A franchise gives you a brand and a system in exchange for fees and rules. An independent business gives you full control and full responsibility. Neither is better for everyone — it depends on your experience, your money and how much you want to decide yourself.
What a franchise gives you
- A known brand, a tested way of running the business, training and support.
- Often help with suppliers, marketing and software.
What it costs you
- An upfront franchise fee and, usually, ongoing royalties and marketing fees — each franchisor sets its own.
- Rules about how you run the business, what you sell, where you can work and how you can sell it later.
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- Under the FTC's Franchise Rule, a franchisor must give you its Franchise Disclosure Document at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money — see the FTC's Franchise Rule guide.
- Read every item, especially the fees, the litigation history, the list of current and former franchisees (call some of them) and, if it is given, the financial performance item.
Independent: buy one or start one
- Buying an existing independent business gets you customers and revenue from day one — check them with our due-diligence checklist.
- Starting from scratch costs least up front but takes longest to earn; a ready-made or turnkey business sits in between.
Questions to ask yourself
- Do I know this trade, or do I need the training and system a franchise offers?
- How much can I invest, including working capital for the first months?
- Will I be happy following someone else's rules for years?
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More guides
- Buying a Small Business: a Due-Diligence Checklist
- How to Sell a Small Service Business
- Buying a Cleaning Business: What to Check
- Buying a Landscaping or Lawn Care Business: What to Check
- Buying an HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical or Home Services Business
- Turnkey and Ready-Made Businesses: What You Get and What to Check
- How a Small Business Is Valued: Earnings, Multiples and Asking Prices
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Last updated October 13, 2026.