Buying a Franchise in Ireland: Franchisee Reference Checks

Speaking to existing franchisees can reveal what joining a brand actually feels like: the daily workload, the responsiveness of the head office and the realities of running the business. But a few enthusiastic introductions are not enough. Before joining Ireland’s franchising community, plan your reference checks so that you hear varied experiences and can distinguish useful evidence from personal opinion.

1. Choose a balanced range of contacts

Start by asking the franchisor for opportunities to speak privately with current franchisees. Explain that you want a cross-section of the network, rather than only its longest-established or most successful operators.

Where the network allows, aim to include:

• A recent starter who remembers the opening process clearly.
• An established franchisee who has experienced quieter trading periods.
• Someone operating in a location broadly comparable with yours.
• An owner running a similar format, such as a mobile business or premises-based operation.
• A former franchisee willing to discuss their experience.

Ask how the suggested contacts were selected. An introduction to an award-winning operator is useful, but their circumstances may differ substantially from yours. A multi-unit owner with experienced managers may not offer a realistic comparison for a first-time owner working alone.

Request introductions to former franchisees rather than assuming the franchisor can freely share personal contact details. If access is limited, ask why and record the explanation. A small or young network may genuinely have few comparable operators; that limits the evidence available without automatically proving anything is wrong.

2. Use consistent questions, then explore the details

Arrange a convenient time and explain that you are considering buying, not conducting a formal audit. Ask permission before taking detailed notes, and do not record a conversation without express agreement.

Use the same core questions with each person:

• What does a normal working week involve for you personally?
• What was most difficult during your first months?
• When you need help, who responds and how useful is the response?
• Which responsibilities took you by surprise?
• What would you investigate more carefully if buying again?
• Would you make the same decision today, and why?

Follow broad answers with requests for examples. If someone describes support as excellent, ask about the last problem they raised and how it was handled. If they describe the relationship as difficult, ask what happened and whether the issue was resolved.

Be respectful about financial information. Franchisees may be unable or unwilling to share confidential accounts. If they volunteer a figure, establish whether it means turnover, business profit or personal income, and what period it covers. An isolated number without context is not a reliable basis for your decision.

A site visit can add context, provided the operator agrees. Avoid treating a single busy afternoon or quiet morning as proof of typical performance.

3. Compare experiences without turning them into guarantees

Create a simple comparison sheet after each conversation. Record the operator’s business format, time in the network, personal involvement and the main examples they supplied. Separate direct observations from opinions and information they heard from others.

Look for repeated patterns, but investigate differences too. A concern raised by several independently contacted operators deserves further enquiry. Equally, different experiences may reflect location, staffing, opening date or the amount of time the owner contributes.

Check whether an interviewee receives a referral payment or another benefit if you join. An incentive does not make their account false, but it is relevant context.

For each material concern, identify a next step: request a document, ask another operator or seek a written explanation from the franchisor. Put concerns neutrally and avoid circulating identifiable comments without permission. Give the franchisor an opportunity to explain discrepancies, then assess whether its explanation is supported by evidence.

4. Understand what references cannot establish in Ireland

This guide concerns the Republic of Ireland. There is no dedicated franchise legislation, statutory franchise-specific pre-sale disclosure regime or general requirement to register franchise agreements. General contract law and applicable Irish and EU competition, intellectual property and other relevant laws govern franchise arrangements.

The Irish Franchise Association’s Code of Ethical Conduct applies to its members. It is a membership standard, not legislation or a substitute for independent checks.

Do not assume that you have a statutory franchise-specific right to receive a complete reference list. Ask for access early enough to make meaningful enquiries before committing.

Another franchisee’s experience also does not establish your contractual rights. Their agreement, negotiated terms or support arrangements may differ from yours. Have an independent Irish solicitor check your proposed obligations and an accountant assess the financial implications of what you learn.

Practical takeaway: Speak to a varied group of operators, ask consistent questions and investigate recurring concerns. Use references to guide further checks, not as a substitute for reviewing your own deal.