Franchise Business: Definition, Benefits, Challenges, and How to Franchise Your Business

Step-by-step guide to franchising, including support, fees, types, and Bajaj Finserv financing options.
Business Loan
5 minutes
22 December 2025

Franchising is a popular business model that helps brands grow fast while allowing entrepreneurs to run their own business using proven systems. In this setup, the franchisor gives permission to franchisees to use its brand, methods, and support. This benefits both sides: franchisors grow quickly, and franchisees get a well-known brand, training, and lower risks when starting.

This guide explains how franchising works, its benefits and challenges, and how it differs from licensing. It also covers different types of franchises, important parts of a franchise, and the steps for both franchisors and franchisees. Finally, it looks at financing options like Bajaj Finserv business loans to help with franchise growth.

What is a business franchise?

A franchise is a business model where an established company (the franchisor) allows an independent owner (the franchisee) to run a business using its brand, trademark, and proven system. In return for an initial fee and ongoing royalties, the franchisee gets a complete package, including a recognised brand, operational guidelines, training, and continuous support.

This setup benefits both sides: franchisors can grow their business quickly with less financial risk, while franchisees can start a business with a higher chance of success, thanks to an established concept and instant brand recognition.

How Franchising Works

  1. The Agreement: A formal franchise agreement is made between the franchisor and the franchisee, which explains the rules and terms of their partnership.
  2. The Fees: The franchisee pays an initial fee to the franchisor to get the rights, followed by regular royalties, usually a percentage of the total sales.
  3. The Support: The franchisor gives the franchisee access to its brand, logos, operation guides, training, marketing plans, and ongoing help.
  4. The Operations: The franchisee runs the business daily, managing staff and following the franchisor’s standards for quality and operations.
  5. Brand Expansion: The franchisor grows its market reach, while the franchisee starts a business with a proven idea and some built-in brand recognition.

How does a franchise work?

A franchise is a formal business partnership governed by a legal Franchise Agreement. Here’s how it works:

  1. Legal Agreement: The Franchise Agreement sets out the rights, responsibilities, fees, territory, and operating rules for both the franchisor and franchisee.

  2. Payments: The franchisee pays an Initial Franchise Fee to start the business and Ongoing Royalties (usually a percentage of sales) for continuous support and use of the brand.

  3. Systems and Support: The franchisor provides an Operations Manual, initial training, marketing help, and sometimes access to suppliers.

  4. Local Management: The franchisee runs daily operations, manages staff, and serves customers, following the franchisor’s system to keep the brand consistent.

  5. Mutual Growth: This partnership helps the brand expand while the entrepreneur benefits from a proven business model, reducing risk.

Difference between Franchising and Licensing

Aspect

Franchising

Licensing

Relationship

A long-term partnership with active support and control.

A one-time or short-term agreement mainly for using intellectual property.

What’s Granted

The full business system: brand, trademark, operations, training, and marketing.

Permission to use a specific asset like a logo, patent, or design.

Level of Control

High control. The franchisor sets rules and checks operations regularly.

Low control. The licensor has little say in how the product is made or sold.

Support Provided

Full training, ongoing operational help, marketing support, and research assistance.

Usually, no business or operational support is provided.

Ideal For

Service or retail businesses that need consistent quality (restaurants, gyms, education centres).

Manufacturing or merchandise businesses (clothing, toys, gadgets).

Example

Opening a local fast-food or coffee outlet using a standard business model.

Making toys, apparel, or gadgets using a licensed logo or patented design.


Types of Franchises

Model

Description

Ideal For

Example

Business Format Franchise

The most common type. The franchisor provides a complete ready-to-run system, including brand, operations, training, and marketing.

Entrepreneurs who want a proven business with full support.

Fast-food outlets, retail stores, service-based businesses like cleaning or repair services.

Product / Distribution Franchise

Focuses on selling the franchisor’s products. Operates more like a supplier-dealer, with more freedom in day-to-day operations.

People interested in sales or distribution of established products.

Car dealerships, beverage bottling, fuel stations.

Management Franchise

Franchisee has rights to manage multiple units or a territory, often hiring managers to run individual locations.

Experienced operators or investors wanting to grow a larger business network.

Hotel chains, large cleaning or facility services.

Investment Franchise

Requires large capital. Franchisee usually acts as a passive investor and hires a team to run operations.

Investors looking for a business they don’t have to manage day-to-day.

Large hotels, major gyms or fitness centers.


Advantages of franchising a business

For the franchisor:

  • Faster expansion: Franchising helps you grow your brand quickly using the franchisees’ money, which lowers your investment risk.
  • Increased income: Besides the initial fees, you earn regular income from ongoing royalties.
  • Less day-to-day work: Franchisees handle daily operations, letting you focus on strategy and growing the brand.

For the franchisee:

  • Proven business model: You get a tested and successful business system, which lowers the risk compared to starting on your own.
  • Brand recognition: You benefit from the well-known brand, loyal customers, and marketing done by the franchisor.
  • Training and support: Franchisors usually offer full training, guidance, and ongoing help.

Disadvantages of franchising a business

For the franchisor:

  • Loss of control: Even though you set the rules, you need to trust franchisees to maintain brand standards, as their actions can affect the whole brand’s reputation.
  • Legal risks: Disagreements over the franchise agreement or how the business is run can lead to expensive legal problems.

For the franchisee:

  • Limited freedom: You must follow the franchisor’s strict rules and have little room to be creative or adjust to local market needs.
  • High costs: Franchise fees and ongoing royalties can be costly, which lowers your profit margins.
  • Dependence on franchisor: Your success depends on the franchisor’s reputation and financial health. Poor decisions by them can negatively impact your business.

Components of a franchise business

  • Franchise Agreement:
    A legal contract between the franchisor and franchisee that explains the rules, rights, and responsibilities of both.
  • Franchise Fee:
    An initial payment the franchisee gives to the franchisor to start the franchise.
  • Royalties:
    Regular payments from the franchisee to the franchisor, usually a percentage of the sales or income.
  • Training and Support:
    The franchisor provides training and help to the franchisee, including starting support, marketing help, and advice on running the business.
  • Branding and Marketing:
    The franchisee uses the franchisor’s brand name, logo, and marketing materials to promote the business.
  • Operational Standards:
    The franchisee must follow the franchisor’s rules, procedures, and quality controls to keep the brand consistent.

How to franchise your business (for the franchisor)

To grow your existing business through franchising, follow these important steps:

  • Create a business plan: Prepare a detailed plan that explains your franchise model, covering branding, marketing, operations, and supply chain.
  • Develop an operations manual: Write down all your business procedures and systems in a clear operations manual. This will guide your franchisees to run the business the same way you do.
  • Prepare legal agreements: Work with a franchise lawyer to create a strong franchise agreement and Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to share with potential franchisees.
  • Set up a support system: Plan the training, ongoing help, and quality checks you will offer to franchisees to keep the brand consistent.
  • Define territory and fees: Decide on the franchise fee, regular royalties, and contributions to advertising funds. Specify if franchisees will have exclusive or non-exclusive rights to their area.
  • Market and sell franchises: Advertise your franchise through online listings, trade shows, and other channels. Choose franchisees who fit your brand and have the financial means to invest.

How to buy a franchise (for the franchisee)

  • Self-Assessment & Research: Assess your skills, interests, and budget. Research industries and franchise brands that match them.
  • Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): This legal document contains key details about the franchisor, including fees, financials, legal history, and franchisee responsibilities. Go through it carefully.
  • Talk to Existing Franchisees: The most important step. Speak with current and former franchisees to learn about profitability, support from the franchisor, challenges, and overall experience.
  • Secure Financing: Calculate the total investment needed, including fees, setup, inventory, and working capital. Look at options such as personal savings, business loans, or franchisor-provided financing.
    Pro Tip: Business loans like Bajaj Finserv Business Loan can offer up to Rs. 80 lakh* with quick approval to cover franchise fees and setup costs.
  • Legal & Financial Review: Hire a franchise-experienced lawyer to check the Franchise Agreement. Consult an accountant to review financial projections.
  • Sign the Agreement & Launch: Once you’re satisfied, sign the agreement, complete the franchisor’s training, and start your business setup and launch.

Challenges of franchising a business

Franchising a business can also involve challenges, such as:

  1. Legal and regulatory requirements: The government regulates franchising, and franchisors must follow laws like the franchising code of ethics.
  2. Control and brand management: Franchisors must balance maintaining consistency and quality across all franchise locations.
  3. Training and support: Franchisors should offer enough training and assistance to help franchisees run the business well and uphold brand standards.
  4. Royalties and fees: Franchisees must pay ongoing royalties and fees to the franchisor, which can affect their profitability and cash flow.
  5. Exit strategy: Franchisees must have a clear exit strategy in case they want to sell their business or terminate the agreement.

Secure a business loan for your franchising expansion

Bajaj Finance makes it simple for businesses to achieve their goals by providing quick and convenient business loans. Startups can easily get funds up to Rs. 80 lakh at competitive interest rates. Bajaj Finserv business loans offer various benefits, including:

  1. Flexible repayment options: Borrowers can choose repayment periods up to 96 months, making it convenient for them.
  2. High loan amounts: Bajaj Finance provides business loans of up to Rs. 80 lakh, enabling enterprises to secure the necessary financing for their business objectives.
  3. Quick approval and disbursement: Bajaj Finserv Business Loans ensure fast approval and disbursal, allowing businesses to access the required funds promptly.

For entrepreneurs seeking a larger credit line or better rates, applying for a secured business loan can also be an effective option, especially when leveraging existing assets. Check your pre-approved business loan offer to see if you qualify for instant credit tailored for your franchise business expansion needs.

Franchising a business can be a rewarding and profitable way to expand a successful brand and help entrepreneurs become their own boss.

Helpful resources and tips for business loan borrowers

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