Being a franchisee means
"being your own boss"

Franchise system definitely makes it possible. All the tools are here, and all you need is your firm will and commitment. Franchise business is far more than just independence. You are an independent associate in the success of the whole network and a pariticpant in it You are a legally independent party but a part of a whole.

As you have already found out, franchise system functions according to the following principle:

An owner of a business perfects a superior product or a service, and achieves great success in the field. Then, for a fee, the successful owner becomes a franchisor, showing others how to succeed in the same way. The results are manifold. Franchisor's own business grows much faster then otherwise possible, because the 3 basic componets of growth: money, time and motivated staff are provided by franchisor. New franchisees get the opportunity otherwise not available to them, and the public usually profits from enhanced product or service.

The efficinency of a franchise system is manifested in its explosive growth. Total annual sales od variour businesses operating in franchise systems in the world already reache billions. This system is one of the most powerful on nacional economic scenes of many countries. It is a profitable, efficient way of doing business, and it won't disappear, on the contrary, here it has just arrived. Together with the proven benefits for the customer, it is a useful way od expanding ownership and responsibility,and thus strenghtening of private entrepreneurship.

Self-evaluation

During the process of entering into entrepreneurship, and especially into franchise business it is essential to evaluate youreslf honestly and rigorously so that you can objectively establish your own strenght, knowledge,virtues…some of the following questions may help the potential franchisees to evaluate themselves objectively.

1. is this a business that fits your characteristics and personality
2. are you avare that by entering into the franchise system, you enter the world of entrepreneurship and that you become a legal person
3. are you willing to work with people
4. can you provide all the financial resources necessary to put a business on a firm footing
5. are you willing to work within a single system and obey its firm rules
6. are you willing to lose some of your freedom so that you can work within a system
7. are you willing to accept periodical controls by the frachisor
8. is your family supportive of you
9. are you a team player
10. are you willing to work hard and long hours

Where and how to contact franchisors

• Croatian Association for Franchise and Business Relationships
• Franchise Business Center PRO MATURO ltd.
• Business Partnerships Franchise Fair
• Internet - www.fip.com.hr, www.eff-franchise.com, www.quadrantefranchising.it, www.franfind.com, www.infofranchising.it
• Printing Publications - "A guide through entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship through franchises", publisher Croatian Franchise Association, 2003