WSJ.com: Franchising

Franchising

Financing for Franchisees

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:33:15 EDT

A number of corporate franchisers are providing financing arrangements and other aid to potential franchisees, but terms can be strict.

In With the New Franchisees

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:29:43 EDT

Usually, franchisers don't want to gamble on young entrepreneurs—they prefer seasoned managers who have built up lots of savings to plow into the venture. Now a host of companies are rethinking that logic.

Hardship Inspired Franchise

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:42:31 EDT

Family hardship gave 41-year-old Shelly Sun the impetus to start a home-care franchising business.

Franchisers Focus on Loans

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:28:41 EDT

Some U.S. franchisers are taking steps to help franchisees secure financing amid concerns that a credit crunch is still stifling new store openings.

Professional Services Surge

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 16:01:25 EST

These chains, which handle white-collar jobs like career coaching and banking services, are popular with downsized and dissatisfied professionals.

Smaller Franchisers Expand Their Horizons

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:32:05 EST

Economic uncertainty at home has prompted a growing number of small businesses to turn to markets in the developing world where credit continues to flow and there's a growing appetite for American goods and services.

Burger Chain's Health-Care Recipe

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:46:21 EDT

Four years ago, restaurant chain Burgerville agreed to pay at least 90% of health-care premiums for employees. Executives say the unusual move has saved money by cutting turnover, boosting sales and improving productivity.

Some Franchise Brands Have High Default Rates

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 02:32:23 EDT

Quiznos, Cold Stone Creamery, Planet Beach Franchising and Huntington Learning Centers ranked among the 10 worst franchise brands in terms of SBA loan defaults

Small Firms' Health-Law Pains

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:07:14 EDT

Restaurants and retailers face some of the toughest changes now that the Supreme Court has kept the health-care overhaul in place.

Is a Franchise the Right Business for You?

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:41:00 EDT

It's tempting to pick a franchise based on personal experiences or love of the product. But the fact that you're smitten with the business or what it sells doesn't mean it fits your lifestyle, financial situation or long-term goals.

Franchises, on a Smaller Scale

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:59:37 EST

Franchisers are offering more options at different price points—from mall kiosks to mobile food trucks—to woo franchisees reluctant to spend too much.

Restaurants Look for Ways to Cut Costs

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:24:28 EST

Franchise restaurants are aggressively searching for alternative ways to slash costs, unable to pass on the higher costs to customers without losing business.

New Entrepreneurs Find Pain in Spain

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 13:59:17 EST

Europe’s unemployment crisis has compelled hundreds of thousands of people to try to reinvent themselves as entrepreneurs. But these inexperienced business operators are flying into harsh headwinds.

Many Outlets, One Voice

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:06:39 EST

When it comes to social media, franchisers are making sure their franchisees speak with one voice, implementing systemwide strategies and policies on what to post and how to react to company-related chatter.

Chained to the Road

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:06:14 EST

Over the past several years, there's been a rising interest in mobile franchises, whose owners work out of a van, truck or trailer. The appeal: low start-up costs.

Mogul Applied Franchising to Real Estate

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:39:14 EST

Art Bartlett wasn't the first to apply to home sales a franchise model more often associated with selling hamburgers, but he was the most successful.

Want to Buy a Franchise? See What Survey Says

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:03:53 EST

Discerning investors who want unvarnished information about a franchise before buying have another item to consult: the franchisee-satisfaction survey.

Tough Times for Franchising

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:36 EST

Two closely watched disputes now playing out in the courts are shining a spotlight on tensions between franchise owners and management.

Web Watch

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:21:00 EDT

A survey of useful sites for franchisees.