Speak to a trusted 3rd party.  

The BFA is the perfect place to start. They work with hundreds of different franchises and consultants and understand exactly what makes for an ethical and professional brand. They would be more than happy to make some recommendations. 

Research not just the brand, but also the consultant(s).  

Dig a little deeper and do some research on the key people in the consultancy. What are their backgrounds, and who have they worked with? Do their ethics and values align with you and your business, and do they seem like the kind of people you can work closely with?  

Research the support team behind the consultant(s).  

Are they a solo operation, or do they have a team of experts to support them? Helping you become a successful franchise involves a lot more than just selling your brand, and you may need expertise in a whole range of different areas, from website design and copywriting, through to tech systems and analytics.  

Talk to the brands they have worked with. 

Ask for an introduction to a brand they have successful worked with and ask for some feedback. However, also check out any brands you found during your research and consider approaching them independently for a reference, too, so you can get a more objective overview. 

Focus on value, rather than price. 

Don’t buy cheap, obviously, but also don’t automatically assume a higher price means a premium service. Look deeper at how a consultancy firm will actually help you achieve your goals, and what added extra value their team will bring.