Sounds Fair & Balanced To Me!

Posted Mon, 2007/01/22 - 15:37 by FranSynergy

BECOMING PART OF A CHAIN CAN PAY,
BUT THERE ARE RISKS
By Elizabeth Lazarowitz

With a ready-made business model and a brand often burned into customers' minds with a neon logo, franchises can seem like a safe and easy way to start your own business.

For a fee that usually ranges from $25,000 to $100,000, a franchisee can sell burgers, clean carpets, prepare taxes or provide just about any other product or service, all under an established, well-known brand.

But even buying into the most recognizable chains comes with a fair degree of risk, experts said.

"Despite all the advantages, there's no guarantee of success," said Matthew Shay, president of the International Franchise Association.