WSJ.com: Franchising

Franchising

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Debit-Card Law Has Nasty Side Effect

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

A new law that was supposed to reduce costs for merchants that accept debit cards has instead sent monthly processing bills much higher for some of them. And they are passing the higher costs on to customers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Franchising 2012 Outlook: Better Than 2011 Reality

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

The industry's largest trade group says the ranks of franchises declined this year. But the forecast for 2012 is still bright.

Wendy's Set to Surpass Burger King

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Wendy's is poised to pass Burger King in U.S. sales, trailing only industry behemoth McDonald's, in the first reordering of the industry-leading trio since Wendy's was founded in 1969.

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.