"Franchise" covers a lot of ground. Just for the sake of discussion, let's look at a few.
"McDonalds" is at one end of the scale .... the franchise agreement requires nearly everything to be supplied by, or bought from, the parent corporation. McDonalds' supplies the building, and the franchise gets food, napkins, uniforms, advertising through them.
"Midas" is at the other extreme. Corporate is quite happy to just sit back and let franchise fees roll in. This lack of concern has been cited as one reason their franchises are involved in an unusually large number of consumer fraud complaints ..... it is said that Corporate's unwillingness to take down the sign has allowed shady operators to continue in operation.
As for starting a business from scratch ... there's not a franchise out there that does not require all the money you'd need to open your own place, plus more! None of them are going to finance you. They may provide the building, and the advertising ... but they all are claiming that a successful business will become even more successful once they join the team.
The one asset a franchise has is "Name" or "Brand" recognition. Their advertising is well placed to get exactly the business they want. After all, when you want fried chicken, you don't think "McDonalds." That is no accident.
IF your business model is aimed at the general public, relying upon a constant stream of new, non-repeat customers, you have the most to gain from franchising.
