One of the most appealing aspects of becoming a franchise owner is that prior experience is often not a requirement for investment. This is because a franchisor typically provides training to equip their franchisees with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills to operate the franchise business effectively.

The amount of training will vary from franchise to franchise, and it can come in a variety of forms. However, it typically ranges from one to four weeks.

Whether you are a prospective franchisee exploring your options or are preparing to begin your franchising journey, this post can help answer the following questions:

IN-PERSON FRANCHISE TRAINING

As you might expect from the name, this training will take place face-to-face and can be held at the franchisor’s headquarters or training center. Franchisees may be expected to travel to the location for the duration of the training period and manage their own lodging, so it is important to discuss logistics with your franchisor so you can prepare.

During this type of training, you’ll have the opportunity to learn directly from the franchisor team and ask the questions you need in the moment. This in-person opportunity can also help you strengthen your franchisor-franchisee relationship at the beginning of your journey.

CLASSROOM FRANCHISE TRAINING

Some franchisors will hold part of their training session in a classroom setting, which can feel much more structured, especially compared to on-site training. You may cover topics such as the franchise’s history and values, the marketing/sales process, types of technology, and other operational-related topics.

ON-SITE/FIELD FRANCHISE TRAINING

Some franchisors offer on-site franchise training at an existing location. This type of training provides a hands-on approach, allowing you to observe systems in a real-world setting. You may also have the opportunity to meet an experienced franchisee and see them in action, which can give you better insight into your role.

If your franchisor offers this type of training, you may find that it’s held after the classroom portion and serves as a way for you to practice what you’ve learned. For example, if you were taught about the point-of-sale software used by franchisees, you can see how that software works in a real environment. Additionally, you might observe aspects that are not explicitly taught in training, such as team management and creating a positive work atmosphere.

ONLINE FRANCHISE TRAINING

Like how someone takes online schooling, online franchise training will typically use video modules, webinars, and/or interactive courses to deliver information. One of the benefits of this type of training is its flexibility, as you can access the materials from anywhere and learn at your own pace.

In some cases, online training is offered as the initial step in the training process, followed by in-person training. The online lessons typically cover fundamental topics, such as brand guidelines and various systems, helping to prepare franchisees for the more extensive training that follows.

FRANCHISE TRAINING VS. FRANCHISE ONBOARDING

These two terms can be used interchangeably. However, franchise training can be considered very specific to gaining the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your role as a franchisee, while the onboarding process, which typically includes the training offered, is more general and may come in stages, such as signing the franchise agreement up until you open the doors to your franchise location.

For example, the pre-onboarding phase is what prepares you for the official training. During this time, you may receive important resources, such as the operations manual, that have key details you will need to know. After pre-onboarding, you will enter the training phase, where you can gain the necessary skills and knowledge to operate your franchise effectively. After training, you enter post-launch mode, which can include franchisor support, so you’re ready for your grand opening. After opening your franchise, you would enter the post-onboarding stage, which can include ongoing training and support to help you continue to succeed.

WHY ONGOING FRANCHISE TRAINING AND SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT

There is no doubt that the initial training process is incredibly important for franchisees, as it provides the critical groundwork to be successful in the role. However, if you are looking for potential franchise investments, you should consider how the franchise supports its network on an ongoing basis, as this is just as crucial.

A strong support system is key, especially so that you have access to even more tools and learning that can assist you after opening day and help you navigate any challenges you may encounter. A franchise that prioritizes continuous learning and improvement demonstrates a commitment to its franchisees’ success.

This ongoing support can take several forms, including regular training updates, webinars/seminars/workshops, ongoing one-on-one calls, marketing assistance, operational guidance, and access to a community of fellow franchisees. By selecting a franchise that prioritizes both initial training and ongoing support, you can establish a solid foundation for long-term success.

READ MORE: What Type of Franchisor Support Should Franchisees Expect?

FRANCHISING WITH DOGTOPIA

At Dogtopia, we provide our franchisees with the tools they need to succeed in the booming pet industry. Our comprehensive initial training starts with a 30-day program at Dogtopia University, which includes two weeks of immersive classroom instruction and two weeks of hands-on in-store training. We also provide ten days of grand opening support, ongoing guidance through continuous training opportunities, quarterly field operations visits, regular webinars, marketing resources, operational tools, and much more along the way. With this extensive support network, our franchisees feel confident and prepared as they enter their new role.

Learn more about the support we offer at Dogtopia, the leading dog wellness and dog daycare franchise, here.

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