Looking at FTC cases against franchisors can also give you some insight into potential red flags to look for. You can find cases, settlement decisions, etc. right on the FTC website.

I would start with the Better Business Bureau. http://www.bbb.org/ For additonal information, feel free to contact me at Chyrell.English@leadtransllc.com Message Edited by NicoleD on 12-21-2009 08:05 AM

Fortunately for you, there are a ton of great online resources for the franchise-curious. I would suggest however, that you do a lot of your due diligence about the business up front and before you make any commitments, seek the advice of an attorney that specializes in franchising (FDD's & Franchise documants can be a minefield to navigate without professional advice). It may cost you a few bucks upfront, but it sure beats the alternatives. Good luck in your venture! -t

Would also suggest that you call other franchisees - both past and present and get their take on it. Like how much the franchise helps you - how customers rate your products or service and what they did to succeed. You can also do an informal fessibility study in your market. Get out and talk to potential customers and see if they would be willing to buy your offerings. You don't have to sell them now - just see if they would be interested.

Thank you phanio, LocationIsland, and LeadTrans for your input! mgallant- Have these suggestions been helpful?

mgallant, Where are you planning to open your franchise? What kind of franchise are you looking into? Here is some information about: Researching a Franchise Investigating a Franchise Buying a Franchise* *Links to a non-governmental website

Hi, Great question! The internet has provided us with many, many resources to learn about things that we're interested in. Sometimes, it's overwhelming. Start here; You. Start with you, first. What are you really good at? Are your skills a nice match for the opportunity? Why windshielfd repair? Is it because it's a low-cost business? That may not be a good reason, if you can't make any money doing it. I'm not saying that it's a bad business. Just make sure you can reach your short and long term goals if you decide to do it. Research-wise, here's a shameless plug. Go here- www.FranchiseResearchSteps.com Best of luck! Joel Libava -- Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:'Table Normal'; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:''; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:'Table Normal'; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:''; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices. Message Edited by NicoleD on 01-22-2010 01:28 PM

I looking into opening a windshield repair & replace business.It will be in Baton Rouge LA. and surrounding areas.

Thank all of you very much you have given me alot of good information I hope you all have a merry Christmas and a tremendous new year!!!!!!!!