Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

The Work

A franchise is when one business (franchisor) is granting a licence to another (the franchisee) to trade under the brand of the franchisor, following a specific business model. Some of the best known franchises are SuperMac’s, McDonald’s, Insomnia coffee shops, and Fastway Couriers for example. But there are many more. In fact there are over 300 franchise systems in Ireland!

The franchisee is essentially a business owner, but with detailed guidelines, dictating how to run the business. Some franchisees act as business managers, while others may employ managers to run the day to day business.

The advantages of being a franchisee rather than setting up your own independent business, is that you don’t need to come up with a new concept or idea. While independent businesses typically take a number of years to establish themselves, a franchise is already established on the market and customers know what to expect from the business.

Larger franchise companies will often run marketing campaigns, have established purchasing and logistics contracts, and offer training programmes for franchisees and their staff. They may also help you to find and fit out your premise.

Potential disadvantages with being a franchisee is that you are not truly independent. There are restrictions related to the products or services you can offer, and sometimes extremely detailed restrictions down to the pricing, interiors, staff uniforms and signage.

There are also fees to be paid to the franchisor, both an initial fee and royalty fees. Initial franchise fees in Ireland can vary significantly, but are often €15-20,000. The franchisees may also be required to have an investment capital available as well as capital required to establish the business.

In addition the franchisee is typically required to pay a Royalty Fee (often between 5% and 10%) and some charge an additional Marketing Fee (approx. 2%).

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Provide customer service by greeting and assisting customers and responding to customer inquiries and complaints.
• Direct and supervise employees engaged in sales, inventory-taking, reconciling cash receipts, or in performing services for customers.
• Examine merchandise to ensure that it is correctly priced and displayed and that it functions as advertised.
• Monitor sales activities to ensure that customers receive satisfactory service and quality goods.
• Instruct staff on how to handle difficult and complicated sales.
• Assign employees to specific duties.
• Keep records of purchases, sales, and requisitions.
• Perform work activities of subordinates, such as cleaning and organising shelves and displays and selling merchandise.
• Plan and prepare work schedules and keep records of employees' work schedules and time cards.
• Review inventory and sales records to prepare reports for management and budget departments.

Further Information

• Franchisee - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

You don’t necessarily need a specific qualification to start a franchise, but some management experience will be beneficial. The first step involves deciding on the type of franchise you want to open. In other words, which sector do you want to be in? E.g. food, cleaning, delivery services? This decision should ideally be based on your past experiences, skills and knowledge or qualifications. Your chances of succeeding with a franchise application will be improved if you can show the franchisor that you have relevant management experience.

You then need to Search IFA for a suitable franchise sector and carefully examine the terms and conditions involved. You also need to review their requirements of you and your finances as they may specify how much capital you need to have access to.

You also need to consider the geographical area and the potential it has for the chosen business. Are there already similar business close by that would be in direct competition with you?

When you have researched your options, you can submit an inquiry or application form.

If you are successful, you'll receive detailed instructions for the next steps, including finding a location and establishing a lease (if applicable), borrowing funds, attending training sessions, and preparing for your grand opening.

Training & Development Pathways

Training can also help you progress and there are both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and management which can support you in your career.

FET Centre Traineeship: Business Admin, Customer service, Busienss start up, Management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Business Management, Sales, Marketing, Commerce, and Accounting courses at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Accounting, Finance, Sales Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business, Commerce, Economics, Enterprise, Accounts & Finance NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Sales, Business, Accounts, Management, Enterprise & innovation, Financial advice NFQ level 9-10

Local Enterprise Offices offer support and advice to aspiring franchise business owners, .

ILDN Irish Local Development network Enterprise advice and partnership support. 

Irish Franchise Association: IFA Regulates & supports Franchising in Ireland.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €250k

Franchise incomes are highly variable, dependent on factors such as the location, franchise operated and management abilities of the Franchise themselves.

Data Source(s):
Irish Franshise Association/ Indeed

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels for this occupation have remained relatively stable in recent years. These roles were found across all sectors of the economy, albeit in small numbers. The data does not point to any issues with this occupation at present

• Local Enterprise Offices

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• The Irish Franchise Association

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