Are you a good franchise candidate?

What Is Franchising—and Is It Right for You?

First, let’s get clear on what franchising actually is. A franchise is a proven business model that allows you to operate under an established brand name, using systems, processes, and products that have already been tested in the market. But—and this is a big BUT—it’s still your business.

You’re responsible for running it day to day, growing revenue, hiring employees, and making customers happy. If you think franchising is a shortcut to easy, passive income, think again.
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The good news? If you align with the right brand and approach it with the right mindset, franchising can be one of the fastest ways to build wealth and independence—without having to reinvent the wheel.

The 5 qualities of successful franchise owners

So, what separates the franchisees who thrive from the ones who struggle?

Here are five critical traits we’ve seen across thousands of franchise owners (including from brands we’ve built and invested in ourselves):

1. Coachability: Willingness to Follow a System

   If you’re the kind of person who wants to do it "your way"—franchising might not be for you. The most successful franchise owners follow the system. They trust the proven playbook the franchisor provides because that’s what delivers results.
   
   ‍Takeaway: You need to be independent but willing to follow the brand’s model to a T—at least until you master the system. of being laid off after “doing everything right.

2. People and Relationship Skills

   Almost every franchise—whether it’s home services, food, wellness, or pets—requires customer interaction, local marketing, and relationship-building. Top-performing franchise owners are community builders. They know how to network, create trust with customers, and develop a reputation as a go-to service provider in their area.
   
   Takeaway: If you’re not naturally a "people person," you’ll either need to hire that role—or rethink your fit for many franchise models.

3. Sales-Minded and Growth-Oriented

   Let’s be blunt: no matter how strong a franchise system is, leads don’t just fall from the sky. You’ll need to work your local market, hustle for opportunities, and push sales—especially in the first 12-24 months.
   
   Takeaway: If you’re uncomfortable with sales, make sure the franchisor has a robust marketing and lead generation system—or you’ll struggle to get off the ground.

4. Financial Preparedness and Realistic Expectations

   Franchise businesses take capital to start and working capital to survive until profitable. The best franchise owners are financially prepared for the ramp-up period. They also set realistic expectations—understanding that business growth takes time.
   
   Takeaway: If you’re undercapitalized or think you’ll replace a full-time income in month one—franchising may not be the right move.

5. Resilience and Problem-Solving Mindset

   No matter how great a franchise system is, challenges will come—from hiring to competition to unexpected costs. The franchise owners who win are problem solvers, not excuse-makers.
   
   Takeaway: If you’re solution-oriented, adaptable, and persistent—you’ve already got one of the biggest advantages in franchising.

How to Assess If You’rea Good Franchise Candidate

Still wondering if this is for you? Ask yourself:

Am I willing to follow a proven system—even if I think I know better?

Do I enjoy working with people, and can I build relationships in my community?

Am I comfortable marketing, selling, and representing a brand locally?

Do I have the financial cushion to survive the startup period without panic?

Am I ready to roll up my sleeves and work hard to build something valuable?

If you’re answering "yes" to most of these—franchising could be a great fit. If you’re hesitating on all of them, it might be time to explore other paths.

3 big misconceptions about franchise ownership

1. “It’s a Done-for-You Business”

   Truth: A franchise is a proven system, not a done-for-you business. You'll still need to show up, manage people, market, and drive growth. No one will care about your business more than you.

2. “The Bigger the Brand, the Safer the Bet”

   Truth: Big brands aren’t always better. Many are sold out in prime markets. And some are past their peak, with limited growth upside. Often, the best opportunities are emerging brands with strong systems, proven unit economics, and available territories.

3. “My Franchise Consultant Will Pick the Right Brand for Me”

   Truth: Most franchise brokers show 600+ brands—and usually the ones that pay them the highest commission. At Better Days, we cap our fees and use a proprietary vetting system, FranCheck™, to only recommend brands we’d invest in ourselves.

how to prepare for franchise ownership

If you think franchise ownership might be right for you, here are 3 smart first steps:

1. audit your skill set and interests

   What are you good at? What do you enjoy? Home services franchises require different skills than wellness or food brands. Knowing your strengths will help you pick a franchise you’ll thrive in—not just one that looks good on paper.

2. understand your financial readiness

   Get clear on:
   
   ‍• Total investment costs (including working capital)
   ‍• How long it’ll take to get profitable (ask existing franchisees)
   ‍• What income you’ll need to cover your living expenses during ramp-up

3. Find an Advisor Who Works for You—Not the Franchise Brand

   The right franchise advisor will:
   
   ‍• Vet brands rigorously
   • Understand your goals and risk tolerance
   • Push back if a brand isn’t right for you
   ‍And they won’t just chase commissions. That’s why Better Days Franchise Co. exists—to be the advisor franchise buyers deserve.