To Buy Or Not To Buy

This is for those of you still looking for a franchise.  No matter how much due diligence you've done it's never enough.  You will learn alot more about the company after you pay the franchise fee than you want -  all the warts, problems, and negatives.  When it looks good be aware it's not as good as you think; when it looks bad, it's worse. 

Next - franchisors see you as free money and only as free money.  Coupons that give away food, gift cards with outrageous fees, and giveaway promotions are designed to benefit everyone but the guy who owns the store.  Believe it.  When you see a bogo coupon or an offer that seems too good to be true just be aware that the only thing the franchisor contributed was the "good" idea.

Finally - Never trust magazines like Entrepreneur Magazine.  Their 2006 Best Franchise list included Quiznos at #2.  The restaurant is absent from the 2007 list.  You think the magazine might have an explanation?  fageddaboutit.  No explanation, no nothing...just no Quiznos.  How much does that cost everyone involved with the chain?  You can't quantify it but you have to know it's a pot full of money.