Why does a franchisor want my partner to attend one of its discovery day events with me?

Louise Harris writes:

Franchising, done well, is a balanced relationship between franchisee and franchisor. The franchisor has to decide if a franchisee has the skills, aptitude and attitude for the business - and if they’ll fit with the team. The franchisee has to decide if they have the interest, ability and enthusiasm, plus the skills, aptitude and attitude, and if the business will suit them and their lifestyle. Good franchisors will want to meet a partner, as running a business can be hard work. However much support is offered by a franchisor, partners are there for the long haul and their support day to day is equally as important.

The meeting also allows a prospective franchisee a second opinion from someone who knows them - warts and all. Franchisors find that partners are especially honest.

The ultimate goal is that all parties are as satisfied as possible that the franchise partnership is the right one for them.

Louise Harris is an experienced franchisor, having built and sold an award winning franchise. She is now franchise manager for easyStorage.