Many people dream of opening their own business and being their own boss. But it’s daunting—where do you find the cash? How do you manage employees? Where is the best place to site a store or facility? How do you avoid the rookie mistakes? 

Buying a franchise can help take some of the fear out of starting a business from scratch. After all, the franchisor supposedly has a “proven” model for business success, and many will help with financing. What’s more, nowadays there is a franchise concept to fit anyone’s tastes: restaurants, accounting services, tutoring, coaching, elder care, party planning, cleaning, and thousands more. Yet as How to Buy a Franchise: A Comprehensive Guide to Due Diligence shows, there are many hidden risks and dangers in buying a franchise, and it’s essential you know what they are. Failing to understand these risks and to investigate a franchise properly before you buy can turn your American dream into a nightmare.

How to Buy a Franchise offers a practical system you can use to undertake a thorough investigation of any franchise opportunity. Written by attorney Jonathan E. Fortman, who specializes in advising clients on franchise acquisition, the book takes you step by step through the due diligence process. It covers:

• How to find a franchise opportunity that fits your personality and goals.
• Questions to ask franchisors and other franchisees
• Understanding the legal documents franchisors want you to sign
• Your true earnings potential with a franchise
• How to get off on the right foot with your franchise   

How to Buy a Franchise will help take the emotion and excitement of becoming your own boss out of the equation so that you do not end up buying on impulse or ignoring warning signs. With a clear-eyed view of the franchise opportunity, your chances of business success rise and you will be much more likely to live your entrepreneurial dream.