Becoming a franchisee: profile, steps and questions

By Gijs Bodenstaff · Updated: 2026-10-04

Becoming a franchisee means that, as an independent entrepreneur, you operate an existing franchise system: you use the brand and way of working of a franchisor and pay a fee for it. For 2025 the NFV counts 936 franchise brands with 34,937 locations in the Netherlands. So you are your own boss, but within arrangements someone else has designed.

What exactly do franchisees do?

The Dutch Franchise Act (in force since 1 January 2021) defines franchising in Article 7:911 of the Dutch Civil Code as the right and the obligation to operate a franchise system in return for a fee. That word obligation matters: you may use the franchise system, but you must also follow it. You run the location, the staff and the customers; the franchisor protects the brand and develops the system. If you want the basics first, read what a franchise is.

Which profile suits franchise entrepreneurs?

Franchisors are not looking for inventors, but for doers with an entrepreneurial streak. If you want to do everything differently, you will get stuck. Test yourself honestly against the qualities below.

Qualities of a franchisee and how to test yourself
Quality	Why it matters	Test yourself
Working to a system	The franchise system only works if everyone follows it	Can you carry out agreements you don't agree with?
Commercial and locally active	Winning local customers remains your job	Do you dare to approach customers and partners yourself?
Leadership	In many sectors you become an employer	Do you have experience in planning and managing people?
Financial overview	You bear the business risk yourself	Do you understand a budget and a cash flow forecast?
Perseverance	Break-even often takes more than a year	Can you absorb a disappointing start?

How do you become a franchisee, step by step?

The process usually takes months, not weeks. The statutory four-week standstill period between disclosure and signing alone ensures that you don't decide in a single meeting. Start with the question of which franchise brands exist in your sector. The full overview is in the step-by-step plan for starting a franchise.

From orientation to opening: the steps to becoming a franchisee
Step	What you do
1. Orientation	Choose a sector, compare franchise brands, visit fairs and information evenings
2. Introduction	First meetings, shadowing at an existing location
3. Receiving disclosure	The franchisor shares fees and investments, among other things, in advance
4. Four-week standstill	Check the numbers, arrange financing, have the contract reviewed
5. Signing	Sign the agreement, register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
6. Training and opening	Training, fitting out the location, starting local marketing

Timeline of becoming a franchisee in six steps, from orientation and introduction via standstill and signing to opening — The six steps to becoming a franchisee, with the statutory four-week standstill before signing.

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How do franchisors select their franchisees?

A franchisor chooses you just as much as you choose the franchise brand. A poor location damages the whole brand, so serious franchisors select strictly. If you see no selection and the main aim seems to be signing quickly, be careful. Prefer not to open a new location? Taking over a franchise also requires the franchisor's approval.

Interviews and shadowing days

Expect several meetings and often a period in which you work alongside staff at an existing location. That is also your chance to ask franchisees themselves how things really go.

Financial check and business plan

The franchisor wants to see that you can carry the investment. You usually write a business plan with a budget, which you also need for the bank or Qredits.

What rights and obligations do franchisees have?

The Dutch Franchise Act gives you a number of fixed rights. The rest is in your agreement and the operations manual. Have your contract reviewed by a franchise lawyer; this is not legal advice.

Rights and obligations of a franchisee under the Dutch Franchise Act and in practice
Your right	Your obligation
Advance information on fees and investments (Articles 7:913 and 7:916 of the Dutch Civil Code)	Follow the franchise system as agreed
Four weeks to consider before signing	Pay fees such as the royalty and marketing contribution
Consent to changes to the franchise system with financial consequences above an agreed threshold (Article 7:921 of the Dutch Civil Code)	Use the brand and house style correctly
Use of the brand, know-how and support	Run the business locally and serve customers

Which questions should you ask franchisors before you sign?

Don't go into the meeting with an open mind alone, but with a list. A tip from our Local SEO Benchmark Franchise Chains 2026: only 40% of the 500 Google Business Profiles examined were fully completed. So also ask how the franchise brand handles local marketing per location.

Checklist: questions for the franchisor
Question	Why you ask it
What are all the fees per year?	Royalty and marketing contribution eat into your margin
May I talk to current and former franchisees?	They tell you what is not in the brochure
How do you handle local marketing per location?	Being found locally drives your turnover
How is my territory defined?	This prevents competition from within your own network
What happens if I want to stop or sell?	Your exit determines what your investment is worth

How much money do you need as a franchisee?

Dutch averages are not available. A 2025 French market study (IntoTheMinds, 21 brands) cites a personal contribution of typically €25,000 to €150,000 and royalties of usually 4% to 6%. That is a French sample; Dutch franchise brands may differ. Financing options include the Qredits SME credit of €50,000 to €250,000 and the BMKB guarantee through your bank. Want to know more? Read all about entry fees, royalties and investment.

Are you a franchisor looking for franchisees?

If you post a "franchisee wanted" call yourself, you are looking for exactly the profile described on this page. An advert alone rarely works: candidates take a long time to orient themselves and compare a lot. Read more about recruiting franchisees with online marketing and how to set up a franchisee recruitment campaign. Curious how visible your current locations are? Request the no-obligation marketing scan.

Frequently asked questions about becoming a franchisee

What is the difference between a franchisee and a branch manager?

A branch manager is employed by the chain and bears no business risk. A franchisee is an independent entrepreneur: you invest your own money, employ your staff and keep the profit or bear the loss. You do follow the franchise system, but the business is yours.

Do I need business experience to become a franchisee?

Not always. Many franchisors select on attitude, ability to learn and management experience rather than on previous entrepreneurship. The franchise brand teaches you the trade through training and a manual. You do need financial insight and the ability to handle risk, because you are an entrepreneur from day one.

How long does it take to become a franchisee?

Expect several months. Orientation, meetings, shadowing, financing and the statutory four-week standstill period all take time. After that come training and, for a new location, finding and fitting out premises. Anyone who wants to sign within a few weeks usually skips important checks.

Can a franchisor reject me as a candidate?

Yes. The franchisor decides for itself who it works with and usually does not have to give you a detailed explanation. A rejection often says something about the fit and not about you as an entrepreneur. Do ask for feedback, so you can take it with you to the next franchise brand.

Do I need to write a business plan to become a franchisee?

Usually, yes. The franchisor wants to see that you can carry the location, and a lender almost always asks for a plan with a budget and cash flow forecast. Many franchise brands supply figures or a template, but the choices and assumptions must be yours. That way you also know what you are getting into.

May I adapt the franchise system as I see fit?

Usually not, or only within agreed limits. The whole idea of franchising is that every location works and looks the same. Locally you often do have room, for example in your own network and local promotions. Ask in advance exactly where your freedom lies, so you are not disappointed.

Can I talk to existing franchisees before I sign?

You should always ask. A serious franchisor lets you speak with current franchisees, and ideally also with someone who has stopped. They tell you how support works in practice and whether the figures add up. If a franchise brand refuses, that is a clear warning sign.

What happens if I want to stop as a franchisee?

That depends on your agreement. It sets out the term, notice periods and rules for selling your location. Often the franchisor has to approve a buyer. Read these clauses before you sign, because your exit partly determines what your investment is ultimately worth.

Do I have to contribute to national advertising as a franchisee?

With most franchise brands, yes, through a marketing contribution. In a 2025 French market study it was between 0% and 3% of turnover; Dutch franchise brands may differ. Ask what the money is spent on and what share flows back into local marketing for your location.

Can I become a franchisee of several locations?

With many franchise brands you can, usually only once your first location is running well. Some brands actually prefer working with entrepreneurs who run several locations. Ask in advance whether this is possible, under what conditions and whether you get priority on new sites in your region.

Sources

Gijs Bodenstaff
Franchise marketer, local SEO and GEO specialist, author

Print the checklist of questions and take it with you to your first meeting with a franchisor.