Franchise Training Programs – Everything You Need to Know

There are many reasons that franchising is an appealing option for prospective business owners. One unique advantage it offers is the opportunity to buy and run a business that already has an established brand and a proven business model. As a result, buying a franchise is often less risky and expensive than starting a brand new business from the ground up. 

In order to capitalize on this benefit, a franchise must effectively train its franchisees how to operate the business. While all franchises will provide some type of training, they are not all created equal. However, it’s in everyone’s best interests to ensure that franchisees are equipped to successfully run their business. Each training program will look different depending on the franchise, but if you’re considering franchise ownership, it’s important to make sure that a franchisor will provide training that will set you up for success. 

In this article, we’ll explore what to look for in franchise training programs, the various types of training provided, topics typically covered, and tips for choosing a franchise with robust training opportunities.

Why Brands Are Incentivized to Offer Training to Franchise Owners 

Perhaps it’s obvious that effective training will help a franchisee succeed, but here are a few specific benefits to franchise training: 

• Business unit and operations – Franchises can create a training program that equips their owners with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully replicate the franchise’s business unit and operations. 
• Tools and resources – Through the training process, franchises can introduce franchisees to available tools, resources, and support and how to effectively use them to run a successful franchise.
• Management skills – Franchise training gives franchisees the opportunity to develop management skills, which are essential to running a successful business. 
• Brand reputation – A franchise training program ensures that franchisees know how to consistently position the brand while building its reputation. 

Franchise training programs prepare franchisees with the skills for business ownership, which in turn motivates them to work to their fullest potential and build a thriving business.  

What is Included in Franchise Training?

While the specifics and duration of training will vary from franchise to franchise, all training programs will lay out the franchise’s business model and seek to develop the skills needed for operating that specific franchise. 

4 Main Types of Franchise Training  

Franchises typically offer a combination of the following types of training:  

1. Self-directed learning – This includes online training modules that a franchisee can complete before doing hands-on training with the franchise. In addition to the online component, a franchisee might need to study the franchise’s operational manuals and/or procedure handbooks as a prerequisite to further training. 
2. In-person training sessions – These are interactive workshops held at an onsite location, which is often the franchise’s headquarters. Franchises typically offer in-person training periodically throughout the year as new franchisees join the team. 
3. On-site training – This refers to the on-the-ground training for franchises that have a physical location. Either franchisees will receive hands-on training at their own location or there will be an opportunity to shadow the operations at an existing franchise location. 
4. Ongoing training (annual upskill training) – Having continual training opportunities ensures that franchisees are up-to-date on the latest technology, procedures, and brand developments. 

11 Topics That Should Be Included in Franchise Training  

The specific details of each training program will depend on each franchise, but generally, the following topics should be included: 

1. Marketing strategy and brand positioning – Franchisees need to understand how to use available marketing resources while ensuring they maintain a consistent brand image.  
2. Sales processes – A business is not profitable without sales. Franchisees not only need to know how to generate quality leads, but they must also be able to close deals.  
3. Technology and business systems – It’s essential that franchisees understand all of the systems that support daily operations. 
4. Customer experience management – Happy customers are a key element to a successful business. A franchisee should understand the best practices for interacting with customers and handling various situations that might come up. 
5. Bookkeeping – Franchisees must maintain accurate books and business records. Franchise training programs will equip them with the skills and resources to do so effectively.   
6. Compliance requirements – Franchises will inform franchisees of local compliance and regulatory requirements that a franchisee needs to adhere to.  
7. Choosing business location and lease negotiations – If a physical location is involved, a franchisee should understand the strategy behind choosing a profitable location as well as the basics for leasing a property for a business.   
8. Recruiting and managing employees – Not only does a franchise location need to recruit qualified employees, but it needs to retain them. Franchise training will inform franchisees of the best practices for hiring and managing employees. 
9. Purchasing equipment and maintaining supplies – Since most things are standardized in the franchise business, the training process will make it clear what equipment is needed and who to work with when buying business supplies.  
10. Operational fundamentals – In order to maintain consistency and maximize profitability, franchisees need to implement the best practices for operating and managing the franchise.   
11. Financial management – Knowing how to manage finances can make or break a business. Franchise training will teach franchisees how to budget and spend money so they can get the best ROI.

Tips to Help Determine if a Franchise Provides Good Training  

Are you wondering if the franchise you’re interested in buying offers quality training opportunities? Consider the following tips when evaluating different franchises: 

• Compare different franchise training programs – Don’t look at just one franchise when considering the training program. Evaluate at the scope of training offered, how long the initial training takes, and whether the training is short-term or long-term. Comparing multiple franchises will give you insights on which one provides better training opportunities. 
• Talk to existing franchisees – Speaking to those with personal experience is often the best resource. Find a few franchisees that have already been through the franchise training program and start with the following questions: 
• Were they able to effectively train their employment team? 
• Did they learn everything they needed during the training or was new information given to them as they progressed in the franchise ownership process? 
• Can they receive immediate assistance from the franchise when needed?  

Looking for Quality Franchise Training? – We Can Help

Are you considering franchise ownership but want to make sure you find a franchise that prioritizes your success and offers quality training? FranNet can help! You can browse hundreds of verified franchise brands available in your local market. At no cost to you, an expert franchise consultant will help you find the best fit. Don’t hesitate to schedule your free consultation today!