WSJ.com: Franchising

Franchising

Small Firms' Health-Law Pains

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 10:53:33 EDT

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

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.

Chained to the Road

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:36:35 EDT

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.

Smaller Franchisers Expand Their Horizons

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:40:22 EDT

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

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:26:23 EDT

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

Tough Times for Franchising

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:33:38 EDT

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

Financing for Franchisees

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:11:51 EDT

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

Many Outlets, One Voice

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:42:13 EDT

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.

Want to Buy a Franchise? See What Survey Says

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:07:49 EDT

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

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.

Mogul Applied Franchising to Real Estate

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 14:42:30 EDT

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.

New Entrepreneurs Find Pain in Spain

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:33:18 EDT

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.

In With the New Franchisees

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:34:39 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

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 11:30:10 EDT

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

Burger Chain's Health-Care Recipe

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 14:04:39 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

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:45:19 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

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 10:56:13 EDT

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

Some Franchise Brands Have High Default Rates

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:26:38 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

Web Watch

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:13:02 EDT

A survey of useful sites for franchisees.