Updated September 2025
Buying a franchise is a great option for aspiring business owners who don’t want to start from scratch. If you’re thinking about franchise ownership, you might be wondering how long it takes to start one from the initial inquiry to the opening day. It’s impossible to give an exact amount of time because there are too many variables. However, the fastest possible scenario for a franchise with streamlined processes is 3-6 months while a more extended timeline is more than a year. Let’s explore the various factors and outline what a typical timeline would look like.
First, let’s answer some common questions about how long it takes to open a franchise business. Then, we’ll explore various factors that affect opening a franchise and outline what a typical timeline would look like.
Frequently Asked Questions About Opening a Franchise
How long does it usually take after signing the agreement?
Most franchisees open within 3–12 months after signing. Service-based franchises without a storefront can be up and running in just a few months, while restaurants and retail concepts often take closer to a year because of build-outs and inspections.
How can financing delays affect my timeline?
Financing is one of the biggest slowdowns. Waiting for SBA loan approvals, gathering financial documents, or negotiating terms can add weeks or months. Pre-qualifying early helps keep your timeline on track.
Which industries typically open faster—and why?
Home-based and mobile franchises (like tutoring or education, cleaning, or consulting) launch fastest since they don’t require real estate or construction. Restaurants, gyms, and retail stores take longer due to site build-outs, permits, and equipment installation.
Do I need all the money upfront to buy a franchise?
No. While the initial franchise fee is due upfront, many franchisees finance equipment, build-outs, and working capital. SBA loans, retirement rollovers (ROBS), and franchise-specific lending programs are common ways to spread out costs.
What steps speed up the process the most?
- Get financially pre-approved before applying.
- Hire a franchise attorney and accountant early.
- Read the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) right away.
- Respond quickly to requests from the franchisor.
Prepared candidates often shave months off their timeline.
Can I run a franchise from home, and does that shorten the process?
Yes—many home-based franchises allow you to skip site selection and build-out entirely. This can cut the process down to just a few months, making it one of the fastest ways to get started.
Does prior industry experience make the process faster?
Absolutely. Owners with relevant experience often move through training more quickly, make faster site decisions, and ramp up operations with less hand-holding from the franchisor.
3 Factors That Can Affect Opening Time
The time it takes to buy a franchise will depend on each franchise and the individual purchasing it. Franchises have different systems and location requirements, which will affect the time it takes to get up and running. Additionally, not everyone is ready to buy one at the time of inquiry, making the process longer for some and shorter for others.
#1 – Franchise Processes
Franchise training programs are generally designed to provide new franchisees with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully operate their franchise. Training covers topics such as product or service knowledge, operations, marketing, customer service, and any specific processes or systems unique to the franchise. Some franchise training programs may last only a few days, while others can extend for several weeks or even months.
Each franchise will also have a different site selection and approval process, some being more streamlined and efficient, while others may have a more thorough and time-consuming approach. Other factors that will affect this timeline include: market research, location availability, negotiations, and zoning and permits.
There are several legal and contractual requirements associated with buying a franchise, which is why it’s important to hire a franchise attorney to help you navigate the process. However, because each franchise is different, these legalities will affect the timeline for purchasing a franchise. Components include: negotiating and agreeing to the franchise agreement, conducting legal and financial due diligence, trademark and branding compliance, and more.
#2 – Location Considerations
Whether a franchise is going to be located in an urban or rural setting will also affect the opening time. For example, urban areas have a higher population density, which could increase the competition for prime locations. They will also likely have more extensive zoning regulations and permitting processes. In an urban area, market research and analysis will take more time because of the diverse population. Furthermore, real estate tends to be more expensive in urban areas, which could add time to lease negotiations and finalizing agreements. All of these factors will increase the time it takes to find a location in an urban setting. Conversely, it might be a little faster to find a location in a rural setting due to less competition, fewer regulations, a small local community, and lower costs.
#3 – Franchisee Preparedness
The more financially prepared an aspiring franchisee is to buy a franchise, the faster the process will go. Steps that will move more quickly if the franchisee is financially ready include:
- Site selection and lease negotiations
- Funding and capital acquisition (such as an SBA loan or other financing opportunity)
- Franchise fee payment
- Construction and location build-out
- Working capital
- Training and staffing
- Compliance with franchise financial requirements (such as net worth and liquid capital requirements)
- Resources for risk mitigation
- Hiring professional advisors to increase efficiency
In addition, a franchisee can be prepared with industry knowledge and experience to help the process for opening the franchise go faster. Reason for this include:
- Faster learning curve
- Efficient decision-making
- Streamlined site selection
- Effective marketing strategies
- Existing supplier relationships
- Regulatory compliance
- Efficient staff training
- Operational know-how
- Ability to mitigate risks
- Effective communication with the franchisor
A Typical Timeline for Buying a Franchise
While the timeline for opening a franchise will vary with each situation, the following is the general order of events when buying a franchise:
- Initial inquiry and research – This stage involves exploring franchise options, attending discovery days, and gathering information. This step can take anywhere from two to five months before making a decision. (Check out this video for an explanation).
- Application and approval process – This process involves submitting documentation, financial information, and potentially undergoing interviews.
- Site selection and negotiation – This part includes finding a suitable location, negotiating lease terms, and obtaining necessary approvals.
- Legal documentation and contracts – The legal process involves reviewing the franchise agreement and other legal documents.
- Training programs – Training often covers operations, marketing, and other relevant aspects. The timeline of this step depends on the complexity of the business and the franchisor’s training requirements.
- Build-out and construction – Timeline factors include obtaining permits and coordinating with contractors.
- Marketing and pre-opening activities – The process here includes marketing, hiring staff, and creating awareness in the local community.
- Grand opening – This is a one-day event marking the official launch of the franchise.
Besides the grand opening, which happens on a single day, each step above can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the factors listed.
Franchising vs. Starting a Business From Scratch
One of the biggest advantages of franchising is how it compares to launching a business on your own. When you start from scratch, the timeline to opening can stretch well beyond a year. That’s because entrepreneurs need to build everything themselves—developing a brand, creating marketing strategies, negotiating with vendors, testing products or services, and ironing out operational systems. Every step takes trial and error, which adds time and risk.
Franchising, on the other hand, offers a faster and more predictable path. Most franchises already have established vendors, training programs, proven business models, and marketing playbooks in place. Instead of spending months figuring things out, you’re following a roadmap that’s been tested across multiple locations. While it can still take 3–12 months to get a franchise up and running, the process comes with fewer unknowns and more structured support.
For many aspiring owners, this built-in efficiency is what makes franchising so appealing. It’s not just about reducing the risk—it’s also about accelerating the journey to business ownership. If getting to market faster matters to you, franchising could be the smarter path compared to starting from scratch.
Further reading: Why Is Branding An Important Part of a Successful Franchise?
Interested in Buying a Franchise Brand?
Are you thinking about buying a franchise? FranNet can help you get started. Our expert franchise consultants will not only work with you to find the right franchise to partner with, but they will guide you through the process from start to finish. You will get the resources and support you need to make an informed decision. At no cost to you, we will help you achieve the dream of business ownership. Schedule your free consultation today!
Further Reading – 12 Helpful Tips for New Franchise Owners