Do you want to open your own business? Entrepreneurship can be a lucrative career that aligns with your values. However, owning your own business can come with big decisions from the start, like choosing between buying a franchise or starting from scratch. Understanding the differences between your own franchise vs own business can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your entrepreneurial vision, resources, and risk appetite.

Franchise vs Own Business: The Basics

When you buy a franchise, you’re purchasing the right to use an established brand’s name, products, and business model. Franchises offer a structured business model along with support in areas like training, marketing, and operations. On the other hand, starting your own business means building everything from the ground up, giving you freedom but also requiring you to handle every aspect of the business.

Pros and Cons of Franchising

Pros:

  • Proven Business Model: Franchises offer a business model that has been tested in markets across the country. Having this blueprint can reduce the guesswork and many of the risks associated with starting a business.
  • Brand Recognition: As a franchise owner, you benefit from the brand’s established reputation and customer base. Some customers may already know your brand from other locations. This recognition can be worth its weight in gold.
  • Support and Training: Franchisors provide extensive training and ongoing support, helping you navigate how to become a franchise owner successfully. Franchises can help you with site selection, marketing, operations, ongoing training, and so much more. This is a huge benefit compared to opening your own business. With a franchise, you have a team behind you rooting and working for your success.

Cons:

  • Initial Investment: Franchising fees can be substantial, though they cover the cost of entry into a proven business. Starting a business from scratch also comes with costs and fees.
  • More Guideline: Franchise owners must adhere to the franchisor’s rules and guidelines to follow the proven business model.

Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own Business

Pros:

  • Complete Control: You have the freedom to make all decisions, from branding to daily operations. For some, this can seem really overwhelming. In an instant, you have to be a pro at accounting, investing, operations, marketing, and recruiting. There’s a reason these are full businesses in themselves—one person can hardly do it all.
  • Unlimited Creative Freedom: Your business can be a true reflection of your personal vision and creativity.
  • Profit Potential: All profits go to you, without the need to pay franchising fees or royalties. It can take more than a year to make a profit, and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows 50% of small businesses fail after 5 years.

Cons:

  • Higher Risk: Without an established brand or support system, the risk of failure can be higher (see the stat above).
  • Responsibility: While freedom can be a pro, the responsibility that likely comes with it can be a big con. You’re responsible for every aspect of the business, from the initial concept to daily operations and troubleshooting.

Franchise vs Own Business: Risk, Difficulty, and Profit Potential

The decision to start from scratch or open a franchise also hinges on your risk tolerance, the difficulty level you’re prepared to handle, and the profit potential you aim to achieve. Let’s break down the difference:

  • Risk: Starting your own business often carries higher risk due to the lack of established brand recognition and tested systems. Franchises, with their proven business models and ongoing support, generally offer a safer investment. A recent study found that more than 91% of franchises were still in business after two years, and 85% were open after five years.
  • Difficulty: Franchises remove much of the guesswork in starting a business, providing a roadmap to follow. Starting your own business requires more groundwork and a steep learning curve but offers unparalleled autonomy.
  • Profit Potential: While starting your own business has unlimited profit potential, it also comes with greater financial uncertainty. Franchises can offer more predictable, stable earnings and require ongoing royalty payments.

Deciding What’s Right for You

To decide which path is right for you in the franchise vs own business debate, consider your personal goals, industry knowledge, and financial capacity. Assess your willingness to follow a prescribed business model versus your desire to create a business from scratch. Reflect on the level of risk you’re comfortable with and the amount of support you’ll need. Before investing in a franchise, it is important to study the franchise disclosure document (FDD). This document will paint a picture of the fees and potential earnings you will have as a franchisee.

Own a Franchise with CareBuilders at Home

If the structured support, proven business model, and brand recognition of a franchise appeal to you, becoming a CareBuilders at Home franchise owner could be the perfect fit. We’re looking for compassionate entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in their community by caring for others. We offer a unique opportunity in the growing senior care industry. We make sure your market can is appropriate for our service. In addition, we provide comprehensive training, public relations support, and a proven business model to set you up for success.

If you’re torn between opening a franchise or your own business, we make your choice easy. CareBuilders at Home franchise ownership is not just a business opportunity; it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in your community. Request information today to open your own franchise.