The options available to entrepreneurs seeking franchise opportunities in the computer and internet sector have expanded significantly in recent years. Not only can you purchase a general business-to-business information technology (IT) services franchise, but there are now industry-specific computer and internet franchises available as well.

While there are benefits to purchasing a franchise, these benefits come at a cost. Likewise, while some franchise systems have proven track records, start-up franchise systems typically have less to offer to their franchisees. Buying a franchise requires careful planning and thorough due diligence, and all prospective franchisees should seek legal advice from an experienced franchise lawyer before committing to a long-term franchise relationship.

10 Considerations when Purchasing a Computer-Based Franchise

When considering a franchise opportunity, there are numerous issues to consider. The following are 10 of the top issues for entrepreneurs contemplating computer and internet franchise opportunities:

1. Territorial Rights

Will you receive a protected territory? If so, is it exclusive, or are there circumstances in which you could potentially face competition from the franchisor or other franchisees? Many “exclusive territory” provisions are subject to exclusions that allow franchisors to use “alternate channels of distribution” to compete with their franchisees.

2. Initial Investment Costs

How much is the initial investment? How much of that investment is an up-front payment to the franchisor? While initial franchise fees are standard, these fees should be designed to cover the franchisor’s costs in getting a new franchisee up and running – not as a profit center for the franchisor.

3. Mandatory Upgrades

As technology evolves, will you be required to make additional capital investments in your franchise? Franchisors will often reserve the right to require their franchisees to make mandatory upgrades with limited notice and unlimited frequency.

4. Ongoing Fees and Costs

Beyond the initial investment and cost of mandatory upgrades, will you be able to cover your royalty fees, marketing fund contributions and operating expenses and still pay yourself a reasonable salary?

5. Termination Rights

It is unlikely that you will have termination rights, so let’s talk about the franchisor. When can the franchisor terminate your franchise? Does the franchise agreement identify specific defaults; or, does the franchisor have broad discretion to send you a notice of termination?

6. Renewal Rights

When your franchise agreement expires, what will it take to renew? Franchise agreements’ renewal provisions often have so many conditions that franchisees’ renewal “rights” are hardly rights at all.

7. Competitive Restrictions

When your franchise agreement expires (or your franchisor terminates your agreement), will you be able to stay in the computer and internet field? Or, will you be subject to a non-compete that prevents you from earning a living off of your education and experience?

8. Franchisor Support

What support, if any, is the franchisor required to provide during the term of your franchise? Do the franchisor’s personnel have sufficient knowledge and experience to provide meaningful support? Or, will you effectively be on your own?

9. Franchise System Data

How quickly is the franchise system growing? Have franchisees left the system? If so, why? Sales, renewal, expiration and termination statistics can tell you a lot about the viability of a franchise opportunity.

10. Dispute Resolution

Finally, what does the franchise agreement say about dispute resolution? If you need to enforce your rights against your franchisor, can you go to court? Or, will you be required to split the cost of an arbitration panel in your franchisor’s hometown?

Computer and Internet Franchise Opportunities

A random perusal of computer and Internet franchises identified online brings up the following:

  • CMIT Solutions – A computer support franchise opportunity providing small businesses with product solutions and technical assistance.
  • CPR Cell Phone Repair – An established brand offering cell phone repair franchise opportunities nationwide.
  • Fast-teks – A well-known franchise opportunity offering on-site computer set-up, troubleshooting and repair services.
  • LifeLine – A cell phone franchise specializing in iPhone accessories and repairs.
  • WSI Internet – An internet consulting franchise system with a global presence offering B2B franchise opportunities throughout the United States.

Inquire about the Goldstein Law Firm’s Flat-Fee Franchise Review Services

The above list is by no means exhaustive, and individuals considering franchise opportunities must make sure that they are fully aware of the risks involved. If you would like to speak with national franchisee lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein about your computer-based franchise opportunity, call the Goldstein Law Firm at (202) 293-3947 or inquire about our flat-fee services online today.

Disclaimer: The identification of any franchise or company on this website is not an endorsement of any aspect of that entity in any regard, nor should it be taken as one.

Lawyer USA

Super Lawyers

Lawyer USA

Complex Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year – USA

Lawyer USA

Complex Commercial Distribution Litigation Representative

Lawyer USA

Antitrust & Franchise Law Firm of the Year – Washington DC

Lawyer USA

Best Franchise Lawyer of the Year – New York

Lawyer USA

Best for Franchise Disputes – USA

Lawyer USA

Complex Commercial Litigation Law (Franchisees and Dealers) 2021 – USA

Lawyer USA

Antitrust and Franchise Law Firm of the Year in DC

Lawyer USA

Leading Professionals in Law

Lawyer USA

Franchise Law
in the District of Columbia

Lawyer USA

Franchise Law Firm
of the Year – USA

Lawyer International

Lawyer International
Legal 100
2018

Lawyer International

Lawyer International
Legal 100
2019

ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2019

US (New York)
Franchise Lawyer
of the Year
ACQ5 GLOBAL AWARDS 2019, JEFF GOLDSTEIN, GOLDSTEIN LAW FIRM, PLLC

ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2019

US (New York)
Franchise Law Firm
of the Year
ACQ5 GLOBAL AWARDS 2019, GOLDSTEIN LAW FIRM, PLLC

Lawyers of Distinction logo

2020 Power Lawyers

Esteemed Lawyers of America Logo

Esteemed Law Firm Complex Litigation

Global Law Experts Logo

Recommended Firm in Franchise Litigation

Who's Who Attorney Logo

Top Attorney USA – Litigation

Avvo Franchise Lawyer Symbol

Superior Attorney in Franchising

Avvo Franchise Lawyer Symbol

Superior Attorney in Antitrust

Finance Monthly Global Award Winner Logo

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

Lead Counsel logo

Chosen Law Firm for Commercial Litigation

BBB of Washington DC

A+ Rated

Washington DC Chamber of Commerce

Verified Member

Lawyers of Distinction logo

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

ISSUU

Best Law Firm for Franchise Disputes in 2017

Law Awards Finanace Monthly

Franchise Law Firm of the Year - 2017

Top Franchise Litigator for Franchisees and Dealers

Top Franchise Litigator for Franchisees and Dealers

2017 Finance Monthly Award

2017 Finance Monthly Award

ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2018

Franchise Law Firm
of the Year
ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2018

ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2019

Franchise Law Firm
of the Year
ACQ5 LAW AWARDS 2019

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

Franchise Law Firm of the Year
Global Awards 2017

Global Law Experts

Franchise Law Firm
of the Year
in New York – 2019

Finance Monthly Law Awards - 2018

Finance Monthly Law Awards - 2018

Franchise Law Firm of the Year

Franchise Law Firm
of the Year
Global Awards 2018

Contact Us

Goldstein Law Firm, PLLC

1629 K St. NW, Suite 300,
Washington, DC 20006

Phone: 202-293-3947
Fax: 202-315-2514

Free Consultation

Downtown Chicago Office

30 South Wacker Drive 22nd Floor #3341,
Chicago, IL 60606

Phone: 312-382-8327

Free Consultation

Free Consultation