The Franchise Handbook: A Complete Guide to All Aspects of Buying, Selling or Investing in a Franchise [Paperback]

Atlantic Publishing Co (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2006

This book is a great resource for both prospective franchises and franchisors as it explains in detail what the franchise system entails and the precise benefits it offers to both parties.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishing Company (January 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0910627541
• ISBN-13: 978-0910627542
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #462,234 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > Business & Investing > Small Business & Entrepreneurship > Retail Businesses

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr. Franchise, Franchise Expert and Franchise Attorney Weighs In - . . . A Very Good Book, January 23, 2007

By 

Kevin Murphy (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Franchise Handbook: A Complete Guide to All Aspects of Buying, Selling or Investing in a Franchise (Paperback)

As a Franchise Expert and Franchise Attorney with over 30 years of experience in the franchise industry, as well as owning and operating a very successful franchise, I was asked by the publisher to review and edit the chapters of this book. They liked my input so much, I was then asked to write the forward. Most, but certainly not all, of my editorial comments-revisions were included in the published version. Most unfortunately, they elected not to include my comments about the misleading nature of franchise 'success' statistics and some other critical information. For additional details about buying a franchise not included in this book, feel free to visit the Franchise Foundations website at Franchise Foundations dot com. Peruse the "Buying A Franchise" and "Articles II' pages. These will provide additional information and resources to use in making an informed evaluation-investment decision. That being said, this book stands head and shoulders above anything else that's currently published for the general public - and I don't make a dime on the sales of this book. That's just a true statement of the value of this book by a franchise expert, franchise attorney and former franchise owner. Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D., Mr. Franchise

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Can't believe this book was highly rated!, August 23, 2010

By 

Rob MN - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Franchise Handbook: A Complete Guide to All Aspects of Buying, Selling or Investing in a Franchise (Paperback)

I have been doing a lot of reading about franchises and have purchased quite a few books on the subject. The Franchise Handbook was one of the least useful.

First of all, it it quite short (288 pages), and is VERY large print with a lot of extra "fluff" like pictures of people that add nothing to the content or value. The book would only be about 227 large-print pages without the "Franchising Resources" and glossary chapters. These two chapters are basically high-level listings that can easily be found on any of the internet's franchising websites for free.

Overall the chapters on franshising, planning, and being a franchisee seemed pretty superficial and didn't go into much detail. Another annoying point about the book was that it frequently referred to other high-priced books from Atlantic Publishing (the publisher of this book). While there is a forward by Kevin B. Murphy ("Mr. Franchise"), I could find no mention of an author anywhere in the book. Perhaps it is a poor attempt of a collaborative effort by staffers at Atlantic Publishing.

My advice is to buy "Franchising for Dummies" by Michael Seid. It is much more complete and useful, and also includes a CD-ROM with helpful forms and additional information.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Franchise Handbook covers all the bases., October 11, 2006

By 

L. Salazar - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Franchise Handbook: A Complete Guide to All Aspects of Buying, Selling or Investing in a Franchise (Paperback)

The Franchise Handbook contains a LOT, and I do mean a LOT, of information about franchise systems. Included are step-by-step guidelines regarding how to research possible franchise options including how to estimate start up costs and how to finance the franchise purchase. Of course, the information doesn't stop there; the book goes on to outline how to prepare financial statements, how to conduct a market analysis, and how to successfully choose a franchise location. All pivotal to franchise success or failure.

Then, the book goes beyond that. It offers additional strategies on how to hire and manage employees, purchase and manage supplies, protect your franchise territory, and then, when everything is going just the way it should, how to expand your operations. The book is proactive toward developing successful franchise and business practices. It has an unbiased view of the facts and even lists the pros and cons of selecting a franchise model business. Chapter 18 looks briefly at legal issues that affect franchise models and Chapter 19 offers a list of companies that offer franchises and franchising resources.

This book is a great starting point for building a level of independence by living the American dream and becoming your own boss at your own business. A definite must read!