5 Financial Challenges to Franchise Ownership

Embarking on a franchise journey can be incredibly rewarding, but let's be real: the first year can be tough. It's the time when you lay the groundwork for your future success, learning the ins and outs of franchise management firsthand. Even with strong support and a proven business model, newcomers often encounter obstacles that test their resolve. So, let's explore five challenges you might face in your franchise's early days, along with some ways of overcoming them and building resilience as a business owner.

Challenge 1: "I didn't quite grasp the full scale of initial costs."

Having a team of franchise consultants and financial professionals (myself included) by your side should ideally prevent you from falling into the trap of underestimating initial costs. However, unforeseen costs (whether they’re inventory costs, operating expenses, marketing and advertising expenses, training and staffing costs, renovation or upgrade costs, etc.) can mount up, affecting your financial planning and putting pressure on your cash flow right from the get-go.

If you find yourself in this situation:

1. Review Your Business Plan: Keep your financial forecasts and budget updated to reflect actual expenses, pinpointing areas needing adjustment or additional funds.
2. Explore More Financing Options: Consider business loans and other financing solutions to cover initial costs and support your business until it becomes profitable. My team often helps entrepreneurs make sense of their financing options.

Challenge 2: "Managing cash flow is trickier than I thought."

Cash flow is all about the money moving in and out of your business. It's different from profit and concerns your business's liquidity at any given time. Early on, maintaining a healthy cash flow is crucial, even more so than immediate profits. I often tell folks that you need profits eventually, but you need cash flow now AND later.

To better manage cash flow:

1. Keep a Close Eye on It: Use accounting software to monitor your cash flow in real-time, aiding your decision-making.
2. Get Money in Faster: Offer incentives for early payments and set clear payment terms to make cash inflows more predictable. And if you’re in a professional service industry, don’t let invoices stack up. It’s okay to remind your clients if they’re late in paying.
3. Negotiate with Suppliers: Try to get longer payment terms to keep cash in your business longer, improving liquidity without racking up late fees.

Challenge 3: "Taxes were more complex than I expected."

For franchisees transitioning from traditional employment to business ownership, their initial tax season may present new challenges. You may find that suddenly, TurboTax doesn’t seem as easy to navigate. Engaging with a CPA experienced in entrepreneurship, ideally before purchasing a franchise, can help ensure a smooth first tax filing. However, if you haven't yet consulted a CPA with expertise in the franchise sector (such as myself and my Reeder CPA Group team), understanding and navigating the complexities of income, sales, and payroll taxes can be overwhelming.

To navigate tax obligations:

1. Partner with an Entrepreneurial CPA: Collaborating with a CPA familiar with the franchise industry can provide tailored advice to ensure compliance and strategic tax planning. With a decade of experience supporting those in the franchise space, I can help guide you through the complexities of tax management.
2. Stay Informed on Tax Matters: It's important to keep abreast of your franchise's tax obligations and any changes in tax legislation that could affect your operation. I advise my clients to adopt a continuous tax strategy, which includes adjusting to legislative changes proactively.
3. Adopt Robust Accounting Practices: Utilizing dependable accounting software can simplify financial tracking and tax management, making the process more efficient.

Challenge 4: "The ongoing royalty fees and marketing contributions worry me."

Royalty fees and marketing contributions are part of the franchise deal, supporting the brand and the franchisor's services. While essential, they can potentially put a strain on your finances, especially during slow sales periods.

To manage these fees:

1. Plan for Them: Make sure you're considering these costs in your financial planning and projections.
2. Monitor Your Finances: Regularly check your financial health to ensure these fees are manageable within your business model.
3. Talk to Your Franchisor: If you're finding these fees challenging, reach out to your franchisor. There might be support or strategies to help ease the burden.

Challenge 5: "I was too optimistic about the financial outlook, too soon."

I get it. I’m a business owner myself, and I know firsthand the importance of dreaming big. It's natural to have high hopes for your franchise, but franchising (like all business ownership) is about the long haul. Unrealistic financial expectations can lead to disappointment and, worse, knee-jerk course corrections that could lead to poor decision-making.

To set realistic financial goals:

1. Adjust Your Financial Projections: Use real data and industry benchmarks to create achievable financial targets.
2. Aim for Sustainable Growth: Focus on building your business steadily rather than expecting quick wins.
3. Breathe: To me, there’s nothing more rewarding than business ownership. However, that’s not to say there won’t be bad days or moments of panic. To succeed in the long run, I encourage folks to work not just on the technical side of their business but also on their personal resilience. During the tough days, find a way to mentally and emotionally reset that works for you.

Embarking on a franchise venture is a balancing act between maintaining your enthusiasm and managing the realities of business ownership. By staying informed, planning carefully, and seeking the right support, you can navigate these challenges and set the stage for a rewarding journey in franchise ownership.