Most franchisors have websites with all kinds of testimonials on them from their happy franchisees. Well, I guess you would not be too awfully surprised if I let you in on a little secret and told you that they were hand-picked by guess whom? Of course, and I suppose this is typical of any business, politician or even non-profit group, but this brings up even more questions.
For instance, let's say there are more testimonials than usual? Well, then why not ask yourself why? Why are they working so hard to convince you to buy the franchise, shouldn't the brand name, profits and franchise system speak for itself? Sure it should, so think about that if you see 20-30 testimonials on the home page of a franchising website, as this sort of sales propaganda should be relegated to Biz Op scams.
Additionally, it sometimes makes sense to check out these franchisor testimonials, because usually when they are made the franchisee is trying to do a little butt smooching and over time the franchise relationship can turn South if there is not good solid communication or there are problems down the road.
It doesn't happen often, but I've seen wonderful testimonials on brochures and websites only to find the franchisee who said them has been terminated for cause or has nothing but four letter expletives to describe this wonderful self-aggrandizing franchisor. This is why I recommend that franchisee buyers call on some of these franchising testimonials and ask them straight up if they are "still happy with the franchise" and ask them if given the chance; would you buy the franchise business today?
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