Jeff Elgin explains what a franchisor is looking for from a new franchisee.
What Does The Franchisor Do For Franchisees?
What have the Romans done for us? That's one of the classic lines from Monty Python's "Life of Brian" - but it will sound familiar to any franchisor, too. Simon Lord has been imagining how things might sound 2000 years on.
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