The History of The Word Franchising (And How It Impacts Your Career Path)

November 1, 2021

, by

start a franchise right now

Where does the word "franchising" originate?


Although modern business franchising as we know it didn’t take off until the 1950’s, the word itself has a long and varied history, including everything from politics to religion to sports to art to business.


According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, here’s a timeline of how the word “franchising” has shifted in meaning over the last five hundred years:


1500’s -- Franchising means freedom (The status of not being in servitude)


1600s -- Franchising means citizenship or membership (The belonging to a certain town)


1700s -- Franchising means a particular legal privilege (Such as a person’s right to vote)


1800s -- Franchising means a sports league with a stipulated number of teams, each of which has their own territorial rights (St. Louis Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Boston Bruins)


1900’s -- Franchising means the authorization by a company to commercially sell and license its products or services, (McDonalds, 7-11, Ace Hardware, Century 21)


2000’s -- Franchising means a work of art where the success of the original creation inspires further installments to be made, (Harry Potter, Star Wars, Mario Games, Pokemon)


Sounds like franchising is way more than just fast food!


Now that you’ve seen the different types of franchises that are available, the next issue is to ask what the most profitable and fulfilling career path would be.


Is owning the Phoenix Suns as prestigious as owning a McDonalds? Would you make more money buying/owning a superhero movie franchise, or a hundred veterinary franchise locations? Do those kind of franchises pay royalties in a similar fashion? And if so, what are the legal implications of such a strategy?


The barriers to entry are certainly different.


If you wanted to own a PetWellClinic or Xpresso Delight, the process could take several months to a year, costing you up to a few hundred thousand dollars. And the growth potential is powerful if you become a multi unit owner with multiple profitable stores.


If you wanted to buy your favorite NBA team, it might cost you around $2 billion. Here’s a recent listing of the top basketball franchises by investment:


  • New York Knicks: $5.42 billion
  • Golden State Warriors: $5.20 billion
  • Los Angeles Lakers: $5.14 billion
  • Brooklyn Nets: $3.40 billion
  • Boston Celtics: $3.18 billion


That’s a very different business opportunity than, say, owning a restaurant or two. Doesn’t make it any better or worse. If your portfolio and resources have equipped you to pursue such an opportunity, then you should definitely, ahem, take your shot.


Ultimately, what our clients and brands love about franchising is what has brought millions of entrepreneurs to the business model for hundreds of years now.


Freedom and growth.


Franchising enables your professional flexibility and liberation in numerous ways, and challenges you to expand your skills and net worth as well.


Five hundred years ago, the average business person may not have pursued franchising as their career path, but today the opportunity is yours for the taking.



<< Back to Franchise News

Other Articles

Methuen opening storefront location.

PetWellClinic’s Methuen Site Opens Feb. 1

January 30, 2024
Read Article
Bang Cookies storefront in Jersey City

Got Milk? Bang Cookies, Oakscale Launch Nationwide Franchise Expansion

January 25, 2024
Read Article
Payroll Vault lock

Payroll Vault Signs Large Accounting Firm in Watertown

January 25, 2024
Read Article
PetWellClinic Paramus New Jersey Location

PetWellClinic Opens Third New Jersey Location

December 12, 2023
Read Article
Payroll Vault New Franchisee Brook Talbot for Katy, Texas Market

Payroll Vault Signs New Franchisee for Katy, Texas

November 30, 2023
Read Article
assorted cookie flavors displayed with pink background

Floozie Stuffed Cookies Breaking Into Southern California

March 3, 2023
Read Article
Chef Kimberly Lin inside Floozie Cookie franchise location

Oakscale and TGP Partner to Bring Stuffed Vegan Cookie Brand Floozie Cookies to the U.S. and Canada

March 2, 2023
Read Article
Edward Pike to open 5 PetWellClinic sites in Fort Myers, Florida.

Volunteer Dog Trainer Expanding PetWellClinic in Florida

February 3, 2023
Read Article
Dogdrop dog daycare franchise opens in south florida

Miami’s population boom draws LA doggie daycare company to South Florida

January 13, 2023
Read Article
Storefront

Dogdrop Awards Five-Unit Franchise Deal for Miami and Fort Lauderdale

January 10, 2023
Read Article
Top Pet Franchise 2023

PetWellClinic Breaks into Michigan with 10-Unit Agreement

November 8, 2022
Read Article

PetWellClinic Opens in Rockville, Md.

October 20, 2022
Read Article