How much does it cost to work with a franchise broker?

Working with Revolution Franchise Brokers is 100% free to you. We are compensated by the franchisor only after you successfully open your franchise, so there is no cost or obligation to use our services.

What states do you serve?

Revolution Franchise Brokers serves entrepreneurs in all 50 U.S. states. We work with candidates nationwide to find the right franchise opportunity regardless of location.

What types of franchises do you work with?

We work with franchises across many categories including home services, health and wellness, business services, senior care, fitness, pet services, education, technology, and more. Every franchise we present has passed our proprietary grading system.

How do I know if I'm a good fit for franchise ownership?

Take our free Entrepreneurial Traits Assessment at revfran.com/assessment to find out. It evaluates your leadership style, risk tolerance, financial goals, and work preferences to identify the best franchise types for your profile.

What is a franchise broker?

A franchise broker, also called a franchise consultant, is a professional who helps prospective business owners navigate the process of finding and buying a franchise. Like a real estate agent, a franchise broker represents your interests and is paid by the franchisor — so the service is free to you.

Complete Guide

How to Buy a Franchise: The Complete 7-Step Guide

Buying a franchise is one of the most proven paths to business ownership — but it's a significant investment and the process can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through every step, from assessing your goals to signing the agreement and launching your business. Whether you're spending $50K or $500K, the process is the same.

Get Free Guidance Take the Assessment

Step 1: Self-Assessment & Goal Setting

Before looking at franchises, you need to understand your own goals, budget, risk tolerance, and lifestyle preferences. Are you looking for a semi-passive investment or an owner-operator business? Do you want to keep your day job? What's your available capital? Take our free Entrepreneurial Traits Assessment to identify the franchise types that match your personality and goals.

Step 2: Set Your Budget & Explore Financing

Determine your total available capital — including liquid funds, home equity, retirement accounts, and borrowing capacity. Then explore financing options: SBA 7(a) loans (up to 90% financing for qualified franchises), Rollovers for Business Start-ups (ROBS) using 401(k)/IRA funds without penalties, conventional bank loans, and franchisor in-house financing. The FDD Item 7 (Estimated Initial Investment) will show you the full cost breakdown for each franchise.

Step 3: Research Industries & Request FDDs

Identify 3-5 franchise categories that align with your goals and budget. Request the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) from each franchisor — they're required by law to provide it. Focus on Item 7 (total investment), Item 19 (financial performance representation — not all franchises provide this, and its absence is a red flag), Item 20 (franchisee turnover statistics), and Items 3-4 (litigation and bankruptcy history).

Step 4: Validate with Existing Franchisees

The FDD includes a list of current and former franchisees (Item 20). Call at least 5-10 of them. Ask about their actual revenue, time to break even, support quality, hidden costs, and whether they'd do it again. This is the single most valuable step in franchise due diligence — franchisees will tell you what the franchisor's marketing materials won't.

Step 5: Attend Discovery Day

Once you've narrowed to 1-2 franchises, attend Discovery Day at the franchisor's headquarters. You'll meet the leadership team, see the operations, and ask final questions. The franchisor is also evaluating you — they want committed, capable franchisees who will protect their brand. Come prepared with questions and be ready to make a decision.

Step 6: Secure Financing & Review the Agreement

With a Discovery Day decision made, finalize your financing. If using an SBA loan, the franchise must be on the SBA Franchise Registry (your broker can check this). Have a franchise attorney review the franchise agreement — this is not optional. The attorney will flag any concerning terms around territory, renewal rights, transfer restrictions, and exit clauses.

Step 7: Sign, Train & Launch

Sign the franchise agreement, pay the franchise fee, and begin the franchisor's training program (typically 1-4 weeks at headquarters). Then build out your location (or set up your home-based operation), hire your initial team, and launch. Most franchisors provide a field representative to support you through opening. Your franchise broker remains available throughout for guidance.

Due Diligence

Key FDD Items to Review

Item 7

Estimated Initial Investment

The total cost to open, including franchise fee, equipment, real estate, inventory, and working capital for the first 3 months.

Item 19

Financial Performance Representation

Revenue and profit data from existing franchisees. Not all franchisors provide this — and its absence is worth questioning.

Item 20

Outlets & Franchisee Information

Lists all current and former franchisees, including transfers, terminations, and non-renewals. High turnover is a red flag.

Items 3-4

Litigation & Bankruptcy

Any lawsuits involving the franchisor or its executives. Some litigation is normal; a pattern of franchisee lawsuits is not.

Want to learn more about the FDD? Read our complete guide to understanding the FDD.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to buy a franchise?

The total cost to buy a franchise ranges from as low as $10,000 for low-cost home-based businesses to over $2 million for restaurant and hotel franchises. Most fall between $100,000 and $500,000. This includes the franchise fee, buildout, equipment, inventory, and working capital. Your franchise broker can help you find opportunities that match your budget.

How long does it take to buy a franchise?

The typical timeline from initial research to signing a franchise agreement is 30 to 90 days. This includes strategy sessions, franchise research, FDD review, franchisee validation calls, Discovery Day, and financing. Some candidates move faster, others take longer — the right timeline depends on your comfort level and due diligence process.

What is an FDD and why is it important?

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal document that franchisors must provide to prospective franchisees. It contains 23 items of information including the franchise fee, total investment, financial performance representations (Item 19), franchisee obligations, and litigation history. Reviewing the FDD is a critical step in franchise due diligence.

Can I buy a franchise with no money down?

While you typically need some liquid capital to buy a franchise, there are financing options that require less upfront than you might think. SBA 7(a) loans can cover up to 90% of the cost, Rollovers for Business Start-ups (ROBS) let you use retirement funds without penalties, and some franchisors offer in-house financing. Your franchise broker can help you explore all options.

What is Discovery Day?

Discovery Day is when you visit the franchisor's headquarters to meet the leadership team, see the operations firsthand, and ask final questions. It typically happens near the end of the buying process, after you've reviewed the FDD and spoken with existing franchisees. Both you and the franchisor use this day to decide if it's a mutual fit before signing.

Do I need a franchise broker to buy a franchise?

No, you can buy a franchise directly from the franchisor. However, using a franchise broker is free (the franchisor pays), gives you access to vetted opportunities, and provides an advocate who helps you navigate the process. Many candidates find that a broker saves them months of research and helps them avoid costly mistakes.

Ready to Start Buying a Franchise?

Don't navigate this process alone. Book a free strategy session and we'll guide you through every step — from assessing your goals to reviewing FDDs and attending Discovery Day. All at no cost to you.

Book a Free Strategy Session