Pitching Yourself to a Franchisor

Differentiate Yourself

Franchisors may have many candidates with similar skills, so you must differentiate yourself to ensure you are the franchisor’s first choice. Pitching yourself to a franchisor is similar to applying for a job, although this job is running your own business. This means that you need to take it a step further to stand out.

Before we begin this guide, let’s run through some ideas you can consider before applying for a franchise:

• Pitching a unique idea for the business. This idea shows the franchisor that you’re committed to the opportunity, and you are business savvy.
• Talk about recent management trends and what you’ve learned about management from your experience.
• Create a story about why you want to be a franchisee. This strategy helps your application stick in the minds of interviewers.
• Share your ambitions. For example, being the top franchisee or owning several franchises. See if you can create a concrete plan from the data you can access.
• Share experiences that match the brand’s values. For example, share volunteer and charity work you’ve completed if you apply to become a McDonald’s franchisee.

Now that we’ve offered some unique ideas you can think about to stand out during your application phase, let’s uncover elements you need to consider before you start your application form.

Finding the Right Partnership

By now, you know that buying a franchise is an attractive option as the franchisor provides you with a proven, successful business model.

But, even if a business is successful, it must fit your personality, goals, and skills. For example, if you decide to buy a phone repair franchise but don’t enjoy technology, it may be more challenging to succeed.

That’s why franchisors also have specific application criteria that a franchisee must meet. After all, a terrible franchisee could ruin the brand’s reputation.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right franchisor and prepare a successful franchisee application.

Taking Steps to Prepare

You must learn everything about a franchise before signing a contract or risk getting into an unfavourable situation. Ensure you research the franchisor’s fee structure, application process and training requirements.

Some ways to research a franchise include:

• Attending franchise events: The Franchising Expo runs throughout the year in major Australian cities. But if your franchise doesn’t have a booth, they may hold private events. For example, Roll’d, a Vietnamese food franchise, holds private information evenings.
• Visit the franchisor’s website: This option is the easiest since you can do it from home. For example, the McDonald’s website highlights the benefits of running a franchise and shares the essential criteria franchisees need to meet.
• Talk to other franchisees: Since their review won’t be published anywhere, current (or past) franchisees may be open to sharing the good and the bad.
• Talking to a franchise broker: Franchise brokers have the experience and industry knowledge to answer all your questions.

How Much Industry Experience Do You Have?

While having industry experience is always a bonus, many franchisors give you the training you need.

Instead, many franchisors look for:

• Management experience.
• Communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset.
• Openness to learning and feedback.

It’s more difficult to teach these skills than technical skills like cooking food or maintaining a garden.

Preparing Your Franchise Application – Some Important Points

Your franchise application is the franchisor’s first impression of you, so you must make it count.

Your franchise application will involve the initial application and several interviews, and some franchisors may call any references you list.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Franchise application form

Besides your basic details, you must tailor your information to fit what the franchisor wants, including:

• Business, employment, and industry experience
• Financial health
• Why you want to join the franchise.

2. Interviewing process

If you’re interviewing in person or through a video call, ensure you wear business clothing. Like any interview, you want to avoid casual clothes as they may make you seem unprofessional.

Ensure you prepare for questions, such as:

• Why you want to become a franchisee.
• Why you chose their franchise.
• What makes you a good fit for the franchise.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to find out more about the franchise so prepare your questions for the interviewer.

3. Preparing your references

Franchisors will often call your references to double-check your character and experience. So, it’s a good idea to let them know to expect a call from the franchisor.

You can also share some extra information with your reference, such as why you want to join the franchise.

Some Examples of Franchise Applications

While individual franchise applications will vary, they follow a similar process.

Now that you have an idea of what to expect, let’s dive into the actual application process for Domino’s and Boost Juice.

Domino’s

1. Initial enquiry and application

First, you’ll fill out a basic expression of interest with your general information. Upon completion, Domino’s will send you more information about the opportunity.

If you seem like a potential fit, you’ll receive an application pack which you have to fill out before your phone interview.

2. Interviews

The first interview is an initial screening to see if you’re a good fit for the franchise. But it’s also an opportunity for you to ask any questions.

For the second round, you’ll have a face-to-face strategic interview that covers:

• Business strategy.
• Site selection.
• Store specific information.

If successful, you’ll receive financial data to begin your due diligence.

3. Franchise orientation and preparing your business

Next, you’ll have an in-store orientation to get hands-on experience with the business. Once complete, you’ll start developing your business plan, create cash flow projections, etc.

4. Formal training

Before you begin operating, you’ll have two final training phases over ten weeks.

Boost Juice

1. Initial enquiry and application

First, you’ll need to submit an expression of interest, to which Boost will respond with an application pack. Once you fill out the application, you’ll need to submit a fully refundable deposit.

2. Interviews

Next, you’ll have an initial phone interview to gauge your suitability. Like the application for Domino’s, this is the perfect time to see if the franchise suits you as well.

If the interview is successful, you’ll receive extra documents to fill out, such as a confidentiality agreement, before discussing exact details.

Then it’s time for a face-to-face interview where you’ll dive into the specific of the business.

3. Store orientation

Your store orientation will familiarise you with the inner workings of a Boost Juice store. Once complete, you’ll receive a franchise kit with further details and documents to sign.

4. Reference check and further information

Next, Boost will contact your references for a second opinion on your potential as a franchisee. Afterwards, you’ll receive a company kit and information on registering your business.

5. Final interview and next steps

At the final interview, it’s essential to reassure the franchisor that you’re the perfect fit. Ensure you dress well and are ready to answer questions, such as why you want to join Boost and what you can bring to the table.

Afterwards, you’ll follow the necessary steps to plan and build your business.

What Makes a Successful Application?

Successful applications make it obvious that you meet the franchisor’s criteria. Highlight experience and skills that make you a good fit whether managerial, industry or another type of experience.

It’s also important to show that your personality and values match the franchise. For example, Boost Juice values health while McDonald’s values contributing to the community.

Finally, find ways to show you pay attention to the franchise. For example, mentioning a news article or content that the franchisor published.

Funding Your New Franchise

Starting a business can be expensive, especially if it requires a storefront and tons of stock. Therefore, most people choose to finance their business.

Financing options include:

• Business grants
• Bank loans
• Private loans
• Franchisor financing
• Home equity

There are many other options, so figuring out funding can be complicated. We’ve put together a guide on small business grants and a guide on loans to buy an existing business to help you.

Start Your Franchise Journey Today

Buying a franchise is an exciting step in your entrepreneurial journey. Not only do franchises give you a proven, successful framework to follow, but they also provide ongoing business support.

So now it’s time to send your enquiry, sign the franchise agreement (we’ll go through this in the next guide) and begin preparing yourself for interviews. Remember to highlight your relevant skills and share what makes you stand out as a franchisee.

If you need some extra help before taking the next step, you can reach out to someone from our team.