Tips for Interviews Right at Home Franchisees During Validation
One of the most critical steps in the due diligence process for any Franchise is interviewing current franchisees. These conversations offer a firsthand look into the realities of ownership and can help you determine whether the opportunity aligns with your goals, expectations, and capabilities.
At Right at Home, as with most Franchise systems, candidates must demonstrate they are qualified before being granted access to existing franchisees. This is not intended to make the process more difficult. Rather, it reflects an important reality: a Franchisee’s priority is running their business.
To support both our candidates and our owners, Right at Home provides franchisees with a daily list of qualified candidates. This approach keeps franchisees informed of development efforts, protects the integrity of the System, and ensures that franchisees can engage in meaningful conversations without unnecessary interruptions. If a candidate is not on that list, franchisees will typically refer them back to the development team.
It is also important to recognize that, like any professional interaction, the more a Franchisee likes and connects with you, the more information they are likely to share. With that in mind, approaching validation conversations with preparation and professionalism is essential.
Below are best practices to help you navigate the validation phase effectively:
Build Rapport First
You are calling a stranger to ask about their background, business, and, in some cases, how much money they make. It’s only fair that you share relevant information about yourself first. Providing context about your background, goals, and interest in the business helps establish trust and encourages a more open dialogue.
Show Respect for the Franchisee’s Time
Franchisees receive no compensation or immediate benefit from speaking with candidates about their business. Being mindful of this is critical. Offering to keep the conversation to 20–25 minutes demonstrates professionalism and consideration. While some may choose to extend the conversation, they will appreciate your respect for their time.
Always Schedule a Time to Talk
Franchisees are busy business owners; whenever you call, it is unlikely to be an ideal time. Scheduling conversations in advance significantly increases the likelihood of a productive discussion. Many franchisees today are also responsive to email outreach, so requesting contact information through the Franchisor can be an effective approach.
Prepare Questions in Advance
Coming prepared with a structured list of questions ensures that your conversations are focused and productive. Take detailed notes so you can compare responses across multiple franchisees. Keep your questions centered on day-to-day operations, how franchisees spend their time, and how the business performs. Avoid asking for proprietary or confidential information, as this is both inappropriate and unnecessary for effective validation.
Know When You’re Ready to Move Forward
While speaking with franchisees is often one of the most engaging parts of the process, it should remain purposeful. The number of conversations needed will vary, but many candidates report two consistent experiences:
- They begin hearing similar feedback across multiple franchisees, and
- Their questions shift from “Should I do this?” to “How do I do this?”
When this transition occurs, it is often a strong indicator that you have completed the validation phase and are ready to move forward in your decision-making process.
Your Personal Brand Starts Here
As you engage with franchisees, remember that you are also building your own personal Brand within the System. Being prepared, courteous, and genuine will not only lead to more meaningful conversations and better insights but also serve as the foundation for your relationships with fellow franchisees for years to come.
Approaching validation with intention and professionalism will ultimately help you make a more informed decision and position you for long-term success with Right at Home.
