Can I purchase a Starbucks franchise?

Drive down almost any busy street in America and you're sure to see a swarm of people lining up at a Starbucks location for their daily java fix. And these days, Starbucks has branched beyond signature coffee drinks and reusable coffee mugs into a successful media company offering music, books, and even films. With a lengthy track record like this, surely owning a Starbucks franchise would be at the top of any aspiring entrepreneur's list…right?

Unfortunately, no. Despite Starbucks being the largest coffeehouse company in the world with thousands of locations worldwide, you can't purchase a Starbucks franchise. Most of the stores are company-operated. Instead, Starbucks provides exclusive licensing agreements with companies that may have space for a kiosk at airports, shopping malls, and supermarkets. So unless you operate a business that could license with Starbucks, you're likely out of luck.

Alternatives to a Starbucks franchise
While you can't pursue a Starbucks franchise opportunity, there are many other potentially lucrative franchising options available. Regardless if you turn to another food and beverage service franchise or move on to a different industry, you can still open a successful franchise business. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind before pursuing the right franchise opportunity:

Have significant start-up capital
This is especially true in the franchise world. To get started, you need hundreds of thousands of dollars up front for the franchise fee, location and equipment, and recurring fees like annual royalty payments and ad sharing costs. If you don't have a lot of money to work with, franchising may not be for you.

Find an industry you enjoy…and will stick with
The secret to owning and operating a successful franchise is finding one that lets you do something you love. It isn't easy to make a profit in the franchise world, so you stand a better chance of success if you have a genuine interest in an industry. That way, you know you'll stay motivated for years to come. Since you can't get a Starbucks franchise, look at similar coffee house businesses that can provide you with the support and brand name recognition to help you make it work.

Look for long-standing franchise opportunities
The franchise you select should have a strong history of winning – like a Starbucks franchise would. A fly-by-night franchise opportunity, coffee house or otherwise, might offer potential for big returns with a small investment, but it's likely not a legitimate opportunity. You won't find many shortcuts that work when you buy a franchise – it takes a lot of time, work, and dedication to make it a long-term success.

Acquire official documentation
To make sure you found a reputable franchise, request a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC) from the parent company. This document details everything you need to know about the franchise – from the history of the company to revenue trends and profit reports.

Check the franchise's background
In addition to reviewing UFOCs, perform your own due diligence. Check with the BBB and local chamber of commerce to see how consumers feel about specific franchise opportunities. Also, find out if they have pending litigation against them, particularly from their own franchisees. If you encounter too many red flags, it's best to walk away and look elsewhere.

While a Starbucks franchise may not be in your future, other reputable franchise opportunities can be. Once you do your research and find one that interests you, submit a free franchise businesses request for price quotes to get matched up with several franchise brokers. Meet with each of them to discuss your options and find the appropriate franchise opportunity that will support you and allow you to take advantage of your entrepreneurial spirit.