The number one reason any prospective entrepreneur considers franchising is franchise support.

The ability to have an experienced operator who not only knows the sector but the systems you employ in your corner is invaluable. But how do you know you’re getting what you’re entitled to?

Franchise support relates to a host of initiatives, structures and processes that make the on-boarding, training and operation of your business more streamlined.

In some cases, franchise support will be hands-on, with training workshops provided and one-on-one coaching, however this is not entirely true of every model.

Your chosen franchise will have a range of different franchise support structures in place to help you run a successful business. If you’re in the early stages of your search, it is critical that you assess the franchise support that a prospective franchisor is willing to provide.

What they are willing to offer could make or break your business before you even get started, so it’s important to watch out for the signs of a supportive franchisor.

1. Willing disclosure

First and foremost, a franchisor should be willing to offer you extensive information relating to the proposed franchise opportunity.

Under the Franchising Code of Conduct, franchisors are required to provide the details of existing and former franchisees in their disclosure document. Check that the document that they have provided is up to date and contains this information.

It is critical that you speak to the franchisee network as part of your due diligence process. Any franchisor that is unwilling to provide this information is not only suspicious, but more than likely non-compliant.

2. Extensive training programs

A number of new franchisees enter a business with little to no experience in their chosen industry. One of the key benefits of operating a franchise is the extensive support and training that new franchisees receive upon commencement.

A detailed and immersive training program is sure-fire sign of business that is committed to its partners.

Take café-franchise Muffin Break for example. Many of the chain’s franchisees come from varying backgrounds, meaning barista, customer service and business training is essential to their success.

Muffin Break franchisee Gayle Purdue was formerly a teacher before making the jump to café franchisee. She said the training she received not only helped her to become a better business owner, but also alleviate her apprehensions moving forward.

“Being a teacher, it’s completely different from running a business, but from the second we arrived at our training, it was amazing,” she said.

“I did three weeks in head office and then a week in the training store. There was never a second where I felt like it was overwhelming because they were right there, and they made us feel so amazing.”

3. Marketing franchise support

Of all the aspects that new franchisees struggle with, the most common concerns relate to marketing.

However, it’s not something that you can choose to ignore. A strong franchisor will provide marketing franchise support from outset and throughout.

This could come in the form of television and radio advertising, eDM campaigns, flyers are other localised marketing franchise support efforts.

It’s important to ask for a detailed rundown of your proposed franchise’s marketing campaigns and initiatives. In most cases, you will pay a marketing levy for this support.

4. Field manager

Once the business is up and running, support takes on less of a hands-on approach, and should instead transition into an over-arching guidance phase.

This is where field support managers come in handy. These are agents that are there to provide business advice and check in on your growth and operation as you continue.

Marty Mason, regional manager for Bakers Delight said the role of a field support manager is to not only boost your business, but also to bridge the gap between franchisor and franchisee.

“To begin building a successful working relationship, one of the best things a franchisee can do is establish open communication with their field manager,” he said.

“Be open and honest and notify them of everything you are doing, particularly anything you feel you are not doing well. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of a franchisee allows the field manager to identify opportunities for improvement, develop practical solutions and effectively work with the franchisee and their team to execute them.”

Franchise support

Understanding what you are entitled to is a key component of the due diligence process.

Franchise support structures are there to help you get started and achieve profitability more efficiently. As a franchisee, you must take advantage of what’s on offer.

In your early discussions with a prospective franchisor, don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions and really get a grip on what you can expect. It’s your future after all!