Franchising

Mr_Frugal

First of all let me say that I'm not sure if this is the right board for this (have scoured them and can't find a better fit but mods please feel free to move if better placed elsewhere).

This is a bit of pro-active money saving. I was made redundant a while ago and have been sitting scratching my head as to what to do for some time now. The only given for me is that I want to be "self employed" to a degree (ie my own boss).
I have looked at several business ideas (starting from scratch myself) but have often got cold feet as I have not felt 100% sure about them and they have required substantial investment.

I am now considering looking at buying a franchise but in searching around the internet am picking up a general under current of negativity towards franchising as a model with many comments such as "there are a few good one out there but they are few and far between". In light of the fact that the one I am interested in would require me making a substantial 5 figure sum investment I am a little nervous and was wondering if anyone with any experience could give me any advice (general do's & dont's or any specifics on the company that interests me).

I shant mention the specific company that I am interested in (as I am not sure if I am allowed to mention them by name) but suffice to say they are the market leaders in cartridge ink replacement retail shops.
If anyone has any info or advice (as I say either specific or general) please reply (or PM me if you dont wish to publicise it).

I am intending speaking to them at this weekends Franchise fair in Manchester and any info/advice or recommended lines of questioning would be welcome.

mad_cat_2

hi.
this is a bit of a long shot considering the time laps if you read this but.... at the moment i'm looking into either buying a franchies or starting up on my own in business. any advise on your findings on the last year would be welcome
sorry i'm not giving any advise but i'm just starting out.

M.C.