Franchising for Dummies, by Michael Seid and Dave Thomas, details everything you need to know about this ever-popular route to self-employment. In typical Dummies fashion, it outlines the basics (from initial research through signing on the dotted line); development procedures (such as training employees, choosing locations, and buying goods); running the business (attracting customers, managing staff, dealing with franchisors); and moving on (considering further acquisitions, franchising your own ideas). Seid, a well-known consultant with 20 years in the field, and Thomas, the high-profile founder of and low-key spokesman for the fast-food chain Wendy's International, make this volume especially valuable by including inside tips taken from their extensive personal experience. "Too often, franchisees make the mistake of hiring an attorney to do battle with their franchisor, rather than simply sitting down with the franchisor, discussing their concerns, and coming to a negotiated conclusion," Seid advises at one point. "Training is nonstop, never-ending. It has to be," Thomas suggests elsewhere. "It has to remain a priority in your business because, one, you have turnover, but two, you can always improve." The combination provides a clear and complete primer for enlightened decision-making on virtually all aspects of franchise purchase and operation. --Howard Rothman


S. Truett Cathy, Founder & Chairman of Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Dave Thomas -- a super guy, great business leader, generous individual. Thanks to Dave for sharing his wisdom through his book.


James H. Amos, Jr., President and CEO, Mail Boxes, Etc.
...a must read for anyone interested in the fundamentals of franchising. Franchisees and franchisors alike owe a debt of gratitude...


Regina Gardner, Franchisee, UNIGLOBE Travel
Franchising For Dummies offers invaluable information for prospective franchisees in their search for the best franchise opportunity that suits them.


Don DeBolt, President, International Franchise Association
Two great entrepreneurial minds have created one fantastic book.


Book Description
You may think you know something about franchising because you probably shop and eat at franchised locations every day. But over the years, myths have developed about franchising, its rate of success, and its ease of entry. Managing or growing a franchise system can be tricky, but if you have the knowledge and motivation you can make it work. With Franchising For Dummies, the late Dave Thomas — founder of Wendy’s and a franchising legend — will show you how to make franchising work for you.

Whether you’re a novice or an expert in the business of franchising, Franchising For Dummies is the perfect book for you. If you’re a prospective franchisee, you can find out what to look for in a great franchisor. If you’re an existing franchisee, you can take a peek at what great franchisors are providing their franchisees. This easy-to-understand guide is also for you if: You’re a business owner trying to determine whether franchising is the right growth strategy for your company You’re an experienced franchisor looking to pick up new tricks on how to improve your franchise system

From finding the right franchisor to setting up a smooth-running operation, Franchising For Dummies walks you through the sometimes bewildering choices of franchising, and clearly shows you step-by-step- how to succeed. You’ll also discover how to: Understand the latest legal issues Find an ideal location Manage daily operations Attract and keep customers Hire, fire, and train staff Work with your franchisor and fellow franchisees Expand your franchise Franchise your own small business No matter what aspect of franchising interests you, you must still be familiar with the process of evaluating, buying, running, and selling a franchise. Franchising For Dummies will help you deal with these key elements and show you how to make the most of your investment of time and money in this area.


From the Publisher
Discover how to: Understand the legal issues Find an ideal location Manage daily operations Work with your franchisor and fellow franchisees Expand your franchise Franchise your own small business


From the Back Cover
"The inside scoop on setting up and operating your own sucessful franchise." Ron Joyce, Charman and Cofounder, Tim Hortons Praise for Dave Thomas's Franchising For Dummies "Dave Thomas — a super guy, great business leader, generous individual. Thanks to Dave for sharing his wisdom through his book." —S. Truett Cathy, Founder & Chairman of Chick-fil-A, Inc. Expert advice helps you choose the right franchise If you're interested in opening a franchise, let Dave Thomas and Michael Seid explain the ins and outs before you sign on the dotted line. From finding the right franchisor to setting up a smooth-running operation, they walk you through the sometimes bewildering choices you face — and show you step by step how to succeed. Discover how to: Understand the latest legalissues Find an ideal location Manage daily operations Work with your franchisor and fellow franchisees Expand your franchisor Franchise your own small business Get smart! www.dummies.com Register to win cool prizes Browse exclusive articles and excerpts Get a free Dummies Daily™ e-mail newsletter Chat with authors and preview other books Talk to us, ask questions, get answers


About the Author
Dave Thomas is founder and CEO of Wendy's International. Michael Seid runs a franchise consulting business. Elizabeth J. Gatewood, Ph.D., the director of the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Indiana University, provided a technical review.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Franchises are one of the fastest growing segments of small business in the U.S. Entrepreneurs eager to capitalize on the market will hang on every word of this definitive guide to all types of franchises by Wendy's International founder, the irrepressible Dave Thomas, and Michael Seid. If you're interested in opening a franchise, let thes two authors explain the ins and outs before you sign on the dotted line. From finding the right franchiser to setting up a smooth-running operation, they walk you through the sometime bewildering choices you face - and show you step by step how to succeed.

Discover how to:

Understand the latest legal issues Find an ideal location Manage daily operations Work with your franchiser and fellow franchisees Expand your franchise Franchise your own small business

SYNOPSIS

Franchises are one of the fastest growing segments of small business in the U.S. Entrepreneurs eager to capitalize on the market will hang on every word of this definitive guide to all types of franchises by Wendy's International founder, the irrepressible Dave Thomas, and Michael Seid. If you're interested in opening a franchise, let thes two authors explain the ins and outs before you sign on the dotted line. From finding the right franchiser to setting up a smooth-running operation, they walk you through the sometime bewildering choices you face — and show you step by step how to succeed.