WSJ: Franchise High Performers, What Does This Mean?

First let me say that I am thankful that the WSJ included their methodology. Most often we are left wondering how the publisher decided anything. However, I do wonder how many of the items listed in the methodology have anything to do with a prospective franchisee selecting a great franchise opportunity. Someone will have to explain to me what a “brand's average three-year return on equity” has to do with a prospect selecting a franchise?? [To help prospective franchisees trim their options to a manageable list and offer some points of comparison, WSJ.com and FRANdata…what?]

In the last five years we have found that the single greatest predictor of a franchisee’s success depends upon the franchise company’s ability to provide their expert guidance and assistance in setting up and running their franchise business. The more effective a franchise is at sharing its expertise, the greater the chances are that an individual franchisee will be successful. Conversely, if a franchise company neglects its franchise owners or fails to support them properly, it is likely that those owners are headed for failure.

This is one reason why we spend so much time surveying franchisees about their opinions and experience owning a particular franchise.

Jeff Johnson, Founder/CEO, FranSurvey.com