Insights by bill beckham
— A 27-year finance exec, franchise owner, and founder of Franchise Clarity. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you invest…
5 Due diligence mistakes that cost franchisees thousands
Franchising can look like a “safer bet” than starting from scratch. But every year, smart people still lose money because they rushed through due diligence or trusted the wrong person. This article provides an overview of five common mistakes I see over and over again — and how to avoid them.
How Franchise Fees (really) work - and who benefits most
The franchise fee is often described as covering training, onboarding, and the right to use the brand. But here’s the problem: The franchisor earns this fee whether you succeed or fail.
Franchise or Founder: Choosing the Right Path After Corporate Life
After a layoff or a long career in corporate life, the idea of becoming your own boss can feel both thrilling and terrifying.
For many executives, the word “entrepreneur” starts showing up more often — in conversations, in LinkedIn posts, and in late-night Google searches.
And at some point, two paths come into view:
Start something from scratch... or buy a franchise.
Why the FDD Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is meant to protect buyers. It’s long. It’s legally required. It looks official.
But here’s the truth: The FDD is a starting point, not the full story.
Franchise Validation Calls: What to Ask and What You’re Not Being Told
Validation calls might be the most important — and underutilized — step in your due diligence process.
They’re your chance to speak directly with current franchisees. But not all validation calls are created equal.