Buying a franchise

Buying a franchise FAQs

• What is a franchise resale?

  A franchise resale is an existing franchise business for sale by its current owner. You’re not building something from scratch, you’re stepping into an operating business with trained staff, existing customers, and real financial history you can review before you commit.

• What’s the difference between buying an existing franchise and opening a new one?

  When you open a new franchise, you start with nothing but a brand and a plan. No customers, no revenue, no track record – just projections. An existing franchise for sale comes with all of that already in place. You can look at the real financial history and know what you’re actually buying. That changes the risk picture considerably.

• How do I find franchises for sale?

  Browse by state, brand, industry, or price range right here on our Exchange. We list hundreds of existing franchise businesses for sale across the US and Canada, updated continuously as new resales come to market. If you’d prefer a guided search, our franchise buying experts know the market well and won’t charge you for the conversation.

• How much do franchise resales typically cost?

  Prices vary widely – from under $50,000 for some home services or mobile franchises to several million for established multi-unit brands. Most listings on Franchise Flippers fall between $75,000 and $500,000. The asking price is based on cash flow, not just assets, so the financials matter more than the headline number.

• Can I finance a franchise resale?

  Yes. Most buyers use a combination of personal funds and a loan — SBA 7(a) loans are the most common route, and many lenders have franchise-specific programs that move faster than standard business loans. Our complete guide to franchise financing walks through every option in detail. You can also find out your borrowing potential before you start shopping, so you know your range going in.

• What due diligence should I do before buying a franchise resale?

  At minimum: three years of financial statements, a close read of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), direct conversations with current franchisees in the system, and a clear picture of the franchisor’s transfer process and fees. Don’t skip the FDD – it tells you as much about the health of the brand as it does about the location you’re buying.

• How long does the buying process take?

  Most franchise resale transactions close in 60 to 120 days from accepted offer. The timeline is driven by three things: how fast the franchisor approves the transfer, how clean the seller’s financials are, and how quickly financing comes together. Budget for three to four months from your first serious inquiry to getting the keys.

• Do I need a franchise broker to buy an existing franchise?

  No. Franchise Flippers is a self-service exchange – you can browse listings, contact sellers directly, and work through the process without involving a broker. If you want support, our franchise buying experts offer free consultations to help you find the right franchise and answer any questions you may have.

• Do you charge commissions or other fees to buyers or sellers?

  We do not charge commissions. Sellers simply pay for the services they want and need. No commissions!

• Do you sell new franchise territories?

  To help your business stand out from the new franchise and non-franchise business crowd, Franchise Flippers only lists operating franchise businessesfor sale or individual territories that are being re-sold by a franchise owner. If it’s not a franchise, we don’t list it.  Only franchises, only resales!  However, if you are looking for a new franchise to start, we can help you find the right franchise to buy.  Request a free consultation here.