If you are looking at moving into business ownership you have three options. Start your own business, buy an existing business or buy the rights to a franchise. If you plan to buy the rights to a franchise the best thing you have going for you; if the franchisor considers you are qualified to enter their system, is that before you put a penny down you can call each and every franchisee in their system and get feedback on their "view of the world." You get this information through the FDD or Franchise Disclosure Document which used to be called the UFOC or Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. Before calling the franchisees, make sure you prepare a set of questions and ask each franchisee the same set of questions. You are looking for consistent feedback. Also, remember the franchisee is probably at work - make sure they have time to speak with you or organize a time to call them back that's convenient to both of you.

And based on some of the posts on this topic - you already have the answer to your question. If franchisee's are "scary" that's not a good place to be.

Web reference: www.Andrew-Rogerson.com

Hi. Were you able to proceed with TLE? I'm also interested in opening a TLE franchise. I just can't
seem to find enough information/feedback. I will be calling some existing franchisees in the next week or so; but I was just wondering if anyone had any other feedback. I agree that their contract is a little scary; but I don't have much experience in franchising, so I don't know what is typical or not...Currently doing a lot of reading and research. Any feedback on The Learning Experience would be greatly appreciated. M. Ross

Out of almost 60 operating locations, I will be surprised if more than 6 are making any money. The franchisor is extremely shrewd and uses convoluted tactics to minimize chance of franchisee making any meaningful profit. Save your capital! Call existing franchisees - - all of them.

TLE franchise agreement looks pretty risky, you will loose all your assets if anything goes wrong and its not running well. some people are doing good in the business but they say its a lot of work and its not so easy as it look. some people say that they are not making enough out of it. it depends on your location and economy. you need to do your research regarding the location.

Anil,

The best way to learn about a Franchise is to review the FDD document and more importantly make validation calls by contacting existing Franchisees. They will be able to speak to you in more details about their experience, profits, etc. Make as many calls as you can, visit an existing location if possible, that is the best way to do your due diligence for any Franchise. Child Care businesses carry a great deal of responsibility, so in my opinion that is the most challenging thing about the business.

Web reference: www.franchiseadvisorygroup.net