Why Validation Plays Such An Important Role In Franchise Recruitment

In short

Rob Lancit places validation in the sequence of buying a franchise. A candidate assesses goals, lifestyle and financial tolerance, narrows about half a dozen options, requests the Franchise Disclosure Document, waits the two weeks the FTC requires before money can change hands, and then speaks one-on-one with current owners. Those conversations are the validation stage.

He values it because it goes around brochures, campaigns and sales language. Sessions can be by phone, by video or in person, and the candidate picks the questions. He supplies fifteen, in three groups. The fundamentals: what owning the business is like, weekly hours, a typical day, whether revenue, expenses and margins match the brand’s financial performance claims, and the best and worst parts. Training and support: whether training was enough to launch, what the owner would change, and how responsive and tailored corporate support is. Culture and fit: whether the company lives its stated culture, whether franchisees help each other, and whether the corporate office asks for feedback and celebrates success.

He advises taking notes or recording with permission, then comparing the answers with how the opportunity was presented. The same operational complaint from more than one owner is a red flag, and the candidate should ask what the franchisor is doing about it. He also reminds readers to consider the source and stay skeptical.

Summary by the editors of this site. The original is Rob’s own writing; read the original at the source.