GSFA Services

Why use Gulf South Franchise Authority in your search for a business?

Quite simply, because we'll save you time, money and potential aggravation. Our service is FREE to our customers. Your franchise fee or business purchase price will not be greater for using us. We provide all the information a potential business owner needs to find the opportunity that fits his or her goals, plus we're already very familiar with the safest, strongest and most lucrative business opportunities in business today; identifying those companies and opportunities is a task that can take months for someone outside the industry.

Our goal is to find an opportunity that will meet the specific needs of each individual we work with. We do this through a four-step process, viewing your future with "four I's."

First, we IDENTIFY - the needs, goals, interests and resources of our clients to be effective. We'll ask you a series of detailed questions; usually in our first phone conversation, in an effort to find out what your profile as a prospective franchisee might be, and which opportunities you might fit best with. For example, we'll want to know:

- Why do you want to own a business?
- Have you ever owned a business before?
- What hours do you like to work?
- Where do you want your business to be located?
- How do you feel about managing people?
- How much capital do you have available to start a business with?
- Will you have partners?
- Do you want to build multiple units?
- What's your timetable for opening your business?
- Will you be involved on a full- or part-time basis?

Then, we INFORM. Once we've identified your interests and background, we can create a personalized profile and model to use in evaluating opportunities. Sorting through thousands of available franchise opportunities can be a long, confusing process.

We've pre-screened hundreds of companies from all areas of business. They must meet our exacting standards to be included in our inventory - return on investment, success rate, reputation and other factors.

Once we've done our homework for your personal needs, we'll have a second meeting in person or over the phone and inform you on two to four specific companies we think might be a fit. We'll discuss their costs, size, reputation, background and requirements - and often, we'll view videos and printed brochures on each.

In this process, we also provide an invaluable service in that we'll INSULATE you. Remember, we do matchmaking, not selling. if you contact franchisors directly in your information-gathering stage, you'll find yourself in touch with a sales team that will bombard you with unnecessary sales materials and unwanted calls and e-mails.

At GSFA, we insulate you from that hassle. We only pass your name and information along to the franchisors when you've had time to consider several opportunities, review plusses and minuses and are ready to talk with one or two at a time in a serious manner about doing business. YOU control the process, not them.

Finally, we INTRODUCE you. After reviewing our research and discussing the various options, we'll introduce you to the right person at the franchise which interests you most. They welcome our input and appreciate the added value we bring knowing we've already done much of their work in making sure you're a serious prospect for them.

Once we've put you in touch with the right folks at your franchise of choice, their team will work with you from there. They'll answer all your detailed questions and they'll provide you with a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular which will have all the information required by law to make an informed decision regarding purchasing a specific franchise.

GSFA will stay in touch with you and the franchisor in the days ahead and continue to answer questions and provide insights or suggestions to help you make an informed decision. Our job isn't completely done until you have reached your final decision - whatever it might be. We succeed only by helping you succeed. It's like having a free business consultant - because we're FREE.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why should I use GSFA instead of dealing directly with a franchisor?
Quite simply, to save time, money and potential aggravation. Our service is free. Your franchise fees or business purchase price will not be greater if you choose to use our service. We provide all the information a potential business owner needs to find the opportunity that fits their goals, plus we already know many of the safest, strongest and most lucrative business opportunities in business today, a task that can take months for someone outside the industry.

How can you offer your services for free?
The customer pays nothing for the services we offer at GSFA. This is because we are paid fees by franchisors who respect the processes we follow and who recognize the quality and fit of clients we refer to them after our consultations are complete. You pay exactly the same fees with any franchise company or opportunity seller whether you work with us or not. GSFA is therefore able to provide a win-win scenario for both parties we work with.

How soon can I get my business started?
This depends almost completely on you. Our consultation process can be completed easily within a few days if you are responsive and motivated. After you begin investigating opportunities, most clients can find a great match for them within one to three months. After you select the right business for you, it will typically take anywhere from two weeks to six months for your actual business to open for operation.

Will my personal and financial info be sold to anyone? When will you send my information to a franchisor?
To the first question, no. The information you provide us is confidential and will only be seen by our consultants and any business that you decide to pursue an investigation process with. And we will only provide the information to a prospective franchisor when you have requested and approved such a submission.

How much cash do I need?
We have a wide variety of opportunities that have initial investments as low as $5,000. It is important to note that the investment required in any franchise or business is often not a good indicator of the total returns that may be available. In any case, the most important requirement is that the concept fit your needs and goals. The concept can cost $1,000 or $1,000,000, but the only way to know if it's the right opportunity for you is to match it against your personal interests and skills.

Do I need experience in a particular industry to successfully run a franchise?
No. In fact companies usually look for people with no experience in their industry, because they want their operators to focus on running the business and not performing the labor their concepts require. Franchisors need people who can be effective in areas such as motivating employees, generating sales and running the operation as effectively as possible. Your role will usually be management, not labor.