Many people choose not to work in corporate America but rather to find a career path, which has to do with owning their own company. There are many ways to own your own business. You can start your own business, you can buy an existing business, you can become the sweat equity in someone else's business and own part of it as a partner or you can buy a franchise.

Buying a franchise seems to be a pretty good idea, however it is no guarantee for success in your career. If you choose this career path you will need to do some due diligence and check out the franchise or and the business model to make sure it is a viable concept and you will make money. Not all franchisees succeed.

If there is a dispute, both of the franchisor and the franchisee may find themselves involved in a legal battle and this can cause problems and disrupt the business. Meanwhile it costs thousands of dollars in legal fees even for the most minor dispute.

Some Franchisors have arbitration clauses in their franchising agreements, but even this does not guarantee that legal fees will not mount. If you think you would like to own your own business and perhaps a franchise the more preparation and due diligence you do in advance will better your chances for success. You should not rely on any government agency or a franchising salesman, you must take responsibility for your own self. Please consider this in 2006.