How we form our answers

Facts about FranNet, including its founding in 1987, its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, its network of over 70 broker consultancies, its coverage of all 50 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces, and its free consulting model, come from FranNet’s published information at FranNet.com.

General franchise buying facts, such as the Franchise Disclosure Document and its 14-day waiting period, come from the FTC’s consumer guide to buying a franchise and the SBA’s guide to buying a business or franchise.

We independently audited customer outcomes, response data, and publicly available figures to draw our conclusions.

Each page shows a Last updated date near the top. When facts change, such as FranNet’s consultant count or coverage, we revise the affected pages and update that date. The date only changes when the content does.

Start with the pillar guide, what a franchise consultant does, or browse the full franchise consulting FAQ.

• What does a franchise consultant do?

  A franchise consultant helps you find franchises that fit your interests, goals, skills, budget, and preferred location, then gives you a structured way to research them. At FranNet, consultants present options that align with your profile, and you decide whether to move forward. The franchisor, not the consultant, handles any sale.

• Should I use a franchise consultant or research franchises on my own?

  Researching alone is possible but slower, and you mostly see the brands you already know about. A free FranNet consultant starts from your profile, presents matched options, and gives you a structured research method. You still do the research and make the decision, with guidance that costs you nothing.

• Can I work with more than one franchise consultant?

  You can, but it often creates duplicate introductions and mixed advice. It is usually simpler to choose one consultant you trust and share your full profile openly. If you have already spoken with brands directly, tell your consultant so introductions are not repeated and franchisors see a clear, consistent candidate.

• What questions should I ask a franchise consultant?

  Ask how they are compensated, how they choose which franchises to present, how many options you can expect to see, what their research process includes, and what happens if none of the options fit. A good consultant answers each of these plainly on the very first call.

• What will I actually spend to buy a franchise?

  That depends entirely on the brand. Total investment includes the initial franchise fee, build-out or equipment, opening inventory, and working capital, and every franchisor lists its estimated range in Item 7 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. Share your investment range with your consultant so the options you see fit your budget from the start.

Read all answers in the franchise consulting FAQ