4 Tips for Your First Meeting with the Franchise Headquarters

One thing above all applies here: it is not only you who will be scrutinising the representative and the franchise system closely – the system will be scrutinising you just as carefully.

Possible topics for an initial introductory conversation include:

• Your personal motivations
• Your previous professional experience
• Your skills
• Date of earliest possible entry / commencement of activity
• Available equity capital

As a general principle, we strongly encourage you to communicate openly and honestly with the systems – after all, what is at stake is both your personal future and the long-term success of the businesses involved.

One thing to keep in mind: this first conversation sets the tone for everything that follows.

Depending on when you feel ready to begin – or indicate that you could start at the earliest possible date – your contact person may suggest scheduling a conversation for a later point in time. If you are asked whether you would be ready to make a decision in 12 or 14 weeks, you are only committing to making that decision – not to what that decision will be.

While it may seem obvious, we recommend taking detailed notes during your conversations, so that even days later you know which points were discussed with which franchise system.

As you will likely be in contact with several franchise systems at the same time, it is important to be realistic about the next agreed steps. Allow yourself sufficient time to complete all initial conversations and to work through further information at your own pace. After the first conversation, you will receive additional information about the concept, for example in the form of an e-brochure, a video, or an FAQ article.

You may also receive a confidential information request form, which provides the franchise system with further details about your qualifications. The typical form asks for information such as contact details, educational background, business experience, income, and possibly your balance sheet and references. In general, it is advisable to complete this form as soon as possible and to arrange a second meeting, ideally in person.

Should you have any reservations about this information request form, we can assure you that it represents an important next step in the process, and that your details will of course be treated in strict confidence and will never be passed on to third parties. It is in both your interest and that of the franchise system to ensure that you are financially and experientially qualified for a medium- to long-term partnership.

Please always keep in mind that the confidentiality form does not commit you to anything — it simply allows the process to move forward.

The best franchise systems will encourage you to say no at any point in this process, should you decide against making an investment. The initial phone or video interview, as well as any subsequent steps, should never feel forced.