How it works
The Vantage Point Process
OVERVIEW
While we serve the franchisors and they pay us, at Vantage Point, our process ultimately focuses on YOU. We do not charge you. We are committed to helping YOU achieve or at a minimum move significantly closer to your goals. To do that, we need to know what YOU want, YOUR lifestyle, YOUR ambitions, and what you are qualified to do. My personal experience suggests that simply taking that first step makes things happen. At Vantage Point, we are here to make things happen with and for YOU.
HERE IS HOW WE DO IT
CONTACT
Our services cost you nothing. Franchise companies retain us to acquire qualified candidates who can successfully work in their system.
THE FIRST STEP
The first step is contact. If we do not talk, I cannot help you. Regardless of how close you are to achieving financial success, we will work through your next steps together. My wife and I started with $285 when we married. Yes, that is two hundred and eighty-five dollars in net worth. If you don’t take the first step today, you will be in the same place next year at this time, as you are right now
THE STARTING POINT – INFORMATION
After our conversation, if we are still interested in working together, I’ll ask you to fill out a confidential information form.
TO SUBMIT OR NOT TO SUBMIT
Your first decision was to talk with me on the phone or in person. Now, you’re faced with a second decision. Should you submit? Only after you have submitted the information form can we start working toward your dream. No rush. When you have submitted the form, I will contact you. Together, you and I will verify your information. We will also discuss your interests, dreams, and what you like about the franchise concept. I need to understand who you are, your skills, and your goals.
MY GOAL
My goal is to put YOU on the path toward YOUR GOAL. The ultimate target of any reputable franchise consultant or franchise is not to "sell" a franchise to just anyone willing and able to buy their brand but to have a franchisor "award" a franchise to a candidate who is highly qualified and will thrive in the operation of their business model. Ensuring this alignment and compatibility is imperative. In the end, YOUR success is their success! For me, it is important to ensure YOU are well on the way toward YOUR goal.
EVALUATION AND EDUCATION
I will listen to your motivation and qualifications and then start your education and introduction to respective Franchises and their systems. You will gain valuable knowledge on each type of business model. Keep an open mind, evaluate all the business models, compare and contrast them, and be careful not to discount any single business or business model until you have all the information. Learning the numbers, both in regards to finances and the full extent of the required time commitment, and examining the operation of a business is likely to reveal some impressive potential you may initially overlook.
THE FRANCHISE
Once YOU and I are focused on a type of company and their system, and once YOU and I have identified one or two compatible franchises that can help YOU toward YOUR goals, I will work to get you an interview with the franchise’s development representative. Once I secure you an interview with the franchise, you will meet a development representative. The development representative will probably take you through an abbreviated version of what you and I have been through. Then, if you meet the franchise’s criteria, the rep will give you an FDD. What is an FDD? Read on!
THE FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENTS (FDD)
Once you have received an FDD from a franchisor, I strongly advise you to thoroughly examine the FDD’s contents and seek answers to all questions you have. In most cases, the development rep will readily assist you in finding the answers to your questions and will probably give you some insight into the franchisor’s plans. The FDD should contain a list of franchisees and their contact information. You must speak with some franchisees. Talking with them will help you gain an understanding of what it's like to operate a franchise unit in their system. Learn more about the FDD here.
CALL FRANCHISEES
I highly recommend that you speak to at least five franchisees, both existing and past, and ask the right questions. I will supply you with a list of questions to assist in this process. For you, this is a great opportunity to learn invaluable information from those with experience working with a franchisor that you are entrusting with building your future. Take the time to validate the franchise opportunity and get an idea about the profitability of the franchises and how the particular franchisor facilitates achieving YOUR future success and living the life YOU want to live.
CONSULT WITH ATTORNEY AND ACCOUNTANT
I cannot overemphasize the importance of consulting with a competent attorney and/or accountant who understands franchises before making any purchase. Both professionals must have a background in franchising to ensure you are fully covered and benefited. If you don't already have these professionals in place, I can make recommendations.
DISCOVERY DAY
Most franchisors have a Discovery Day, which is a day when they invite prospective franchise partners. Often, the day is at company headquarters. Sometimes it is at a specific franchise location. On this day, you will likely get to meet the staff that will be supporting you in the operation of your franchise business.
THE FIRST OF MANY BIG DECISIONS
If you have made it this far and made it through all the previous steps, it is time for you to make a decision. Should you choose to own the franchise, that is a good thing. If YOU would like to back up a little, we can do that too. Either way, I will offer earnest guidance so you can be confident you have made a big decision.
BACK AGAIN?
If you are back again, having decided not to become part of the franchise team, it is a little rare, but I’m glad to see you again.
GOING FORWARD
When you have taken the leap, you will know you have taken the necessary steps towards controlling YOUR life by owning YOUR business!
PLEASE CHECK-IN
To settle in and acclimate, it usually takes approximately forty months. Please, check-in with me. By then, we will be able to share stories and experiences. Also, if you run into real struggles, please call me. I have been through business-building several times and might be able to help you through the issue.
MY DISCLOSURE
This website and the information contained herein do not constitute the offer or sale of a franchise. Only a franchisor can offer you anything more than consultation. Several states require the registration of the company’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before the franchisor can advertise or offer the franchise in that state. The franchises listed on my website and/or franchises we discuss may not be registered in all registration states and may not offer franchises to residents of those states or to persons wishing to locate a franchise in those states. The offer and sale of a franchise can only be made through the delivery and receipt of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Vantage Point Franchise Consultants and More is not an agent, employee, representative, or other franchise proxy introduced to you. I am an Independent Contractor, introducing prospective buyers to sellers of franchises.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Many Franchisors disclose earnings claims in their disclosure documents, including their FDDs. Some claims are formal (FDD) and others are antidotal. Vantage Point Franchise Consultants and More does not enter into discussions of earnings claims. Any earning claims information must come directly from franchise representatives.
Buying a franchise is a complicated investment. Take your time to decide, and personally visit the headquarters of the company in which you decide to invest your future. Common sense decisions in all investments are good sense. Consult with someone, an attorney and/or accountant, to understand what the fine print means.
The Federal Trade Commission regulates the sale of franchises. The FTC has a very user-friendly website, www.FTC.gov. Use it.
Your state may also have laws regarding franchises. Ask your state consumer affairs agencies about them. Use them and see what you discover regarding the franchise you are considering.
The Better Business Bureau is another good source of information. www.BBB.org will put you in touch with both local BBB offices and the national BBB office.
You alone are responsible for researching the franchise you purchase.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Vantage Point Franchise Consultants and More is paid a finder's fee or commission by the seller if you elect to purchase a business from a company we introduce you to.
Vantage Point Franchise Consultants and More has not checked the accuracy of the written or website information provided by the seller and assumes no responsibility for the acts, errors, or omissions of the seller, or the outcome of any transaction.
Vantage Point Franchise Consultants and More is not qualified to advise in any part of the purchase of a franchise. You are urged to seek professional advice from a qualified franchise attorney, accountant, or another qualified resource. Remember to do your due diligence, but do get out there and find your dream!
Are YOU ready?
Gib Stewart
Vantage Point Franchise Consultants and More LLC an Affiliate of Business Alliance, Inc.
Disclosure: Roland Gibson Stewart, Vantage Point Franchise Consultants and More LLC, rgsRealEstateconsultantsLLC.
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