Using a franchise templates package can indeed be a quick and cost effective route to generating the documentation required to become a franchisor. However, before you even consider this you must be absolutely sure that your business is ready for franchising.

Here are what we call the golden rules for five star franchising:

A well defined operating system and brand. A fundamental of franchising is that the method of operating the business should be highly systematic and well defined. If you are going to license people to copy your method of operation, that method has to be easy to follow. In addition, the business must have a distinctive image that can be developed into a valuable brand.

Be tried and tested. The business must have a proven and successful format suitable for franchising and with a product or service that has stood, or will stand, the test of time. Being proven also means it should have operated in much the same way you would expect a franchisee to operate. For instance, it is not proven if the business is profitable operating in a much bigger market that you would typically offer a franchisee as a territory.

Sufficient profitability. Franchised businesses must provide profit at two levels - for the franchisor and franchisee. The business you are considering franchising must be sufficiently profitable to deliver acceptable profits at both levels.

Easily duplicated and easily learned. The business must be able to be easily copied by a franchisee and be able to operate in different markets in different geographical locations. Learning to operate the business and finding the people with the knowledge and skills to work in it should also be a straight forward task for the franchisee.

Being able to adopt the culture of franchising. When developing a franchise you have to accept that you are getting into a completely different business from your existing business. As a franchisor you are getting into the business of recruiting, training and supporting franchisees. The relationship between the franchisor and it's franchisees is a unique one. They are not your employees or business partners but you are interdependent. Your mutual success entirely depends on each other. Therefore, the culture is one of mutual support and respect. To be a successful franchisor you must be able to adopt this unique business culture.

Only if your business complies with all of these essential elements for successful franchising should you consider it. And it is only at this stage will you have to make the decision about how you go about the franchising process.

If you have extensive knowledge of franchising and time and effort to spare than a franchise templates package could well be the answer for you. A good templates package should cover all of the key documents such as the operations manual and agreement. It should also provide additional guidance on important areas like territory planning. A really good template package should also offer some support to help you complete the project.

If all of these factors are in place then a franchise templates package can indeed be a quick and cost effective method to franchise a business.