While the details will vary from brand to brand these are some of the broad issues that may apply.

New brand
Pros
A lower barrier to entry
A chance to be involved with building the brand
More opportunities for growth

Cons
Little or no brand awareness in the community
Systems may still be being tested
It may be more difficult to obtain finance

Established brand
Pros
The brand is familiar and recognised
Systems have been tested and proven
Profits are more predictable

Cons
High barriers to entry, including costs
The market may be saturated
New territories may go to existing franchisees

New business
Pros
Lower cost of entry
Higher capital gains when you sell
A chance to build your own team

Cons
A longer time to break even
Requires more operating capital
No experienced staff
No established reputation

Established business
Pros
A longer history brings less risk
Established goodwill
A team of well-trained staff

Cons
Premises may need to be refurbished
Possible problems with renewing a lease
High cost of entry

RED FLAG MOMENT
If you don’t look underneath the surface, you won’t know what’s really going on. Don’t take franchisor info at face value.