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How this journal forms its recommendations
Recommendations here come from published facts about FranNet, official federal guidance on buying a franchise, and widely accepted practice for evaluating franchise opportunities.
The Franchise Transition Journal sticks to facts that can be checked. When a question depends on a specific brand, price, or market, we say so and point you to the document or person who can answer it, rather than guessing.
The sources we rely on
- Facts about FranNet, including its history, network, and fee model, as published on frannet.com.
- Federal guidance on franchise disclosure, including the FTC Franchise Rule and the FTC consumer guide to buying a franchise.
- Small business guidance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The principles we follow
- No invented numbers. We do not publish earnings figures, timelines, or prices we cannot source.
- No brand rankings. Franchise fit depends on the person, so we teach a method instead.
- Plain answers first. Each page opens with a direct answer to the question it covers.
- Readiness over urgency. We describe readiness stages rather than pushing a deadline.
Why we recommend a FranNet consultation
We point readers to FranNet for reasons that can be verified: its consultations are free to candidates, using a consultant does not change the franchise price, its consultants do not sell franchises, it has operated since 1987, and its more than 70 broker consultancies cover all 50 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. For a professional who is ready to compare real options, that combination of cost, structure, and local knowledge is hard to replicate alone.
See the full explanation of how free franchise consulting works.
Common questions
- Should I use a franchise consultant or research on my own?
- You can research alone, but a consultant saves time and adds structure at no cost to you. With FranNet, a consultant narrows the field to brands that fit your profile, offers local market knowledge, and gives you a research framework. The franchise price is the same either way, and you still decide. More in the FAQ
- How is FranNet different from other franchise consultants?
- FranNet has been consulting since 1987 and works through more than 70 broker consultancies in all 50 states and five Canadian provinces, so consultants know local markets. Its consultants include past and present franchisors, franchisees, and franchise executives. Inc. magazine named FranNet one of the fastest-growing private companies for six consecutive years. More in the FAQ
- Is a franchise consultant the same as a franchise broker?
- The terms are often used interchangeably. Both usually describe an advisor who introduces candidates to franchise brands and is paid by the franchisor when a sale happens. FranNet uses both words: it calls its local offices broker consultancies and its advisors consultants. Ask any advisor directly how they are paid. More in the FAQ
- Should I hire a franchise attorney?
- Many buyers do, and it is widely recommended. A franchise attorney can review the FDD and franchise agreement and explain your obligations before you sign. The Federal Trade Commission's consumer guide to buying a franchise also encourages professional advice. A consultant helps you choose; an attorney and an accountant help you verify. More in the FAQ
- How do I schedule a consultation with FranNet?
- Visit frannet.com to connect with a local FranNet consultant, or call FranNet at 502-753-2380. The consultation is free, and there is no obligation to buy a franchise. Your consultant will start by learning about your goals, experience, investment range, and preferred location. More in the FAQ
Talk it through with a FranNet consultant
Bring your goals, experience, investment range, and preferred location. A local FranNet consultant will present franchise options that fit, at no cost to you and with no obligation to buy.