Why Franchise Consultants Matter More Than You Think

So you’re thinking about franchising your way to financial freedom. You’re excited, maybe even a little nervous. Then someone says, “You should talk to a franchise consultant,” and instantly your guard goes up. Great, you think. Another person trying to take my money to tell me what I could’ve Googled.

Cue the eye roll.

But let’s stop right there because the truth is, you’re not reading this by accident. Whether you call it divine timing, intuition, or just plain luck, something brought you here for a reason.In this blog, we’re going to pull back the curtain on “what does a franchise consultant do?”. If you’re overwhelmed by choices, worried about scams, or just don’t know where to begin, this is the post you need to read because what you don’t know can cost you.

What Is a Franchise Consultant, Really?

A franchise consultant is not someone who takes your money and disappears. In fact, you don’t even pay them. Franchise consultants (also called franchise brokers) are like matchmakers for business ownership. They work with people who want to own a business but don’t know where to start. They help narrow down your choices based on your lifestyle, budget, goals, and skills.

Think of them as your franchise GPS saving you time, helping you avoid shady deals, and guiding you toward businesses with real potential. According to the International Franchise Association, over 4,000 franchise brands exist in the U.S. alone. Picking one on your own? Yikes. That’s like playing darts blindfolded.

What Exactly Do They Do?

Here’s what a good franchise consultant does:

• They ask you smart questions – Your background, financials, and lifestyle goals all matter.
  
• They do the research – Instead of you scrolling for hours, they give you vetted options.
  
• They connect you with the right people – Found a franchise you like? They’ll link you to the brand reps and even help with financing introductions.
  
• They guide you every step of the way – From exploring franchise opportunities to Discovery Day you’ll be supported at every step. When it’s time to sign the dotted line, you’ll do so with confidence, knowing you’ve had a guide throughout the journey.

This isn’t guesswork. Franchise consultants often have access to franchise data the general public doesn’t include failure rates, financial performance, and more.

Common Misconceptions About Franchise Consultants

Let’s clear a few things up:

“They cost a lot of money”  - Nope. Most are paid by the franchisor, not you.

“They push any franchise for a quick buck” - Not if they’re good. A reputable consultant only gets paid if a match works out and they care about long-term success.

“They’re not necessary” - That’s like saying you don’t need a map when you’re driving in a new city. Sure, you might eventually get there… but at what cost, and how many wrong turns?

Why Going Solo Can Be a Bad Idea

I might seem empowering but going solo might lead to costly mistakes. Many people invest in franchises that seem great on the surface but lack proper support, causing financial strain. Research by Entrepreneur shows that franchises with lower initial investments have a failure rate of 9.3%, nearly double that of higher-investment ones (entrepreneur.com).

Additionally, the SBA reports that 45% of new businesses fail within five years (franchisematch.com). The survival rate for new businesses declines over time: 70% survive their first two years, 50% make it to five years, and only 30% are still around after ten years (clearlypayment.com).

From Tamika’s POV: How I Can Help You

Hey, I’m Tamika Franklyn, a franchise broker and consultant who’s helped many aspiring business owners find the right fit. And I don’t just mean helping them pick a franchise, I mean helping them avoid major regrets. I know the fears. The fear of wasting money. The fear of choosing wrong. The fear of stepping into a business that ends up draining the very freedom you were trying to create. I can already sense it a mile away. 

That’s exactly why I wrote Your Franchise Road Map: From Discovery to Decision. It’s the guide I wish every future franchise owner had in their hands, because making the right decision starts with the right information.

I've had people book a call with me, listen, say they’ll “think about it,” and then go silent. And that’s okay we all have free will. But I’ve also had many of those same people come back later, frustrated and overwhelmed, wishing they had someone to guide them before things got hard.

That’s what I’m here for.

I don’t charge for my services because this isn’t about sales, it’s about support. This is your moment. Let’s talk!