{"id":34614,"date":"2026-10-23T05:00:49","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T04:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/"},"modified":"2026-10-23T05:00:58","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T04:00:58","slug":"franchise-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Franchise Mistakes: 10 Costly Errors UK Buyers Make"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #101010;color:#101010\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #101010;color:#101010\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#why-uk-buyers-carry-the-risk-themselves\" >Why UK buyers carry the risk themselves<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#the-10-franchise-mistakes-to-avoid\" >The 10 franchise mistakes to avoid<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#1-treating-due-diligence-as-a-formality\" >1. Treating due diligence as a formality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#2-not-speaking-to-existing-franchisees\" >2. Not speaking to existing franchisees<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#3-underestimating-the-true-cost\" >3. Underestimating the true cost<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#4-signing-without-a-specialist-franchise-solicitor\" >4. Signing without a specialist franchise solicitor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#5-believing-earnings-claims-you-have-not-tested\" >5. Believing earnings claims you have not tested<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#6-chasing-hype-instead-of-fit\" >6. Chasing hype instead of fit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#7-confusing-perceived-support-with-contracted-support\" >7. Confusing perceived support with contracted support<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#8-ignoring-the-franchisors-own-credentials\" >8. Ignoring the franchisor\u2019s own credentials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#9-treating-the-franchise-as-an-employee-job\" >9. Treating the franchise as an employee job<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#10-rushing-and-having-no-exit-plan\" >10. Rushing, and having no exit plan<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#quick-reference-mistake-cost-and-prevention\" >Quick reference: mistake, cost and prevention<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#what-to-do-if-things-go-wrong\" >What to do if things go wrong<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#find-the-right-franchise-not-just-a-franchise\" >Find the right franchise, not just a franchise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#a-simple-order-of-work\" >A simple order of work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#faq\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#what-percentage-of-franchises-fail-in-the-uk\" >What percentage of franchises fail in the UK?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#can-you-sue-a-franchisor\" >Can you sue a franchisor?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#is-there-a-law-that-protects-uk-franchisees\" >Is there a law that protects UK franchisees?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#what-is-the-biggest-mistake-when-buying-a-franchise\" >What is the biggest mistake when buying a franchise?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-mistakes\/#sources\" >Sources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The most common franchise mistakes are made before you sign: skipping independent due diligence, not speaking to existing franchisees, underestimating the true cost, and signing an agreement no specialist has read. All of them are avoidable. This guide covers ten errors UK buyers make, what each one costs, and the check that prevents it.<\/p>\n<p>Franchising is not a high-risk route by default. The British Franchise Association (BFA) reports <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebfa.org\/news\/bfa-survey-shows-strong-business-confidence-across-franchising-heading-into-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">failure rates of less than 1% a year due to commercial failure, and a long-term average below 6% over two decades<\/a>. Those figures describe the sector. They do not protect you from a poor choice of brand, an unrealistic budget or a weak contract. That part is your responsibility.<\/p>\n<div data-blg-cta=\"after_tldr\" data-blg-cta-layout=\"banner\" style=\"margin:28px 0;font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &apos;Segoe UI&apos;, Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif\">\n<div style=\"border-radius:26px;padding:min(22px,3.2vw);background:radial-gradient(circle at 100% 0%,#fdeed3 0 150px,rgba(255,255,255,0) 151px),radial-gradient(circle at 0% 100%,#fdeed3 0 130px,rgba(255,255,255,0) 131px),linear-gradient(180deg,#fef3e2 0%,#fef9f0 100%)\">\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border-radius:18px;overflow:hidden\">\n<div style=\"padding:34px 30px;text-align:center\">\n<div style=\"margin:0 0 18px\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;max-width:100%;border-radius:999px;padding:6px 13px;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:0.1em;text-transform:uppercase;line-height:1.3;background:#f59e0b;color:#1f2937\">Franchiselocal<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:26px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;letter-spacing:-0.01em;color:#1f2937;margin:0\">Compare UK Franchise Opportunities<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:56px;height:6px;border-radius:3px;background:#f59e0b;margin:12px 0 14px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;color:#64748b;margin:0 0 24px;max-width:44em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto\">Explore franchise listings by investment level, industry, lifestyle preference and location to help identify opportunities that fit your criteria.<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/franchiselocal.co.uk\/\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;border-radius:10px;font-weight:700;font-size:15px;text-decoration:none;padding:13px 22px 13px 26px;background:#f59e0b;color:#1f2937\">Explore franchise opportunities<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"why-uk-buyers-carry-the-risk-themselves\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why-uk-buyers-carry-the-risk-themselves\"><\/span>Why UK buyers carry the risk themselves<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The UK has no specific franchise statute. <a href=\"https:\/\/iclg.com\/practice-areas\/franchise-laws-and-regulations\/england-and-wales\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">There are no mandatory disclosure requirements, and the onus for diligence is on the purchaser<\/a> under the principle of caveat emptor, or buyer beware. Some countries require franchisors to hand over a standard disclosure document. In the UK, nobody does.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, you decide what to ask, what to verify and who to pay for advice. Every mistake below comes back to that fact.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-10-franchise-mistakes-to-avoid\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-10-franchise-mistakes-to-avoid\"><\/span>The 10 franchise mistakes to avoid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"1-treating-due-diligence-as-a-formality\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-treating-due-diligence-as-a-formality\"><\/span>1. Treating due diligence as a formality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The BFA\u2019s survey work points to neglecting professional due diligence as one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebfa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018-bfa-NatWest-Franchise-Survey.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">most common mistakes cited by industry experts<\/a>. A franchisor\u2019s brochure and projections are sales material. They are a starting point, not evidence.<\/p>\n<p>Real due diligence covers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The franchisor\u2019s accounts and trading history<\/li>\n<li>The number of franchisees who opened, stayed open and left<\/li>\n<li>Independent verification of every earnings claim<\/li>\n<li>The strength of the brand\u2019s trademarks and its supplier arrangements<\/li>\n<li>Your own local market<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-due-diligence-uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">why franchise due diligence matters in the UK<\/a> explains the principle. For a working process, use the <a href=\"https:\/\/franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-due-diligence-checklist-6-essential-steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">six-step due diligence checklist<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-not-speaking-to-existing-franchisees\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-not-speaking-to-existing-franchisees\"><\/span>2. Not speaking to existing franchisees<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This is the cheapest check you can make and the one most often skipped. The BFA advises that you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebfa.org\/questions-to-ask-your-franchisor\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ask your franchisor about the experience of current network members<\/a>. A transparent franchisor will give you contacts without fuss.<\/p>\n<p>Do this properly:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Ask for the full list of franchisees, not a hand-picked few.<\/li>\n<li>Call franchisees who opened in the last two years as well as veterans.<\/li>\n<li>Include at least one franchisee who left the network, if you can find one.<\/li>\n<li>Ask what they earn, how long it took to reach break-even and what they would change.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If the franchisor resists giving you access, treat that as information.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-underestimating-the-true-cost\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-underestimating-the-true-cost\"><\/span>3. Underestimating the true cost<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The franchise fee is only one line. Buyers also face working capital, premises or vehicle costs, equipment, training, insurance, legal fees, launch marketing and ongoing royalties. The classic error is budgeting for the fee and discovering the rest later.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1792554095298_Franchise-fee-surrounded-by-additional-startup-costs.webp\" alt=\"Franchise fee surrounded by additional startup costs\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Build a full budget before you shortlist. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-startup-expenses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UK franchise start-up expenses guide<\/a> and the walkthrough on <a href=\"https:\/\/franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/how-to-evaluate-franchise-costs-uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how to evaluate franchise costs<\/a> show what to include. Then test your numbers with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/affordability-calculator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Franchise Affordability Calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A useful rule: add enough working capital to cover your living costs and the business\u2019s losses until the break-even point your franchisees actually reported, not the one in the brochure.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-signing-without-a-specialist-franchise-solicitor\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-signing-without-a-specialist-franchise-solicitor\"><\/span>4. Signing without a specialist franchise solicitor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A franchise agreement is not an ordinary commercial contract. It is usually weighted in the franchisor\u2019s favour to protect the brand. A review by a specialist franchise solicitor typically costs <a href=\"https:\/\/growthhub.northeast-ca.gov.uk\/insights\/business-opportunities\/in-conversation-with-joel-bissitt-vfp-chief-executive-officer-of-the-quality-franchise-association-and-managing-director-of-franchise-uk\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">around \u00a3400 to \u00a3600<\/a>, a small sum next to the total capital you are committing. Check the date on that figure and get a quote, as fees vary by firm and by the length of the agreement.<\/p>\n<p>Choose a solicitor who works on franchise agreements regularly, not a general high street firm. Ask them to explain, in plain English:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your territory and whether it is exclusive<\/li>\n<li>The length of the term and the renewal conditions<\/li>\n<li>Exit rights and what happens if you want to sell<\/li>\n<li>Restrictive covenants after you leave<\/li>\n<li>How fees, royalties and marketing contributions can change<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-legal-considerations-list-uk-buyers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">seven key legal considerations for UK buyers<\/a> gives you a list to take to that meeting. If you want a structured session on the topic, the government\u2019s Business Academy is running an event on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.business.gov.uk\/business-academy\/events\/the-franchise-agreement-17-november-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">the franchise agreement, covering territory, renewal, resale and exit<\/a> on 17 November 2026.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-believing-earnings-claims-you-have-not-tested\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-believing-earnings-claims-you-have-not-tested\"><\/span>5. Believing earnings claims you have not tested<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Projections are only as good as their assumptions. Knights, a UK law firm, notes that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.knightsplc.com\/insights\/franchising\/how-to-tackle-franchise-disputes-and-avoid-them-in-the-first-place\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">a failure of communication is at the heart of most franchise disputes<\/a>, including where franchisees set earnings expectations without understanding the risk or the work involved.<\/p>\n<p>Ask to see:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Whether figures are turnover or profit<\/li>\n<li>Whether they come from a company-owned pilot site or franchisee outlets<\/li>\n<li>How many franchisees achieved them, and how long it took<\/li>\n<li>What the franchisee paid themselves out of the figures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There is also a legal point. If a franchisor makes untrue statements of fact, such as false financial performance claims, that induce you to sign, you may have a claim for misrepresentation. ICLG\u2019s overview says that <a href=\"https:\/\/iclg.com\/practice-areas\/franchise-laws-and-regulations\/england-and-wales\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">courts may award damages for innocent or negligent misrepresentation<\/a>, while rescission is generally limited to fraudulent misrepresentation. That is a remedy after the damage is done. Keep written records of everything you were told.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"6-chasing-hype-instead-of-fit\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6-chasing-hype-instead-of-fit\"><\/span>6. Chasing hype instead of fit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A trending brand is not automatically your brand. The wrong franchise for your skills, finances and lifestyle will feel like a job you cannot leave. Ask yourself:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do I want to manage people, sell, or work hands-on?<\/li>\n<li>Do I need a home-based model or can I run premises?<\/li>\n<li>How many hours a week can I commit, and for how long before I draw an income?<\/li>\n<li>Which sectors do I understand from my own working life?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Franchisors also assess you. The BFA\u2019s research shows they often turn candidates down for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebfa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018-bfa-NatWest-Franchise-Survey.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">a lack of business acumen, insufficient capital or a weak interview<\/a>. Prepare for the interview as you would for a bank meeting.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"7-confusing-perceived-support-with-contracted-support\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7-confusing-perceived-support-with-contracted-support\"><\/span>7. Confusing perceived support with contracted support<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many disputes begin with a gap between the support a franchisee expected and what the agreement promises. Harper James, a UK law firm, describes how disagreements over <a href=\"https:\/\/harperjames.co.uk\/article\/franchise-disputes\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">marketing spend and territorial encroachment<\/a> are among the typical causes.<\/p>\n<p>Before you sign, list what the franchisor promises in writing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Initial training: length, location and content<\/li>\n<li>Ongoing field support: how often, and by whom<\/li>\n<li>Marketing: what the contribution funds and who decides<\/li>\n<li>Technology, supplier terms and any approved-supplier mark-ups<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If a promise made at the sales meeting is not in the agreement or the operations manual, ask for it to be added.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"8-ignoring-the-franchisors-own-credentials\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8-ignoring-the-franchisors-own-credentials\"><\/span>8. Ignoring the franchisor\u2019s own credentials<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A good brand is more than a logo. Look at how long it has traded, how many franchisees have run for more than a year, and whether the franchisor has a track record of protecting its trademarks and enforcing standards.<\/p>\n<p>The BFA suggests asking early on whether <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebfa.org\/questions-to-ask-your-franchisor\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">your prospective franchisor is a BFA member<\/a>. Membership is not a guarantee of success, but it is one reason to feel more confident, and it gives you a code of ethics to refer back to. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-background-check-uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">30-day franchise background check plan<\/a> shows how to run these checks in a month.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"9-treating-the-franchise-as-an-employee-job\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9-treating-the-franchise-as-an-employee-job\"><\/span>9. Treating the franchise as an employee job<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You are buying a business, and a franchise gives you a system, not a salary. Franchisees who treat the role as a job tend to avoid the sales, local marketing and cash-flow management that make a business pay. Follow the proven procedures of the network, but expect to lead your own team, watch your own margins and handle your own customers.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"10-rushing-and-having-no-exit-plan\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10-rushing-and-having-no-exit-plan\"><\/span>10. Rushing, and having no exit plan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Pressure to \u201creserve your territory this week\u201d is a warning sign. A sound franchisor will give you time to complete your checks. Equally, plan the exit at the start: resale rights, the franchisor\u2019s approval rights and any post-term restrictions all affect what your business is worth when you leave.<\/p>\n<p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/franchise-business-checklist-uk-2026-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">franchise business checklist for 2026<\/a> helps you set the order of your checks, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/essential-franchise-launch-checklist-uk-success\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">launch checklist<\/a> covers what to do once you have decided.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"quick-reference-mistake-cost-and-prevention\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"quick-reference-mistake-cost-and-prevention\"><\/span>Quick reference: mistake, cost and prevention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Mistake<\/th>\n<th>What it can cost you<\/th>\n<th>Prevention<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Superficial due diligence<\/td>\n<td>Joining a weak brand<\/td>\n<td>Verify accounts, track record and claims independently<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No franchisee calls<\/td>\n<td>Surprises on earnings and support<\/td>\n<td>Speak to new and long-standing franchisees<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Budget gaps<\/td>\n<td>Running out of working capital<\/td>\n<td>Full costing plus a cash reserve<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No specialist solicitor<\/td>\n<td>Unfavourable terms on territory and exit<\/td>\n<td>Specialist review before signing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Untested earnings claims<\/td>\n<td>Unrealistic expectations<\/td>\n<td>Ask how figures were produced<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Poor fit<\/td>\n<td>Burnout, low motivation<\/td>\n<td>Match the model to your skills and lifestyle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Uncontracted support<\/td>\n<td>Disputes<\/td>\n<td>Get promises in writing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Rushed decision<\/td>\n<td>Regret<\/td>\n<td>Set your own timetable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"what-to-do-if-things-go-wrong\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-to-do-if-things-go-wrong\"><\/span>What to do if things go wrong<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some problems appear after you have signed. Read the dispute clauses in your agreement first, then speak to a specialist solicitor before you stop paying fees or send a formal complaint.<\/p>\n<p>Courts can and do side with franchisees. In 2025, the High Court in London ruled that <a href=\"https:\/\/iclg.com\/news\/22926-driving-school-franchisees-entitled-to-walk-away-from-overbearing-contracts\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">20 driving instructors who franchised with Benson School of Motoring were entitled to terminate their contracts<\/a>, after the court found the agreements overbearing. That result depended on the specific facts and contract terms, so do not assume it applies to your situation.<\/p>\n<p>Litigation is slow and expensive. Knights points to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.knightsplc.com\/insights\/franchising\/how-to-tackle-franchise-disputes-and-avoid-them-in-the-first-place\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">mediation as often the more practical route<\/a>: it can be quicker and cheaper, and it allows commercial solutions a court cannot order. Harper James adds that <a href=\"https:\/\/harperjames.co.uk\/article\/franchise-disputes\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">informal discussions or mediation, sometimes offered by industry associations, are a sensible first step<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For a wider look at the causes, read our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/why-franchises-fail-avoid-common-pitfalls-uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">why franchises fail and the pitfalls to avoid in the UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1792554138002_What-to-do-if-things-go-wrong-overview-diagram.webp\" alt=\"What to do if things go wrong \u2014 overview diagram\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"find-the-right-franchise-not-just-a-franchise\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"find-the-right-franchise-not-just-a-franchise\"><\/span>Find the right franchise, not just a franchise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most of the errors above start with a poor shortlist. Franchise Local lets you filter UK opportunities by investment level, industry, lifestyle and location, so you can compare like with like before you contact anyone. Start with <a href=\"https:\/\/franchiselocal.co.uk\/trending\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trending franchise opportunities<\/a>, or use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/tools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Franchise Planning Toolkit<\/a> to organise your questions and budget. Using the directory costs you nothing.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-simple-order-of-work\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"a-simple-order-of-work\"><\/span>A simple order of work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Set a realistic total budget and a cash reserve.<\/li>\n<li>Shortlist three to five brands that suit your skills and lifestyle.<\/li>\n<li>Request the franchise information pack and the draft agreement.<\/li>\n<li>Speak to franchisees, both new and established.<\/li>\n<li>Check the franchisor\u2019s accounts, trademarks and accreditation.<\/li>\n<li>Hire a specialist franchise solicitor and an accountant.<\/li>\n<li>Sign only when every written promise matches what you were told.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"faq\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"faq\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"what-percentage-of-franchises-fail-in-the-uk\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-percentage-of-franchises-fail-in-the-uk\"><\/span>What percentage of franchises fail in the UK?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The BFA reports that failure due to commercial reasons is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebfa.org\/news\/bfa-survey-shows-strong-business-confidence-across-franchising-heading-into-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">below 1% a year, with a long-term average under 6% over 20 years<\/a>. These are sector-level figures and relate to the BFA\u2019s own reporting. An individual franchise can still fail if you choose the wrong brand or underfund it.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-you-sue-a-franchisor\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"can-you-sue-a-franchisor\"><\/span>Can you sue a franchisor?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, in the right circumstances. Franchisees can claim for misrepresentation if false statements induced them to sign, or for breach of express or implied terms of the contract. <a href=\"https:\/\/iclg.com\/practice-areas\/franchise-laws-and-regulations\/england-and-wales\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Remedies can include damages and, in limited cases, rescission<\/a>. Speak to a specialist dispute solicitor before acting, and consider mediation first.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-there-a-law-that-protects-uk-franchisees\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-there-a-law-that-protects-uk-franchisees\"><\/span>Is there a law that protects UK franchisees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There is no franchise-specific statute, and <a href=\"https:\/\/iclg.com\/practice-areas\/franchise-laws-and-regulations\/england-and-wales\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">no mandatory disclosure requirement<\/a>. General contract and misrepresentation law applies. That is why independent due diligence and a solicitor\u2019s review matter so much.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-is-the-biggest-mistake-when-buying-a-franchise\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-the-biggest-mistake-when-buying-a-franchise\"><\/span>What is the biggest mistake when buying a franchise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The most damaging error is skipping independent checks, in particular not speaking to existing franchisees and not having the agreement reviewed by a franchise specialist. Both are low-cost compared with the sum you invest, and both are named by industry experts as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebfa.org\/questions-to-ask-your-franchisor\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">frequent and avoidable<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sources\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"sources\"><\/span>Sources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebfa.org\/news\/bfa-survey-shows-strong-business-confidence-across-franchising-heading-into-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">BFA survey shows strong business confidence across franchising heading into 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/iclg.com\/practice-areas\/franchise-laws-and-regulations\/england-and-wales\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Franchise Laws and Regulations Report 2026 England &amp; Wales, ICLG<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebfa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018-bfa-NatWest-Franchise-Survey.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">2018 Franchise landscape, BFA and NatWest<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebfa.org\/questions-to-ask-your-franchisor\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Questions to ask your franchisor, British Franchise Association<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/growthhub.northeast-ca.gov.uk\/insights\/business-opportunities\/in-conversation-with-joel-bissitt-vfp-chief-executive-officer-of-the-quality-franchise-association-and-managing-director-of-franchise-uk\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">In conversation with Joel Bissitt, North East Growth Hub<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.knightsplc.com\/insights\/franchising\/how-to-tackle-franchise-disputes-and-avoid-them-in-the-first-place\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">How to tackle franchise disputes, Knights<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/harperjames.co.uk\/article\/franchise-disputes\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Franchise disputes: common causes and ways to exit agreements, Harper James<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/iclg.com\/news\/22926-driving-school-franchisees-entitled-to-walk-away-from-overbearing-contracts\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Driving-school franchisees entitled to walk away from overbearing contracts, ICLG<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.business.gov.uk\/business-academy\/events\/the-franchise-agreement-17-november-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">The Franchise Agreement, Business Academy event<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The franchise mistakes UK buyers make most often, from skipped due diligence to unchecked contracts, and how to avoid each one before you sign.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":34615,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34614","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-tips-advice"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1792554097315_Buyer-inspecting-a-UK-shop-before-committing.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34614","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34614"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34614\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34618,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34614\/revisions\/34618"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34614"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34614"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34614"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}