Expanding your franchise internationally is complex and should be taken seriously. Your company must be committed to seeing the entire process through because it can often require you to put in much more than you get back in the beginning. It may take time for you to see significant returns.
In deciding to franchise your business internationally, keep the following tips in mind:
- Choose your international market carefully. Ensure that the market you are going into is right for you. Try one market at a time instead of multiple ones so you understand how the process works if you decide to do it again.
- Ask yourself if you have enough support and resources for your endeavor. Business owners often run toward these opportunities thinking they must commit before the opportunity vanishes. Most of the time, however, there is no rush. You have time to prepare and ensure you have everything you need.
- Decide where you want to expand your franchise. Study and visit the area. Do not only go by interactions on the internet or other random encounters. Make sure you are dealing with real, serious people and with the area’s local Department of Commerce.
- Decide on the type of franchise and legal structure that you will create. You can opt for master franchising or area development. Both of these have pros and cons, which you should carefully consider before deciding.
- Take a second look at your business model and modify it if necessary to suit your new international franchise. Many aspects of the market you are going into will be unique to you, so adapting is critical. Develop a plan considering the new market’s needs and adjust your products or services accordingly.
Once you have considered the above, ensure your plans align with local laws and regulations and seek assistance if you need information on how to do that. It is not unusual for business owners to run into legal and regulatory compliance problems, both in their country of origin and in the country where they are expanding.
Expanding your business into international markets is an exciting endeavor that hopefully will produce many returns. As you materialize your plans, ensure that everything you need to enter a new market is successfully in place.