A. Explain the advantages and the disadvantages of the sole proprietorship.
- A sole proprietorship is a business owned and managed by one individual and is the most popular form of ownership.
- Sole proprietorships offer these advantages: They are simple to create; they are the least costly form to begin; the owner has total decision-making authority; there are no special legal restrictions; and they are easy to discontinue.
- They also suffer from these disadvantages: unlimited personal liability of owner; limited managerial skills and capabilities; limited access to capital; lack of continuity.
B. Explain the advantages and the disadvantages of the partnership.
- A partnership is an association of two or more people who co-own a business for the purpose of making a profit. Partnerships offer these advantages: ease of establishing; complementary skills of partners; division of profits; larger pool of capital available; ability to attract limited partners; little government regulation flexibility; and tax advantages.
- Partnerships suffer from these disadvantages: unlimited liability of at least one partner; difficulty in disposing of partnership; interest lack of continuity; potential for personality and authority conflicts; and partners bound by the law of agency.
C. Explain the advantages and the disadvantages of the corporation.
- A corporation, the most complex of the three basic forms of ownership, is a separate legal entity. To form a corporation, an entrepreneur must file the articles of incorporation with the state in which the company will incorporate. Corporations offer these advantages: limited liability of stockholders; ability to attract capital; ability to continue indefinitely; and transferable ownership.
- Corporations suffer from these disadvantages: cost and time involved in incorporating; double taxation; potential for diminished managerial incentives; legal requirements and regulatory red tape; and potential loss of control by the founder(s).
Discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of the S corporation, the Limited Liability Company, the professional corporation, and the joint venture.
- Entrepreneurs can also choose from several other forms of ownership, including S Corporations, and limited liability companies. An S Corporation offers its owners limited liability protection but avoids the double taxation of C Corporations.
- A Limited Liability Company, like an S Corporation, is a cross between a partnership and a corporation, yet is operates without the restrictions imposed on an S Corporation. To create an LLC, an entrepreneur must file the articles of organization and the operating agreement with the secretary of state.
- A professional corporation offers professionals the benefits of the corporate form of ownership.
- A joint venture is like a partnership, except that it is formed for a specific purpose.
Describe the three types of franchising: tradename, product distribution, and pure.
- Tradename franchising involves a franchisee purchasing the right to become affiliated with a franchiser's tradename without distributing its products exclusively.
- Product distribution franchising involves licensing a franchisee to sell products or services under the franchiser's brand name through a selective, limited distribution network.
- Pure franchising involves a selling a franchisee a complete business format.
Explain the benefits and the drawbacks of buying a franchise.
- Franchises offer many benefits: management training and support; brand name appeal; standardized quality of goods and services; national advertising programs; financial assistance; proven products and business formats; centralized buying power; territorial protection; and a greater chance of success.
- Franchising also suffers from certain drawbacks: franchise fees and profit sharing; strict adherence to standardized operations; restrictions on purchasing; limited product lines; unsatisfactory training programs; market saturation; and less freedom.
Understand the laws covering franchise purchases.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enacted the Trade Regulation Rule in 1979, which requires all franchisers to disclose detailed information on their operations at the first personal meeting or at least ten days before a franchise contract is signed, or before any money is paid. The FTC rule covers all franchisers. The Trade regulation Rule requires franchisers to provide information on 23 topics in their disclosure statements.
- Seventeen states have passed their own franchise laws requiring franchisers to provide prospective franchisees a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC).
Discuss the right way to buy a franchise.
- The following steps will help you make the right franchise choice: Evaluate yourself; research your market; consider your franchise options; get a copy of the franchiser's UFOC; talk to existing franchisees; ask the franchiser some tough questions; make your choice.
Outline the major trends shaping franchising.
- Key trends shaping franchising today include: the changing face of franchisees, international franchise opportunities, smaller, non-traditional locations, conversion franchising, multiple-unit franchising, master franchising, and piggybacking (or combination franchising).
