Do you think buying a Franchise is the best way to start a Small Business ?????

However, easy expansion is not a given in the franchise industry, which is present in more than 40 different sectors, from florists to automotive services to education. Of the Canadian Franchise Association's 350 members, board member Ken LeBlanc says that most have not greatly expanded.

"The lion's share of franchises has under 10 franchise units," says LeBlanc. "Those first 10 are easy to sell, quite honestly. You have a great idea, a great concept. But unless those 10 are successful, you will never sell No. 11. If you don't have great people working your business and being successful, it's very difficult to sell those additional units."

At M & M, Wissent says that marketing and promotion may drive the business, but in-store execution is a requirement to keep the customers coming back. He also advises that other franchisors listen to their franchisees if they want to succeed.

"It is time to expand when you know that you have something replicable and profitable, and you have the funds and systems in place that are necessary for growth."