Industry Experts

To help give you a better insight into the franchising industry BeTheBoss.ca is committed to bringing you a distinct group of expert advisors. Our panel will continuously be posting important new franchise articles on a regular basis. Together with our experience and knowledge we are dedicated to helping answer any question that you may have.

Introduction to Inventory

 New franchisees quickly discover that one of their major expenses is inventory. The word, inventory refers to all materials and goods used by a business for daily operations. ..... read full article

An Introduction to Franchise Advisory Councils

 Franchise Advisory Councils (FACs) are typically small groups of franchisees chosen to represent all of the franchisees within a single franchise system. ..... read full article

How Can a Franchise Consultant Help You?

 With thousands of franchise opportunities out there, finding the right one for you might seem like an overwhelming task. ..... read full article

Going the Extra Mile with Ongoing Training

 Franchises tend to provide most new franchisees with plenty of upfront training. The goal is to ensure that the business gets off the ground and takes off with a successful start. ..... read full article

Operation Manuals

 Everything of importance about a franchise is listed in these documents and works as a guideline to ensure consistency and communication from one franchisee to another. ..... read full article

Initial Training: Getting Your Canadian Franchise Off on the Right Foot

 Rob Lancit explains why the effectiveness of the initial training is often a predictor for how well a new franchisee will do when it comes time to open. ..... read full article

How Advertising Fees Benefit a New or Current Franchise Owner

 When it comes to a franchise, the franchiser often handles the main bulk of the advertising and requires each franchisee to pay a certain amount of money to help cover these expenses. ..... read full article

Royalties: The Right to Use a Franchiser's Trademark

 The franchiser usually collects a set amount of money in order to allow that franchisee to take advantage of the brand name, the trademark and even the operating system. ..... read full article

Franchise Basics: What are Disclosure Documents?

 Franchise Disclosure Documents (known as FDDs) are crucial to purchasing a franchise. Learn why they are important and what they include. ..... read full article

Franchise Financing for Young Entrepreneurs

 Are you a young entrepreneur, aged 18 – 39, ready to start your own business? If so, the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) is your ‘go to’ resource and we can help you bring a business idea to life! ..... read full article

Franchise Business Deposits: Why They're Necessary

 Deposits are the reality check of a new Canadian franchisee's dream; they can make or break a potentially lucrative Canadian franchise business deal. ..... read full article

Franchise Business Fees: What Exactly Are You Paying For?

 You may be wondering why Canadian franchise business fees can be so expensive & what exactly are you paying for. We break down the If you're interested in purchasing a franchise, you're probably already aware of the type of investment you'll need to make. You may be wondering, however, why franc ..... read full article

What Exactly is a Franchise and How Does it Work?

 Many people pursue the idea of owning a franchise without being exactly sure of what it entails. ..... read full article

Franchisees Can Benefit from a Canada Small Business Loan

 In today's economic climate finding adequate financing for a new franchise can be challenging. ..... read full article

Franchisee Motivation: Why Do People Make the Leap?

 Being the boss is both exciting and scary and with that weight, it's easy to wonder why a person would decide to become a franchisee. ..... read full article

Top Canadian Franchises of 2013

 A cross-reference of the reported top franchises of 2013 with the BeTheBoss.ca listings so it's easy to know which franchises are expanding in Canada. ..... read full article

The Marketing Treadmill…you need to exercise consistently

 Over the years I have come to realize that marketing a business is like trying to keep in shape. You need to be consistent, focused and for results, you have to stick with it. ..... read full article

Franchise Non-Competition Clauses: Are They Valid? What You Need To Know!

 Francois Alepin lays out a definitive guide for the non-competition clause in your contract: Where you find the clause, the validity of the clause and how you can use it to your advantage. ..... read full article

King of Clean: 5 Franchises That Clean and Organize

 There are a number of options for a organization or cleaning franchise in Canada. Compare the costs and earning potential for each opportunity to find the perfect brand for your new business. ..... read full article

Home Is Where The Heart Is: 5 Franchises for People That Love Homes

 If you love homes and other residential properties, you can find a franchise that allows you to love every day of work. ..... read full article

A Franchise That Will Keep You Fit: 5 Health & Wellness Franchises

 Fitness franchises have rapidly become a multi-billion dollar industry and savvy investors are snapping up prime fitness franchise locations as soon as they become available. ..... read full article

Advertise Your Franchise: Avenues You Need To Start Thinking About

 With the advent of the Internet, it's not just as simple as placing an ad in your local newspaper or buying advertising space on a billboard or television. ..... read full article

Rise & Shine: 5 Franchises Sure to Get Your Morning Started Right

 5 Franchises Sure to Get Your Morning Started Right. If you've ever considered investing in a coffee franchise, consider this: coffee franchises are booming. ..... read full article

To Use a Franchise Broker or Not?

 The topic of using Franchise Brokers is one of the most controversial in the franchise lead generation. Franchise Brokerage Networks now account for about 10% of all franchise sales. ..... read full article

Franchise Essentials for SEO: Content Strategies

 Search engine optimization is the 21st century's version of "location, location, location." If no one can find you on the web, your franchise will suffer. ..... read full article

A New Leash On Life: Four Pet Franchises

 Canada has the second largest pet franchise industry in the world. It delivers $100 billion in revenue every year and grows annually. ..... read full article

Proud To Be Canadian - Established Canadian Franchises

 5 Home Grown Franchises. If you're looking for franchise opportunities in Canada, consider a Canadian franchise with an established presence in the community. ..... read full article

Franchise Tenants … Beware of Landlords with 13-Inch Rulers!

 Some landlords are over-charging franchisees for more square footage than the tenant actually has. Are you paying too much? ..... read full article

Show Me The Money: 5 Franchises for 50k or less

 One key consideration for potential franchisees is cost. You'll find many low cost franchise opportunities for under 51k. ..... read full article

Customer loyalty is key…look no further than your own back door.

 As a franchisee, getting and retaining customers is crucial. Customer loyalty is probably the most important marketing program you could and should invest in. ..... read full article

The Value of Meetings and Conventions in a Franchise Organization

 The value that is created in bringing franchisees together, whether for a regional meeting or an annual convention, should not be underestimated...... read full article

6 Pizza Franchises Sure to Make Your Mouth Water

 Here are six different pizza franchises that work hard to keep busy families together for lunch and dinner, ensuring a steady flow of customers. ..... read full article

The Latest Canadian Franchise Trends in 2012

 As Canada recovers from the recession, mid to high level executives displaced by corporate downsizing have looked to the franchise industry as an alternative to reentering the corporate world. ..... read full article

Around the World: 5 Internationally Flavoured Franchises

 5 Internationally Flavoured Franchises. Potential franchise owners can benefit from any one these unique opportunities to expand the palates of their communities. ..... read full article

Don`t Break The Bank - 5 Businesses for $10k or less

 With word of high initial start up costs, royalties and fees, potential franchisees are often in the market for a low cost franchise. ..... read full article

Top 10 Qualities of Successful Franchisees

 Strong franchisors know the qualities of successful franchisees and will watch and interview for them as they recruit new franchisees into the system. ..... read full article

Planning to Lease Commercial Space?

 If you are planning to rent a space for your franchise, you will want to prepare yourself for lease negotiations with a commercial landlord. ..... read full article

What is the ideal length of a franchise agreement?

 The establishment of the ideal term of a franchise contract will be the result of the goals of the franchisor, which will become clear during his discussion of this question with his lawyers. ..... read full article

Broker – Friend or Foe?

 One woman called me after recently purchasing a franchise and explained that her franchisor had offered to do her site selection and real estate work for an extra $3,500.00. ..... read full article

Operations Manuals – Are They That Important?

 One of the hallmarks of good franchise systems is that they have invested significant time and money in the development of standard operating procedures and policies. ..... read full article

What will your franchise advertising fund cover?

 Most franchisors in Canada require their franchisees to make ongoing expenditures with respect to local and/or national advertising. ..... read full article

Where is Starbucks in the Coffee Franchise Industry?

 A very common question we receive at BeTheBoss.ca is “How do I buy into a Starbucks Franchise?”. We are here to set the record straight and to offer up some alternatives… ..... read full article

How Service is Used to Promote and Maintain a Franchises Image

Whether you are looking to run a restaurant, a cleaning service, in-home health care or a mobile pet grooming franchise, service is a word that is thrown around a lot. ..... read full article

What's a Good Franchise?

 While what is a good franchise will differ between individuals, there are some common characteristics of good franchise systems. ..... read full article

Granting Exclusive Territory Rights in Franchise Agreements

 Determining an exclusive territory is one of the most important questions for a franchisor to consider and a franchisee to consider negotiating. ..... read full article

A Little Thanks Goes A Long Way

 When was the last time you personally thanked someone for giving you their business? Can you think of the last time someone thanked you? ..... read full article

10 Questions You Need to Ask Your Future Landlord

 If you are planning to rent a space for your franchise, you will want to prepare yourself for lease negotiations with a commercial landlord. One of the most important steps you can take is to ask plenty of questions. ..... read full article

Understanding the Cost of Buying a Franchise

 One of the most commonly asked questions by someone who is acquiring a franchise is: how much will it cost? The answer to this question depends to a great extent on whether you are acquiring an existing franchise or the right to operate a new franchise. ..... read full article

Loving The Brand You Buy

 A good starting place is to ask yourself: What franchise brands are you currently a customer of? Of these businesses, which ones do you continue to buy from and why? ..... read full article

Franchise Tenants - Does Your Landlord Owe You Money?

 In leasing, tenants don't get what they deserve ... they get what they negotiate! ..... read full article

Who Will You Be Working For?

 Franchise owners don’t work for themselves…they work for their customers. It doesn’t matter what you’re selling…be it food, equipment or a consulting service; the best products aren’t sold….they’re bought. ..... read full article

The Advantages of Owning a Hotel Franchise

 Every year there are a number of people who visit our site that are interested in hotel franchise ownership. Some have taken the plunge while others remain on the fence. ..... read full article

Research to do BEFORE purchasing a franchise

 There are a number of ways that a prospective franchisee can and should investigate a franchise opportunity before acquiring a franchise. ..... read full article

A Franchisee Association: What is it? - Advantages & Disadvantages

 As the name indicates, an association of franchisees is, for all practical purposes, a grouping of franchisees. ..... read full article

Is a Seniors Home Care Franchise Right For You?

 If you love working with others and crave a career where you can make a real difference, then a senior care franchise might be the right option for you. ..... read full article

Certain Elements To Be Considered By A Franchise Expanding to Quebec

 Certain hesitant franchisors often perceive that the province of Quebec is a difficult market to conquer or even penetrate. ..... read full article

Conflict Avoidance and Resolution in the Franchise Industry

 As with all relationships, most conflict avoidance and resolution can be achieved by beginning with and maintaining good communication between all parties. ..... read full article

Financing a Franchise in Canada

 When you begin looking into the purchasing of a franchise, you’ll be making a commitment, both in time and capital. However, hard working entrepreneurs need not be limited by their personal wealth. ..... read full article

What You Need to Know About Buying a Home & Garden Franchise

 Customers that require the services of a home and garden franchise generally will require repeated maintenance of their home and/or property. ..... read full article

5 Tips for Researching Canadian Franchise Opportunities

 There are so many franchise opportunities out there, it can be overwhelming. What information do you need to make a wise decision? ..... read full article

Is A Work From Home Based Franchise Right For You?

 More people across Canada are working from home. This business model is the perfect choice for many people; but is a home based business franchise the right choice for you? ..... read full article

Top Canadian Franchises in 2011

 Despite the economic downturn of the last couple years, franchising in Canada has remained a dominating force. If you’ve ever thought of getting into business for yourself, franchising remains the safest way to do so. A great place to start your search is with Canada’s top performing franchises for 2011. ..... read full article

Intro to Franchising - Franchise Tutorial | BeTheBoss.ca

 Franchising is a business relationship where a franchisor (a company or individual who owns the franchise system) grants a license to a franchisee (a company or person who contracts to use the franchise system) the right to use the franchisors brand and operating system. ..... read full article

What are Franchise Disclosure Documents?

 The ability to chart your own course appeals to many, but there are drawbacks if you do not take the time to investigate what it is you are getting into. ..... read full article

What support do franchisors provide?

 When deciding what franchise to invest in, many prospective business owners want to know what kind of support they can expect from their franchisor. ..... read full article

Franchising and Social Media

 As you prepare to dive into the world of franchises in Canada, one big area to explore is advertising and specifically the new social medias. ..... read full article

Open a Franchise in Your Town

 Have you have ever eaten at Harvey's while on vacation and wondered why there aren't any near you? You could be the one who puts a Harvey's in your town! ..... read full article

To Buy or Not To Buy a Franchise

 Many would-be entrepreneurs find themselves torn between creating a unique company and becoming a franchisee of a recognized brand. ..... read full article

What will be my Return on Investment

 Franchisors often get asked questions from people interested in a franchise such as “What will be my Return on Investment"? or “How much money can I make"? ..... read full article

Franchising and the Canadian Economy

 According to the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) in April 2011, there are 78,000 franchises in Canada, and the number is still growing across all market sectors. The Canadian economy has remained strong throughout ..... read full article

Seven Questions You Must Ask Your Franchisor Before Leasing Commercial Space

 Will the franchisor sign the Head Lease and sublet the space to the franchisee – or will it be the franchisee alone who signs the lease? ..... read full article

9 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE FRANCHISING

 Some aspiring entrepreneurs may believe that franchising a business is an easy decision. If you had some success with your first store, you may think that franchising is the next logical step ..... read full article

What To Look For When Buying A Franchise

 When buying a franchise there are lots of things to be considered. Some more obvious than others. When looking for your perfect franchise, some of that ..... read full article

Want to be your own boss?

 Thinking of a franchise or business opportunity may sound appealing, especially if you have limited resources or business experience. However, you could ..... read full article

The Benefits of Buying A Franchise Business

 Franchise is a good business model that lets you tap in the resources of a successful business. All you need is to meet the requirements of your franchisor ..... read full article

How To Evaluate A Franchise Opportunity

 There are now franchise opportunities that operate in almost every type of business category that you can imagine. They are available in most price brackets.... ..... read full article

Starting a New Business

 Starting a new business that is a franchise has all the steps and concerns that any new business has, plus some that are particular to franchises. Once the decision has been made to seek a franchise ..... read full article

FRANCHISE FUNDAMENTALS

 Your path to franchising must begin with research to determine which franchise is really right for you. Your search will start wider, of the franchise marketplace generally, and then narrow down to a particular industry. ..... read full article

What to consider as a Canadian dealing with a U.S. franchisor.

 At a franchise convention I attended in Quebec in May, I spoke to a colleague who practices franchise law in the United States. It’s very normal for Canadian franchise lawyers to attend franchise conventions in the U.S., but it’s not that usual to see American franchise lawyers attending one up here. ..... read full article

Franchise Opportunities For The over 50 Entrepreneur

 Since there are so many franchise opportunities out there it can be difficult to evaluate them all and decide on the best one for you, especially if you are over the age of 50. Fortunately, there are plenty of franchise opportunities for the 50 plus entrepreneur. ..... read full article

The ins and outs of leasing

 Whether you're negotiating a lease or a sublease for a new business, there are dozens of issues that can come back to bite you if you don't do them correctly ..... read full article

ACQUIRING A FRANCHISE

 To determine whether purchasing a franchise is right for you, you should consider your own personal experience and the time you are willing to invest. ..... read full article

Franchised businesses are never supposed to fail.

That's why doing your homework before you “buy” is so important, so the prospective franchisee can avoid disastrous mistakes and the agony of defeat. ..... read full article

Want to buy a franchise? Read this first

 If you're considering “buying” a franchised business in Canada and you live in Ontario, Alberta or PEI (and soon, New Brunswick), consider yourself lucky because they have specific legislation that protects franchisees. ..... read full article

Are You Thinking About a Franchise?

 How often have you thumbed through a franchise magazine or online directory and noticed a franchise opportunity advertisement, and felt you'd really like to get in on that...if only you had the money? ..... read full article

A Look At The Franchise Business Model

 The term "Franchising" refers to a business model that's been around since the mid-1800's when the manufacturers of the Singer sewing machine first dreamed it up as a way to expand the distribution of their products. ..... read full article

Am I a Good Franchise Candidate?

 With the knowledge that most new businesses are likely to fail within the first few years, it makes sense to consider a franchise, as the success rate is far greater. ..... read full article

Franchise Fees, Costs and Royalty Charges

 To start a franchise, you have standard initial costs and further ongoing costs. You need to pay first the set up fee. This is sometimes referred to as the initial franchise fee. ..... read full article

Understanding Franchise Agreements

 The franchise agreement outlines the way your business will work within your franchise system. It gives both you, the franchisee, and your franchisor a clear understanding of the terms of your business relationship ..... read full article

Home Based Business Opportunities FAQ's

 There are lots of reasons that people grow weary of their job. Burnout is a common thing in the workplace due to stressful work environments, office politics, the daily commute, and the grind of worry about what other people think is important. ..... read full article

Franchise, Franchisor and Franchisee

 A franchisee buys a franchise sometimes from the franchisor and sometimes from another franchisee. ..... read full article

Are You Franchise Material?

 As with any other organization, franchisors need to look for certain characteristics in applicants to determine if he is indeed right for the job. ..... read full article

How Much Will it Cost to Open a Franchise?

 How much does a franchise cost? Of course the cost of obtaining and starting a franchise depends on several variables. ..... read full article

Home Based Franchises

 Franchises are no long just for fast food or gas stations - they have expanded into your home. ..... read full article

Advantages of Franchising

 Franchising is by far one of the most popular business expansion systems in the world today. ..... read full article

Franchise Overload

 Going into the franchise business might be a very good idea for you as it is one of the popular methods of doing business today ..... read full article

Franchises - So many to choose

 Going into the franchise business might be a very good idea for you as it is one of the popular methods of doing business today but when you do a search of the available franchise opportunities ..... read full article

Buying a Franchise

 When buying a franchise there are lots of things to be considered. Some obvious, some not. ..... read full article

Check the Pedigree!

 Today, more and more people are choosing to become self-employed or, alternatively, buy a franchised business. It’s a major shift in your life. ..... read full article

Why Buy a Business Instead of Starting One?

 The term “entrepreneur” was initially used to describe an individual who created a business venture. More recently, the term has been applied to any business owner. ..... read full article

What does it take to be successful in business?

 The entire purpose of business is to attract and keep customers. It should become the focus of everything you do. Look at mission statements of most successful organizations, and there is a focus on the customer. Successful organizations create a customer-focused culture. ..... read full article

How To Assess Your Financial Comfort Level

 Before you commence your search for a business, it is a helpful to have an idea of what you can afford. This prevents you from wasting your time pursuing businesses, which are beyond your means. ..... read full article

Negotiating a Mid-term Rent Reduction for Your Lease

 If your business was at the end of its lease term there would be hope for a rent reduction on the lease renewal. Unfortunately, many franchise tenants find themselves in trouble somewhere mid-term into a five or 10-year lease agreement. ..... read full article

How Can You Find a Good Franchise Business?

In many ways, it’s easier to select a family pet than it is a franchise business. With a pet, if it’s a thoroughbred, you can check its papers for lineage, bloodlines, etc. The breed will be known for its personality and mannerisms. ..... read full article

Tips on Buying a Franchise in Canada

A franchise is essentially a licence to operate the franchisor’s business system and trademark according to the franchisor’s standards for between five and twenty years, depending on the franchise agreement. ..... read full article

How can I know how much money I am going to make?

 Many franchisors in North America are reluctant to provide earning claims in their disclosure documents. In the United States projections have been in the past such a cause for franchisees to take legal action (when they did not achieve projections).... ..... read full article

Understand Financial Statements

 There is a perception that financial statements are complex and can only be interpreted by professional accountants. On the contrary, once you become familiar with the terminology used, you will have an appreciation for the valuable information they contain. ..... read full article

More Canadians finding future in Franchising.

 Franchising is a system for expanding a business and distributing goods and services. ..... read full article

WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS SHOULD YOU BE LOOKING TO ACQUIRE?

 Go into your business search with an open mind as to what type of business you are looking for as there is a good chance that you will end up buying a type of business that does something you never imagined when you started the process. ..... read full article

Get in on the Ground Floor!

 Get in on the Ground Floor! “It’s a great opportunity to grow with our business!” And so it may be. ..... read full article

Sources of Financing

 The source of financing depends in part on the size of the business being purchased. The majority of smaller and medium sized businesses are purchased with a significant portion of the purchase price financed by the owner. ..... read full article

In Franchising, Your Life is the Key!

 Before you choose your new franchise business, the ingredient to consider is YOU! ..... read full article

How Much Money Can I Make

 Without a doubt, this is one of the questions most asked by individuals looking at buying a business – franchise or otherwise. The other, of course, is "How much will it cost? – What must I invest?" ..... read full article

Do You Have What It Takes To Be An Entrepreneur

 Not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur and it is better to find out sooner rather than later if that is the case. Many people romanticize about going into business and believe they could run so much if they were running the show. ..... read full article

Choosing the Right Lease Term (Length)

 This is one of those subjects that cause a lot of lightbulbs to go on in the minds of tenants attending my seminars. Perhaps it’s because a five or ten-year lease Term has become such a norm in commercial real estate leasing. ..... read full article

How to Purchase a Franchise

 Make your decision to buy the franchise based on business logic. While emotions, pride, etc., are involved - don’t make your selection decision on emotion. ..... read full article

Questions that Need to be Asked

 When one is looking at a franchise it is important that one do the research so that they know what they are getting into. A little homework at the beginning will avoid surprises down the road... ..... read full article

Do You Have the Necessary Qualities to Succeed as a Franchisee?

 Before you spend a lot of time reviewing various franchise concepts to find the one that is right for you, you need to ask yourself if you are right for franchising. ..... read full article

Successful Site Selection

 The number one reason for business failure or negative performance is a poor location. A poor location ultimately results from poor site selection. ..... read full article

How to create a business plan for a franchise?

 It’s every individuals dream to be successful, but very few ever get there….why you may ask? Well the answer is quite simple, lack of planning. ..... read full article

How to locate the right lawyer for your franchised business?

 Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to franchise your business or an existing franchisor , you will inevitably require the assistance of a lawyer. ..... read full article

Do you make the Leap?

 We in the franchising field are of a special ilk. We are in operating business like restaurants, dry cleaners, and video stores but operate inside a specialty designed business model called “franchising”. ..... read full article

Creative Developments in Franchising:

The term “Franchising” as generally understood, describes a very specific and defined business model. Over the past few years this standard definition has been modified and re-defined sometimes, beyond recognition. ..... read full article

Franchise Development: What are you developing?

 It’s often puzzling when consultants like myself use regular dictionary words to describe what we do. Take the word “development” for example. ..... read full article

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Franchise

 Although there are more than ten good reasons to invest in a franchise opportunity, your decision to go into business has a lot to do with lifestyle and financial benefits. ..... read full article

A Brief Intro to Canadian Franchise Laws & Legal Issues

 For those looking to invest in a Canadian franchise opportunity, the process and legalities are quite similar to those in the United States. ..... read full article

Franchise Documents: The Legal Landmine-Some Safety Tips

 For most the scariest part of buying a franchise is signing on the dotted line. And why not, it is a major investment and the documents put before you are not written in your language, but rather legalese... ..... read full article

Innovations in Small Business Financing: A New Kid on the Block?

 Small business today generally refers to businesses generating under $3 million in annual sales. That’s not so small to most people. ..... read full article

Can I be of Service???

 This issue is dedicated to franchises in the service industry. It’s a timely issue as this segment of the franchise industry has seen the greatest growth over the past few years. ..... read full article

Buying a Franchise-What Should You Know?

 When buying a Franchise, you buy a lot more than the bricks and mortar and the inventory that stocks the shelves. ..... read full article

Franchising 101 or Now that I am on this site-now what?

 Franchising is a specialized business model that allows thousands of individuals each year to fulfill their dream of owning a business. ..... read full article

NEGOTIATING YOUR FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

 Peter is the only lawyer in Ontario outside of Toronto recognized in L'Expert, the leading Canadian legal peer review journal, as an expert in franchise and distribution law. ..... read full article

OPERATIONS MANUALS AND OTHER WAYS TO MANAGE CHANGE

 The rate at which businesses must successfully navigate change, sometimes at a fundamental level, is increasingly rapid. ..... read full article