The 5 Most Common Franchise Recruitment Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Franchise recruitment is one of the most critical steps for network success. Learn the 5 most frequent mistakes — backed by data from ABF, real case studies, and practical solutions — and how to avoid them.
The Brazilian franchise market is a powerhouse: in 2024, the sector generated R$ 273 billion (approximately US$ 50 billion) in revenue, a 13.5% year-over-year increase, creating nearly 2 million direct jobs, according to data from the ABF (Brazilian Franchising Association). In 2025, growth continued above 14%, consolidating franchising as one of the most resilient business models in the country.
But there's a paradox within this growth: unit closures increased 6.4% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to Portal do Franchising. While the sector as a whole thrives, networks that expand without proper recruitment criteria end up paying a steep price.
The good news? The franchise mortality rate is only 3% within the first two years — compared to 23% for traditional small businesses, according to Sebrae. This proves that when properly structured, the model works. The secret lies in the process.
Based on industry data, expert analysis, and real-world case studies, here are the five most frequent mistakes in franchisee recruitment — and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
1. Panic Recruitment
"Growing too fast, without structure, is a common trap." — Erlon Labatut, franchising specialist
Pressured by expansion targets or market opportunities, many franchisors rush the selection process to close contracts quickly. The result? Franchisees without the right profile, insufficient capital, or misalignment with the brand's culture.
The numbers speak for themselves: a study by Trammit on Brazilian franchising in 2025 reveals that 63.3% of unit closures are linked to inadequate franchisee behavior — disengagement, lack of commitment, or cultural misalignment. This isn't bad luck; it's the direct consequence of rushed recruitment.
How to avoid it
- Structure a timeline with clear stages: multiple interviews, behavioral profiling tests, and detailed financial verification
- Define non-negotiable minimum criteria, such as proven working capital, management experience, or full-time availability
- Use standardized questionnaires and 360-degree assessments to objectively filter candidates
- Respect the process timeline — it's better to let an opportunity pass than to close with the wrong franchisee
Real case: Krispy Kreme
The most emblematic case of "panic recruitment" in global franchising is Krispy Kreme. After going public in 2000, the chain aggressively expanded from 300 to 357 units in just 4 years, opening 215 new stores without assessing local sustainability. The result: between 2003 and 2004, while total revenue grew 15%, same-store sales increased a mere 0.1% — a clear sign of cannibalization. The company faced an SEC investigation for accounting fraud, its market value plummeted by US$ 2.7 billion, and 25% of units were shut down.
2. Inadequate Selection Process
The second trap is relying on superficial impressions: polished resumes, enthusiastic conversations, and immediate willingness to invest. Without a robust evaluation system, the franchisor ends up choosing based on "gut feeling" — while ignoring red flags.
Consider the data: Brazil has a national conversion rate of only 0.94% in franchisee recruitment, meaning an average of 106 leads are needed to close a single contract, according to Trammit. With an average CPA of R$ 10,860 (approximately US$ 2,000), each recruited franchisee represents a significant investment. Choosing poorly is literally throwing money away.
How to avoid it
- Implement a structured recruitment funnel with clear phases: initial screening, exploratory interview, financial analysis, operational simulation, and visits to existing units
- Train the recruitment team to assess key competencies: management skills, resilience, long-term commitment, and cultural alignment
- Integrate feedback from current franchisees into the process — they know the real operational challenges
- Automate initial screening to focus human time on the stages that truly matter
A revealing statistic: 85.7% of franchise contracts are closed when the lead receives contact within 4 hours of registration. Speed matters, but it cannot mean skipping steps.
Real case: Quiznos
The American chain Quiznos prioritized volume over quality in recruitment, reaching more than 5,000 locations at its peak. Dissatisfied franchisees sued the company alleging fraud, abusive charges, and lack of support, resulting in a US$ 95 million settlement with 6,900 franchisees. The chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2014, and today operates fewer than 230 units — a 95% decline.
3. Ignoring the Ideal Franchisee Profile
The third mistake is the most subtle: prioritizing financial capital over behavioral traits and operational experience. Many networks, especially during accelerated expansion phases, ask "how much can you invest?" before "who are you as a manager?"
The main causes of franchise closures in Brazil confirm this dynamic: 31% of closures are due to poor location selection (which could be prevented with more experienced franchisees) and 28% due to insufficient working capital — two factors that a proper profiling process would detect before the contract is signed.
How to avoid it
- Create an "ideal franchisee profile" based on data from successful units, including traits like proactivity, resilience, and team management capabilities
- Use behavioral assessments (such as DISC, MBTI, or franchise-specific tools) and professional reference interviews
- Don't "sell" the franchise — educate the candidate about the real operational challenges. Transparency in selection reduces turnover
- Analyze the complete picture: professional history, actual financial situation (not just the initial investment), and genuine motivation
The most revealing data about good franchisees' potential: 56% of current franchisees operate multiple units, and 80% are considering expansion, according to Trammit. This shows that when the profile is right, the franchisee doesn't just survive — they grow.
Real case: Wise Up
In Brazil, Wise Up faced allegations of fraud and pyramid scheme practices in 2025 related to its "Universidade da Matrícula" program. Participants reported investing R$ 20,000 (approximately US$ 3,700) attracted by promises of quick returns, but encountered unreachable targets and unsustainable routines. The case illustrates what happens when recruitment prioritizes the candidate's financial investment over their actual profile — generating losses, frustration, and lawsuits.
4. Overselling the Positives and Hiding the Risks
The fourth trap is treating recruitment like a sales pitch: presenting the franchise as a "foolproof" opportunity with guaranteed returns, while downplaying challenges like seasonality, local competition, or the operational learning curve.
This creates a ticking time bomb of unrealistic expectations. The franchisee who enters thinking "just follow the manual" inevitably becomes frustrated when facing the normal challenges of any business — and the relationship with the franchisor deteriorates quickly.
How to avoid it
- Be brutally transparent from the first contact: provide real performance data from existing units, including worst-case scenarios and seasonal patterns
- Include clear clauses in the franchise disclosure document and encourage candidates to consult specialized lawyers
- Hold in-person or online workshops showing the real day-to-day operations — with current franchisees sharing their experiences
- Present realistic payback timelines: average return periods, regional variations, and factors that influence results
- Document everything: proposals, promises, and expectations should be in writing, avoiding "he said / she said" situations
The impact of transparency
Networks that practice transparency in recruitment show significantly higher retention rates. When a franchisee enters with realistic expectations, their resilience during the first months (the hardest) is much greater. And as ABF data shows — the franchise mortality rate (3%) is nearly 8 times lower than that of independent businesses (23%). The model works; you just have to be honest about what it requires.
5. Lack of Post-Recruitment Support
"Support is not a benefit — it's an obligation." — Erlon Labatut
The last mistake — and perhaps the most devastating for the network as a whole — is treating recruitment as the end of the process. Many franchisors invest heavily in lead generation and closing, but abandon the new partner after the contract is signed.
The predictable result: disoriented franchisees, substandard operations, high turnover, and brand reputation damage. ABF data shows that networks with structured franchisee support programs grew from 61% to 77% between 2023 and 2024 — a sign that the market is waking up to this need.
How to avoid it
- Develop a robust onboarding plan with initial training, 90-day follow-up, and mentorship from experienced franchisees
- Create permanent communication channels: forums, apps, exclusive groups, and regular meetings between franchisor and franchisees
- Monitor new franchisee KPIs during the first 12 months: revenue, average ticket, customer satisfaction, and team turnover
- Conduct regular audits and visits — not to police, but to support and identify problems before they become crises
- Offer continuous training: the market changes, and franchisees need constant updates
The cost of not supporting
Consider: with a CPA of R$ 10,860 per franchisee and the need for 106 leads per conversion, losing a franchisee due to lack of support is an absurd waste. Beyond the direct cost, there's the reputational impact — dissatisfied franchisees are active voices in communities and social media, driving away potential new partners.
What connects all these mistakes?
There's a common thread across all five errors: the lack of structured processes and adequate technology for franchisee recruitment. While the franchise market moves hundreds of billions, many networks still manage expansion with spreadsheets, emails, and manual processes.
The data shows the market is maturing: selling new franchises became the number one difficulty for networks in 2024 (it was previously third). This means every lead is more valuable — and every process mistake, more costly.
The solution: technology + process
Networks that structure their recruitment with dedicated technology achieve:
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Fast lead response | +85.7% closing rate |
| Automated ideal franchisee profiling | -63% closures due to disengagement |
| Structured selection funnel | Better conversion from 106 leads/sale |
| Digital onboarding | Reduced ramp-up time |
| KPI monitoring | Early intervention on problems |
Conclusion
Franchisee recruitment is, without exaggeration, the most important decision a network makes during expansion. Each franchisee is a multiplier — for better or worse. Getting this step right means building a strong, profitable, and sustainable network. Getting it wrong means conflicts, losses, and brand damage.
The good news is that all five mistakes presented here are preventable with the right processes, transparency, and tools. The Brazilian franchise sector is experiencing a unique moment of opportunity, but only those who treat recruitment with the seriousness it deserves will be able to capitalize on it.
Sources and references:
- ABF - Franchise Market Numbers
- Portal do Franchising - 5 Most Common Franchise Mistakes
- Portal do Franchising - Causes of Franchise Closures
- Trammit - Franchising Diagnostics 2025
- Sebrae - Business Survival Rates
- Reidel Law Firm - The Fall of Krispy Kreme
- Franchise City - Quiznos Franchise Lawsuit
- The Intercept - Wise Up Allegations
