Similar to any other kind of consultants, ‘India franchise consultants’ focuses on client relationship, whereby the franchise consultant would charge a fee to a client in exchange for a consulting service relating to franchising services. The field of franchise brokerage was traditionally defined in this way. A franchisor would hire the consultant for drafting a contract and scope of service that included franchise development, business planning, marketing and sales advice or any other type of franchise consulting services for which the consultant is paid a franchise consultancy fee.

The definition has been changed as various franchise sales networks borrowed the term "franchise consulting" or "franchise consultant" to describe "franchise brokerage" during the last few years. Franchise Consultants who offer franchise development services that include strategic advice, preparation of franchise documentation and preparation of franchise model and thereafter providing assistance in franchise trainings, franchise audits etc qualify as franchise consultancy services and experts who offer these services are known as franchise consultants. Those who just connect entrepreneurs with brands or vice versa for a commission or for a brokerage fee are termed as franchise brokers. This distinction is very clear. India franchise consultants offer their services to the franchise industry at large and also have a India franchise brokerage service which is free for entrepreneurs seeking a new business while the India franchise brokers receive compensation only if their clients happens to purchase a franchise. This new definition undermines the concept of franchise consulting as a service. In addition to those that are marketing themselves as franchise consultants, amounts to nothing more than a misrepresentation of what they offer, when they are essentially franchise brokers.

To describe yourself as one thing, it is little disingenuous, when in fact you are doing something else. In the franchise industry, this is an issue that stirs a lot of debate and unfortunately, as franchise networks continue to expand, it could potentially marginalize it. On linked-in forums, trade shows and franchise radio programs, these issues have been discussed. With various brokerage networks to bring them qualified candidates in exchange for a commission, franchise systems are looking to expand their brands and many franchise concepts leverage their relationships. It is no different from mortgage brokerage or leasing brokerage, mortgage brokerage or leasing brokerage.

International franchise companies looking at franchise brokers in India will find it difficult to find the right kind of franchise brokerage services that could fulfill their India master franchise recruitment objectives. The industry is not so mature that they will find ready leads with several brokers, whom they could hire and then make their choice. In-fact at most times they end up spending several years without getting anywhere. It is hence, prudent to identify a reputed franchise consultant who will advise the right franchise marketing activities and within a defined time frame, line up serious prospects that match the clients requirements. It is very critical to understand and refine the franchise model to suit the Indian context. India Franchise Consultants will be able to offer you the right advice and strategy to establishing your international master franchise in India.

Good India franchise consultants could be successful in building any particular business concept. While developing the franchise model, there is a phase where franchisee profiling is also done. The consultant should first develop a realistic, yet defined buyer profile that fits the character and model. The franchise buyer profile should be accurate in what is needed to make a successful franchisee, although the franchise buyer profile should not be too limiting. This buyer profile should include capital requirements, personalities, demographics, character traits and work experience. The franchise marketing program should honor and respect this buyer profile and remain consistent throughout the execution of the strategic plan, after this profile has been defined.

A logical program should include a mix of trade shows, Internet lead generation, franchise broker relationships, Print Marketing, PR work and other alternatives and should also define and plan out a diverse lead generation plan. Marketing requires a plan that can be nimble and adjust when needed as it is never precise. Again, in the marketing field, India franchise consultants have experience working to develop and build several successful businesses into successful franchise companies.