Potential franchisees should read this article from Robert Purvin on Franchising Myth One: Franchises are Safe Investments. In the article, Purvin discusses how franchises and independent businesses fail at roughly the same rate (something discussed at length in several of my blog posts).

It’s critical that prospective franchisees understand that buying a franchise will not automatically increase your chances of success. I hear time and time again from people about how franchises have a "system" and "they will help me with marketing and getting customers". It’s not always the case. 

Purvin gives some good advice to help avoid mistakes when deciding whether to buy a franchise operation:

When you and your franchise attorney are reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document, don’t limit your investigation to the closure rates. Look at the profitability of each location, especially those that serve in markets similar to yours. Do your due diligence and speak with current and past franchisees. Ask them direct questions about their profitability. It is especially critical to talk to past franchise owners and to ask them why they left the franchise. If you get any sense that the franchisees had trouble making a profit, then think very carefully before moving ahead.

Most importantly, insist that your prospective franchisor provide you with sufficient data to evaluate the profitability of the business. Limit your search to franchisors that make financial performance representations (formerly called ‘earnings claims’). There are many franchise opportunities available that are able to authentically boast high rates of success and profitability. These tend to be the top tier franchisors that require the highest investments and strictly limit their franchisee pool. As you go down the rungs of the franchising ladder to less well-known brands, new franchisors, and those with very low rates of entry, the risks typically grow.

Understanding that buying a franchise, just like starting any business, carries significant risk is the first step. You could lose your money. I see it happen to franchisees frequently. Be sure to approach buying a franchise just like it was your very own. Because in the end it will be up to you, not the system, to make it successful.