Attending a Discovery Day is one of the most important steps in evaluating a franchise opportunity. Whether you’re exploring Right at Home or considering other industries like Food service, fitness, or retail, this event is your chance to dig deep and get clarity before making a major investment. Here are 8 essential questions to ask:
1. What makes your brand different from competitors?
Understanding the unique value proposition helps you gauge whether the franchise has a sustainable competitive edge. Ask questions about market positioning, proprietary systems, and customer loyalty strategies.
2. What is the total investment and ongoing fees?
Most franchise candidates focus on start‑up costs, but ongoing financial obligations are equally important. In addition to the initial franchise fee, clarify royalties, technology fees, marketing fund contributions, required insurance, and any additional recurring expenses. Go a step further and ask what each fee actually covers. Understanding whether fees will increase over time—and why—helps you forecast your financial runway and set realistic expectations.
3. How long does it take to become profitable?
Profitability varies widely by industry, market size, and operator involvement. Ask about average break‑even timelines and what factors contribute to faster or slower ramp‑up periods. For service‑based brands like Right at Home, profitability may depend heavily on caregiver recruitment, referral partnerships, and local demand. Many franchisors share worksheets or financial modeling tools to help you understand your projected break‑even point, and speaking with current franchisees during validation can offer candid, real‑world perspectives.
4. What kind of ongoing training and support do you provide?
Initial training is important—but long-term support is what ultimately drives franchisee success. Ask about:
- Pre-opening training and onboarding
- Post-opening coaching
- Access to marketing and recruiting resources
- Operational support teams
- Technology platforms and updates
In home care, specifically, caregiver recruitment and retention is a major priority. Discovery Day at Right at Home often includes sessions led by the corporate team on recruitment, retention, and operational support.
5. How will government regulation and licensing affect my timeline?
When researching an in-home care franchise, licensure is important to consider. Depending on what state you are located in, it may take several weeks or months to gain approval based on government regulations.
6. What is the long-term growth potential?
If you’re thinking about multi‑unit ownership or building a scalable business, explore territory availability, expansion strategies, and how the company supports owners interested in growth. Ask how the brand anticipates evolving markets, demographic trends, and long-term demand. You want a brand with the infrastructure and flexibility to support expansion—not one that caps your growth early.
7. How does the brand adapt to market trends?
A franchise’s ability to innovate determines whether it will lead or lag behind its industry. Explore how the company approaches:
- Technology upgrades
- Service expansion
- Industry changes and new regulations
- Shifting consumer expectations
8. What does an average day look like for a franchise owner?
This question helps you understand lifestyle fit and operational responsibility. Each industry comes with its own rhythm—restaurant owners may experience different daily demands compared to home care operators, who must balance scheduling, staffing, and client relationships. Talking through the realities of daily operations helps determine whether the business model aligns with your strengths and expectations.
Why these questions matter:
At Right at Home’s Discovery Day, you’ll meet leadership, explore the brand’s mission, and learn about its proven model for in-home care. Topics often include marketing strategies, caregiver recruitment, and financial expectations. This transparency helps you determine if the franchise aligns with your goals and values.