To buy a franchise...or not to buy a franchise...that is the question...The following information should help you find the right answer!

Making the decision to purchase a franchise needs to be given serious thought, research and consideration of all options available.

Franchises have experienced annual growth of more than 50% - and are now also popping up in airports, railway stations and inside supermarkets.

There is intense competition for new franchisees -so don't bow to pressure to sign on the dotted line - until you are 110% certain that your decision is the right one for you.

With the huge choice of what to go into - home services, personal services, financial services, retail, fitness, food, health and beauty, etc, etc - ensure that the one you choose is aligned with your existing skills and something that you have a genuine interest in.

Attend franchising seminars and collect all relevant information and data. Make sure you ascertain details on: upfront franchise fees; training fees; location fees; and ongoing franchise and advertising fees.

Find out how long the franchisor has been operating; what training and support they offer; what track record they have; are they f inancially stable; do they undertake demographic checks on potential sites; the success rate of existing (and past) franchisees; and how much control they exert.

Remember - there are no guarantees when purchasing a franchise - success in one location does not automatically ensure success in another! Your franchise may not become the immediate gold mine that you envisaged -it may take several years before you even reach breakeven.

Analyze your costs and know your numbers: what is the ratio of the rent to turnover; salaries to turnover; fixed costs to turnover. If you are borrowing the start up costs - make sure you factor in your loan repayments. Research the best method of borrowing the money - a business loan, a business mortgage loan, interest and principal, interest only

Be aware that if you fail to follow the guidelines as laid out in the contract - the franchisor may, with warnings, terminate the franchise agreement.

Ensure that you get written substantiation to cover any earnings representation.

And - most important - seek EXPERT LEGAL ADVICE - before signing anything!