I'm sure owning your own business is something that you've thought about before. Why wouldn't you? Being your own boss is a big incentive.I have an acquaintance who has a full-time job, but his entrepreneurial spirit leads him to own several businesses in addition to his regular job. I believe one of them is a walnut producing company. Don't laugh, but that's a great business -- walnuts are great for people on low-carb diets and these diets don't seem to fade in popularity. He also owns at least one restaurant franchise, and last time I talked to him, he was looking into another franchise business.
If I ever have my own business, it'll be something with dogs. I just want to play with dogs all day long! I know there's so much more to do than playing with dogs all day long, but hey, I can always dream.
Anyway, if you need ideas on starting your own business, buying a franchise is a popular option. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, there are more than 760,000 franchise businesses in the U.S. These franchise businesses provide more than 18 million jobs with over $1.5 trillion in economic output.
Check out the top 10 searched franchise opportunities on AOL below. It's not surprising that most of them are in the food service industry, but it's refreshing to see a fitness business listed in the top 10. I hope more health-related franchise businesses soar so we all get motivated to exercise and eat healthy instead of muching on an oversized burger. As for the number one searched franchise opportunity, no wonder there's seemingly a Starbucks store in every corner of a city!
If you own a franchise business, which industry is it in? Any recommendations for other entrepreneurs who are thinking about buying one?
This month's top searched franchise opportunities on AOL Search:
1. Starbucks franchise
2. Subway franchise
3. Dollar Store franchise
4. McDonald's franchise
5. Dunkin Donuts franchise
6. Dairy Queen franchise
7. Sonic franchise
8. Pizza franchise
9. KFC franchise
10. Curves franchise
More information on franchise business can be found on AOL Small Business. Also search for franchise opportunities on AOL Search.
See sponsored links for: franchise opportunities, business for sale, business loans.
Reader Comments (Page 3 of 3)
41. Evaluation without investigation can cost you dearly. Cyberwize.com and "Tunguska Blast" are the most phenomenal combination in Networking Marketing! Listen to the most exciting testimonial to rapid growth and wealth ever. Hear Double Diamond Brad Hager speak today at 512-879-2084, Pin 864001#, 8:30 PM CST.Meanwhile, you might look at www.askabouttheblast.com/4416699. The product is amazing and the binary compensation plan is well documented as the absolute best.
Posted at 12:59PM on Jul 31st 2007 by Douglas Vavra
42. they are Dictators as to what where and when if you do not conform they brow beat you constantly with threats that they will sue maybe a sign went up late or an item that I forgot to order they classified being out of compliance for little things and then you get a letter from the lawyer for SUBWAY and their lawyers are very very busy. With sale's going down because of the 6 new stores they built around me the sales go from 10,000 to 5,000 it never stops
Posted at 11:26PM on Jul 31st 2007 by Gizzer
43. Subway sucks I was a franchisee for 20 years with them they take and take and take your money every week 8.5% for royalities and 3.5% for advertiseing
that is 12 percent we had a 3 mile rule now they will build right on top of you down the street
the development agent will build stores near your 's in a 3 year period they built 6 new stores around mine my sale's went from 10,000 a week to 5000.00 a week and now I'm out of business subway sucks
Posted at 11:29PM on Jul 31st 2007 by Gizzer
44. Subway was selling to anyone who would buy, they gave franchisee to people wanting the american Dream after they bought the store They found out the new owners could not speak very well and could not read very well either they were from Haitai people lost there money and after 18 years of being in the Franchgisee selling business Subway started giving english test to potential buyers
Posted at 11:36PM on Jul 31st 2007 by Gizzer
45. Curves is a HUGE SCAM don't waste your time!
http://www.conradhubbard.com/thechip/curves.html
Posted at 11:54PM on Jul 31st 2007 by Jagrbabe68
46. I did my research on Alphagraphics Franchises, If it sounds to good to be true, do not enter. I was out of business in 1 year. I lost everything, even my dignity. Buyers beware!!! There are idiots even in the business headquarters, you do not always have to follow there rules.
Posted at 12:25AM on Aug 1st 2007 by Diane
47. Subway is and always has been garbage. You get lettuce on bread and thats their product. QUIZNOS SHOULD BE the #1 franchise right now. They have a phenominal new CEO as of Jan '08 and are COMPLETELY turning things around - operationally, logistically and strategically. Sales and profits are way up year over year, finally. Their product is unmatchable and better for you than that of burger joints. Just my opinion and prediction for the very near future...
Posted at 12:51AM on Aug 1st 2007 by ag
48. I have a friend who owns about 10 Subways -they are happy. Granted there might be some stores that are under performers -but that’s business, there are no guarantees in life. These under performers could be due to prospective franchisees not doing all their homework. Remember, “legitimate franchisors” have a financial incentive for their franchisees to succeed. I realize some franchises may embellish and in some cases exaggerate; how easy it is to own a business, earnings, etc… -anyone who believes that is doomed for failure, there are no short-cuts to financial success! Successful individuals work hard for their accomplishments -I have never personally met or know anyone successful to claim their achievements was easy.
EVERYTHING in life has a price. ANYTHING worth obtaining has a commensurate value.
Posted at 11:16AM on Aug 2nd 2007 by JC
49. I concur, Quiznos does have a great product –so did Sony’s Betamax. Personally, I perceive the two principle problems with Quiznos are the following:
1. Quiznos food costs is too high, thus leaving franchisees with a small profit.
2. Because Quiznos food costs are so high, their product must be priced accordingly, thus being less competitive.
I perceive that most people that spend that amount of money on a meal expect to be served at their table –like TGIF, Bennigan’s, Applebee’s, etc… with similar pricing per meal, and the franchisee is in a better position to cross-sell and up-sell other products (i.e.: Drinks, Appetizers, Desserts, etc…) that have higher profit margins.
Posted at 11:45AM on Aug 2nd 2007 by JC
50. Starbuck's DOES NOT franchise. The ones in Barnes and Noble and in airports are the only exception and as one comment already pointed out they are not franchises exactly, but contracts with other large companies.
Posted at 2:17PM on Aug 2nd 2007 by teo
51. OMG how is In N' Out NOT on the list?!
Posted at 12:02AM on Aug 13th 2007 by silversar13
52. Don't throw away your money!!!
go to a subway, quizno's,blimpie, jreck (all franchised) then go to a regular mom and pop,corner deli, or local pizza shop. buy a sub at all of them (the same kind; mixed cold cuts e.g.) I will guarantee that any independent will give you a bigger and better sub than any franchise, no they dont have a fat guy who lost 200 pounds eating their subs,or a cute little baby wiyh a raspy adult voice but you will get a better sandwich and pay less too. try it! the math is simple: the independents invest a lot less in the equipment and franchise fees and therefore will have a greater profit margin to work with.
Posted at 2:50PM on Aug 17th 2007 by Greg
53. Looking to own your own business WITHOUT the high front-end investment? Want a business that has been given the Warren Buffet stamp of approval? Want a business with unlimited potential that you can do full-time or part-time? Visit my web site at www.pamperedchef.biz/mdeering and click on Top 10 Reasons to Join The Pampered Chef and then "Contact me".
Posted at 3:07PM on Aug 17th 2007 by Michele
54. People, let's get serious, while owning a business might be the American dream, you will soon find the nightmare, begins. I know I've had my own company for 21 years, and if the employees don't put you in an institution, the goverment, regulations and taxes surely will.
Work all day! Fill out forms all night, and worry 24 hours a day. Build debt to update, then if your lucky you can sell it after 21 years for what you owe on it!
If you worked that hard for someone else, you'd climb the ladder, and make so much more, and get VACATIONS, HEALTH CARE, and some kind of RETIREMENT.
In my field, I could easily make 4 times the money working for a competitor, and go home at 5:00 p.m.
Oh, and by the way, if like me, never being home should cause a divorce, be perpared to buyout your ex, who by the way never even set foot in your business, but loved to tell people, " my husband own's his own company"
So, if you really want to be your own boss! First check into a mental ward, and get your head checked
Being your own boss, forget that you will kiss more A-- then ever before, I have 160 bosses, my customers,
So, my advice, get a job, work your way up by doing 1/2 of what you would do if you had your own business.
By the way I worked in my industry for 10 years before I went it alone, so I was no rookie.
Good luck, truth is 1 out of 5 go broke first year (the lucky one's)2 more go broke after 5 horrible years of killing themselves, of the 2 left 1 might make a good living the other "a modest living".
Good Luck!
Posted at 3:28PM on Aug 17th 2007 by Randy
55. SUBWAY. Your sandwishes are nothing like you show on T.V. or any where else. Yuk! Yuk!
Posted at 7:27PM on Aug 17th 2007 by dorothy myers
56. While succeeding in business is very difficult, did you ever think that maybe many of you fail because you aren't very educated? That can be seen by the fact that you can't even spell and/or use proper grammar. Maybe a little education would help you succeed. And by education, I don't mean some textbook education from a college only. It's obvious that many colleges aren't worth the money they cost. Get educated by working in the industry you're interested in first. Learn the ropes and work your way up. Then start your own business.
Posted at 9:03PM on Aug 31st 2007 by Savin