Get the Tea: Top Questions to Ask Current Franchisees Before Investing in a Franchise

When considering buying a franchise, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of becoming your own boss. But before you commit to a franchise opportunity, you’ll need to do your homework. One of the best ways to gain real insights into what franchise ownership looks like is by talking to current franchisees. After all, they’re already living the experience you're about to step into, making them valuable resources for understanding both the rewards and the challenges that come with owning a franchise.

Current franchisees can provide a more authentic view than glossy brochures or sales pitches ever could. They can share firsthand stories about how their day-to-day operations align with their expectations, what support they’ve received from the franchisor, and whether the business model truly delivers. If you’ve been exploring owning a franchise, this guide will help you ask the right questions to get the most out of your conversations with current franchise owners, giving you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.

Why should you reach out to current franchisees?

You might feel a little apprehensive about personally reaching out, wondering what to ask current franchise owners that you won’t find answers to in existing materials from the franchisor. While official information from the franchisor offers a structured overview of what to expect, there's nothing quite like hearing directly from those who are already in the trenches of franchise ownership. Conversations with current franchisees provide an "off the record" perspective that can be far more candid, giving you insights into the unfiltered realities—both good and bad—that aren’t always reflected in the franchise’s marketing materials.

A franchisor will often present the best-case scenario, focusing on successful franchises and potential earnings. Franchisees, on the other hand, are more likely to discuss how closely their experience matches the projections and promises they initially received. Hearing about their struggles, successes, and personal insights will help you decide if the opportunity is truly right for you, ensuring you're entering franchise ownership with your eyes wide open. You’ll hear firsthand what it’s really like to run the business day-to-day, including challenges like unexpected costs, staffing issues, or navigating the franchisor's system. They may also highlight the aspects of ownership that exceeded their expectations, such as strong local demand or helpful support networks. By having these discussions, you gain a clearer, more complete understanding of what life as a franchise owner might actually look like.

How to prepare for a conversation with a current franchisee

Before diving into conversations with current franchisees, you’ll want to prepare so you get the most out of the experience. Start by identifying franchisees who are willing to speak openly about their experiences. Many franchisors provide a list of franchisees, but you can also reach out to local franchise owners or use online franchisee directories. It’s best to approach them respectfully, acknowledging their time is valuable and making it clear that you’re seeking their honest insights.

When contacting franchisees, be polite and transparent about your intentions. Explain that you're considering the franchise and would appreciate a few minutes of their time for an informal conversation. Make it easy for them to say yes by offering flexible scheduling and, if possible, proposing a brief meeting at their convenience. Franchisees are often busy, so showing respect for their time will increase the likelihood of a productive discussion.

Once you’ve arranged a meeting or phone call, prepare a list of thoughtful questions (more on that in a minute). These should cover both the practical aspects of running the business and the franchisee’s personal experiences, such as any unexpected challenges or hidden benefits. Enter the conversation with an open mind, ready to listen, and avoid pushing for overly detailed or private information. 

And throughout the process of preparing for and meeting with current franchisees, make sure you’re keeping confidentiality in mind. Current franchisees are sharing personal and business-related insights with you, so it's important to treat the information they provide with care. Don’t disclose what you've learned to competitors, the franchisor, or anyone who might misuse it. Keeping the conversation respectful and private shows integrity and ensures you're building trust—qualities that will serve you well as a potential franchise owner.

Key questions to ask current franchisees

 

Now, what are those key questions that will help you gain a deeper understanding of the franchise and whether it’s the right fit for you? While each franchisee's experience and industry may differ, there are a few areas to focus on that will provide you with the greatest insights into both the business model and the day-to-day realities of ownership. This section will guide you through some recommended questions to ask, ensuring you get a well-rounded view of what running the franchise truly entails—but don’t hesitate to add in your own questions!

Financial performance and expectations

To learn more about potential earnings and the costs involved in running the business effectively, you’ll want to ask questions like:

• How long did it take to become profitable?
• Were there any unexpected costs or investments?
• How accurate were the franchisor's financial projections?

Relationship with the franchisor

To assess the level of support, communication, and collaboration you can expect from the franchisor, you’ll want to ask questions like:

• How would you describe the ongoing support from the franchisor?
• Are there any challenges in working with the franchisor?
• How does the franchisor handle conflicts or disagreements?

Day-to-day operations

To gauge whether the workload, challenges, and routines involved in running the business align with your skills and lifestyle, you’ll want to ask questions like:

• What does a typical day look like for you as a franchisee?
• What are the most challenging aspects of running this franchise?
• How much autonomy do you have in decision-making?

Training and support

The quality of the initial and ongoing assistance you'll receive can significantly impact your ability to successfully operate the franchise, so you’ll want to ask:

• How comprehensive was the initial training?
• What ongoing training or resources are available?
• How responsive is the franchisor when you need help?

Marketing and brand recognition

The success of the franchise's marketing strategies and brand presence might influence your ability to attract customers and drive sales, so you’ll want to ask questions like:

• How effective are the franchisor's marketing efforts?
• Do you have flexibility in local marketing initiatives?
• How strong is the brand recognition in your area?

Work-life balance

The demands of the franchise may or may not sync up with your personal life and achieving a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle, so you’ll want to ask questions like:

• How many hours do you typically work per week?
• Has owning this franchise met your lifestyle expectations?
• What impact has franchise ownership had on your personal life?

Future outlook

Inquiring about a franchisee’s perspective on the future outlook helps you assess the long-term viability and growth potential of the franchise, and we’d suggest asking questions like:

• If you could go back, would you make the same decision to buy this franchise?
• What are your growth plans within the franchise system?
• How do you see the future of this industry and the franchise?

Interpreting the responses to your franchisee questions

After speaking with several franchisees, the next step is to analyze the information you’ve gathered. It’s important to approach these responses with a critical eye, weighing both the positives and negatives. Look for any common themes in their answers—patterns often reveal more than one-off isolated comments. For example, if multiple franchisees mention strong support from the franchisor or consistent profitability, that’s likely a good sign. Conversely, if several franchisees voice similar concerns, such as unanticipated fees or lack of marketing assistance, these are issues to investigate further.

Be aware of any differences in the franchisee responses, because each franchisee’s experience can vary based on location, management style, or market conditions. Relying on just one or two opinions might give you a skewed view, whereas talking to several franchisees in different locations or at different stages of ownership gives a broader understanding of the potential opportunities and challenges.

Keep an eye out for red flags! 

Red flags can include franchisees expressing ongoing dissatisfaction with the franchisor’s support, poor communication, or feeling misled about initial costs or revenue expectations. Be especially cautious if you notice a recurring theme of frustration or regret—these could signal deeper issues within the franchise system. Additionally, a lack of enthusiasm or franchisees discouraging you from moving forward should prompt a closer look at why their experiences have been negative.

Building relationships with current franchisees

So you’ve had your conversations and found answers to your questions, now what? Engaging with current franchisees is not just about gathering information—it's an opportunity to build valuable relationships within the franchise community for the long term. As with all business ownership, franchise ownership can sometimes feel isolating, especially for new franchisees, so building a network of peers early on can provide long-term support and guidance. These initial conversations may lead to lasting connections where you can exchange advice, share experiences, and lean on each other for encouragement as you navigate your own franchise journey.

Networking with other franchisees also provides insight into how the broader franchise community operates. A strong network can give you access to valuable resources, tips on managing challenges, and even guidance on local marketing efforts or staff management. Franchisees often share practical solutions to common problems, which can help you avoid pitfalls and find better ways to grow your business. Having trusted colleagues who have gone through similar experiences can be a huge asset as you begin to establish yourself within the franchise system.

And don’t forget to pay it forward: If you do wind up purchasing your own franchise, be sure to show those potential new franchisees the same level of support you received when you were just beginning your franchise journey! 

Time to apply what you’ve learned from asking questions before buying a franchise

Conducting thorough research and having open, honest conversations with current franchisees gives you those firsthand insights that let you know what to expect, allowing you to weigh the benefits and challenges of franchise ownership. By following this guide, you’ll be prepared to ask the right questions and engage in productive discussions that will help you determine if the franchise is the right fit for your goals and lifestyle. 

Remember, the decision to invest in a franchise is a major (and exciting!) one; the more knowledge you gather from those who have already walked the path, the better equipped you’ll be to move forward with confidence.