摘要：As individuals decide to open or pursue a small business, an important option available to most entrepreneurs involves whether or not to purchase a franchise. An increasing number of small businesses started during the last 30 years have involved some form of franchising. One major reason small business owners choose to become franchisees is these small business franchisees are able to operate as if they were much larger enterprises. As one analyzes franchises and franchise fees it appears there is a variety of similar fees and monthly expenses related to all franchised businesses. It appears, however, a large majority of people are confused over what fees are actually required and what the various fees entail. It also appears a large number of franchise fees and monthly expenses are based on the McDonald’s Corporation fee structure. Important franchising insights can be gained by analyzing the concepts employed by McDonald’s with regard to fees and expenses. When analyzing the franchises of various companies, one can easily become confused with all the terms used to discuss the multitude of fees and expenses. Franchise fees, security fees, base rent fees, percent rent fees, service fees, and royalty fees, not to mention the various purchase cost options, all come into play. Based on the research of McDonald’s fee structures, hopefully, future conclusions can be made and comparisons of associated fee structures of other franchised companies can be drawn in a more enlightened manner.
关键词：franchising; McDonald’s; franchisors; franchisees; small business; franchising fees.
