I own a small franchise and am trying to figure out the best real estate strategy to grow my business. Does it make sense to outsource the site selection for my franchise, or should I keep it in house?

- Bill in Chicago, IL

When a franchisor is building their management team they will likely have team members that are responsible for operations, quality control, marketing, and franchise …

I am a franchisee about to sign my first lease in Cleveland. My landlord and I have agreed to a rent commencement start date for 60 days after the space is delivered. Is this typical or should I be concerned with the amount of time allotted for my build-out?

- Johnathon in Cleveland, OH.

The rent commencement time will vary per landlord. Most landlords will prefer a commencement …

I am the president of a franchise and am having difficulties with my franchisees taking too long to open their stores. Is there a solution to speeding up this process?

- Colin in San Diego, CA

There are things that can be done to decrease the amount of time it takes for a franchisee to find a site and get a store open, but two of the most important steps …

I am a new franchisee and I will be signing my lease in a few days. Is there anything I should be doing between the time my lease is signed and store grand opening? I will be focusing on build out, but is there anything else I am missing?

- Roshin in Boston, MA

The success or failure of a new specialty retail store is the result of how …

I own a children’s clothing franchise and am wondering if I should open my new store in a mall or a strip center? I have heard that malls are not doing as well as they used to with the closing of some many anchor stores?

- Beverly in Houston, TX

Are Malls dead? No not at all, they are just going through a transition. As we travel around the …

I am going to be franchising my 18 year old hair cutting business in the near future. I currently have 10 stores open in the Rochester NY area.. With the turn down in the economy I am looking for ways to make my franchise more attractive to potential franchisees. I know it is very important to select good franchisees and then give them as much support as I …