Evaluating the mindboggling array of franchising opportunities is a daunting task. Franchises are available in almost all business categories imaginable – from fitness clubs to fast food outlets, dental equipment repair to doggie doo-doo cleanup, and elder care to employment services.
With an estimated 3,500 different franchise businesses in the United States, there is a concept to fit most any category. Web sites such as the International Franchise Association’s www.franchise.org help potential business owners sift through the choices.
“It gets daunting and people end up getting confused,” said Bob Schmellick, a franchise consultant with FranChoice. “Everybody will ask me, ‘What is the hottest thing out there?’ I’ll tell them, ‘It all depends.’ They will wonder why I’m toying with them, but it all depends on what you see yourself doing.”