I'm sure owning your own business is something that you've thought about before. Why wouldn't you? Being your own boss is a big incentive.I have an acquaintance who has a full-time job, but his entrepreneurial spirit leads him to own several businesses in addition to his regular job. I believe one of them is a walnut producing company. Don't laugh, but that's a great business -- walnuts are great for people on low-carb diets and these diets don't seem to fade in popularity. He also owns at least one restaurant franchise, and last time I talked to him, he was looking into another franchise business.
If I ever have my own business, it'll be something with dogs. I just want to play with dogs all day long! I know there's so much more to do than playing with dogs all day long, but hey, I can always dream.
Anyway, if you need ideas on starting your own business, buying a franchise is a popular option. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, there are more than 760,000 franchise businesses in the U.S. These franchise businesses provide more than 18 million jobs with over $1.5 trillion in economic output.
Check out the top 10 searched franchise opportunities on AOL below. It's not surprising that most of them are in the food service industry, but it's refreshing to see a fitness business listed in the top 10. I hope more health-related franchise businesses soar so we all get motivated to exercise and eat healthy instead of muching on an oversized burger. As for the number one searched franchise opportunity, no wonder there's seemingly a Starbucks store in every corner of a city!
If you own a franchise business, which industry is it in? Any recommendations for other entrepreneurs who are thinking about buying one?
This month's top searched franchise opportunities on AOL Search:
1. Starbucks franchise
2. Subway franchise
3. Dollar Store franchise
4. McDonald's franchise
5. Dunkin Donuts franchise
6. Dairy Queen franchise
7. Sonic franchise
8. Pizza franchise
9. KFC franchise
10. Curves franchise
More information on franchise business can be found on AOL Small Business. Also search for franchise opportunities on AOL Search.
See sponsored links for: franchise opportunities, business for sale, business loans.
posted by Mia
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COMMENTS
Franchises can be a good way to develop your "own business" the reason people buy into them is for a developed business plan, complete with all systems in place and a success track record, continued concept development, marketing support, and vendor negotiations . In addition, national and regional brand identity should assist you with increased consumers knowledge.
However, some franchises are more interested in opening and getting their money up front or with their on going royalties, and requiring that all products are purchased form them (monopoly of products). Make sure you do your research, interview current franchisees, ask if they will share their P& Ls with you. Don't invest more then you can afford to lose.
Have a clear understanding of what you are buying. Having been a Restaurant executive for over 20 years, I have seen first hand how some people bought into a franchise that provided them with little more then a 24/7 full time job for $50,000 a year or less.
Educate yourself, and follow your passion and you will be successful.
Former Restaurant Executive turned Spa expert. http://www.spavelous.com
By Spavelous on Jul 26th 2007 at 3:02PM
Who did the research for this article? You can't buy a Starbucks franchise they are all company owned except for those inside supermarkets/bookstores, those are under contract to those companies.
By mike on Jul 30th 2007 at 8:10PM
OMG how is In N' Out NOT on the list?!
By silversar13 on Aug 13th 2007 at 12:02AM
Subway is a scam! They take your money then say sorry there is no place to put a new store.
By partie2 on Jul 30th 2007 at 8:18PM
Subway is a scam! They take your money and tell you there is no place to put a new restaurant.
By JEFF on Jul 30th 2007 at 8:27PM
Please consult a Franchise Attorney begore you commit to anything.
We are in the worst sitiuation of our lives, all due to franchise fraud. Please type in your web browser "The State of Maryland and The Coffee Beanery."
I also saw that the UPS franchise was like third on a list on another page. Please don't make that mistake, UPS is right up there with The Coffee Beanery as far as taking peoples money. If you have any contact with media resources then please contact us. We need all the help we can get, we have lost everything. Our home is for sale in hopes to avoid foreclosure. We have lost over a million and a half dollars.
By deborah on Jul 30th 2007 at 8:58PM
Don't waste money on subway!! Taco bell is pretty good as well as Krispy creme. Most just want that upfront franchise fee and then the monthly fee that continues. Don't forget you have to do EVERYTHING THE WAY THE PARENT COMPANY SAYS. You will have little to no say so about ANYTHING!! I would not recommend a franchise to anyone!
By KERRY on Jul 30th 2007 at 9:06PM
I did my research on Alphagraphics Franchises, If it sounds to good to be true, do not enter. I was out of business in 1 year. I lost everything, even my dignity. Buyers beware!!! There are idiots even in the business headquarters, you do not always have to follow there rules.
By Diane on Aug 1st 2007 at 12:25AM
Leave it to the media to lure people in. Definately contact a business or franchise attorney before doing ANYTHING! You are better off developing your own business. Something you feel confident with and have experience in. Invest the money in yourself and forget about giving the corporate BOZO's all your hard earned cash. Start small and grow accordingly. Franchises are created to do one thing...make the parent company BIG money. I've had more than a few friends invest in franchise opportunities, some of the ones on the list above, and ended up destitute and suicidal. DON'T DO IT.
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By linda on Jul 30th 2007 at 9:17PM
subway is the most overrated company ever. consider a jersey mike's sub shop. everything subways have but actually fresh, sliced right in front of you
By ken on Jul 30th 2007 at 9:22PM
Not even a chance! except Starbucks, the rest of these franchises mentioned here are nothing but a bologna Burger. These franchise are way out of date. There are so many new and up coming franchises that makes these fools so way out of business that the only one they are trying to pump and run away is them fools themselves.
AOL take a break. Since aol has changed its business practice, they have become nothing but an advertising channel for the losers. Have some respect.
Even starbucks future is questionable. They are now getting into chocolate drinks and serving hot sandwiches...What does aol think that public are....You are insulting our intelligent bud...shut it down and go get a life.
Look at these: LOL
Future Loser:
1. Starbucks franchise
THESE GUYS HAVE ALREADY LOST THE BATTLE...GOOD BYE FOOLS.
2. Subway franchise
3. Dollar Store franchise
4. McDonald's franchise
5. Dunkin Donuts franchise
6. Dairy Queen franchise
7. Sonic franchise
8. Pizza franchise
9. KFC franchise
10. Curves franchise
By Payam on Jul 30th 2007 at 9:30PM
While succeeding in business is very difficult, did you ever think that maybe many of you fail because you aren't very educated? That can be seen by the fact that you can't even spell and/or use proper grammar. Maybe a little education would help you succeed. And by education, I don't mean some textbook education from a college only. It's obvious that many colleges aren't worth the money they cost. Get educated by working in the industry you're interested in first. Learn the ropes and work your way up. Then start your own business.
By Savin on Aug 31st 2007 at 9:03PM
Starbucks are not franchised. Krispy Kreme are mostly company owned they forced out most franchisees. There are too many Subway franchises, current owners are complaining that Subway is letting new locations open up too close to current ones. Health clubs are folding left and right, I'd be very leary. McDonalds are terribly expensive to get into and I'm not sure KFC is still offering franchises?
By mike on Jul 30th 2007 at 10:06PM
Subway sucks I was a franchisee for 20 years with them they take and take and take your money every week 8.5% for royalities and 3.5% for advertiseing
that is 12 percent we had a 3 mile rule now they will build right on top of you down the street
the development agent will build stores near your 's in a 3 year period they built 6 new stores around mine my sale's went from 10,000 a week to 5000.00 a week and now I'm out of business subway sucks
By Gizzer on Jul 31st 2007 at 11:29PM
What a horribly written article. Want to play with dogs?- buy a mobile pet grooming franchise. I own one and I'm making a ton of money.
By rtoback on Jul 30th 2007 at 10:38PM
Looking to Buy or Sell a Business or Franchise in Florida? I can help. We have NUMEROUS ones for sale. hjoe@tworld.com . Visit our website then send me an email - www.tworld.com
By H.Joe Strickland on Jul 30th 2007 at 10:44PM
If i was going to find a franchise, it wouldb't be sukway. They must use Quizno sandwiches for their commercials.
By Scott McCowan on Jul 30th 2007 at 10:45PM
Most new businesses fail in the first 5 years, the support of the franchisor will give you a leg up. Most of the companies listed require a sizable up front fee and make sure you have the funds to live and operate for minimum a year. Eventhough these are established companies, as a new owner you will be a start-up with the headaches and challenges of such. For those that are looking for a small business with unlimited potential in the health and fitness market, email me at nuspagirl@aol.com
By Barbara on Jul 30th 2007 at 10:56PM
To own a franchise is a greatest rip off.It's a pipe dream.Always remember you buying a job for yourself and few family members.Your family becomes scape goat and they would be on your mercy.If you work 24/7 and go nowhere you may save few bucks at the end of year.You better of buy working even minimum pay and get a insurance and a life.I was totally broke after eight years in a Dunkin' Donuts.I lost the business to their high ranking attorneys.Stay away from all franchises.You work for franchises.Thanks
By Jack on Jul 30th 2007 at 10:57PM