How to open a franchise business at 18 years old is it possible?

[geoffrey]

I'm 18 years old, I don't really have money but there is this shopping center that just opened by my house and it is perfect for a GameStop or game store. I really want to open one up! I know it sounds silly but I'm really serious. Is this goal achievable? I know I need to learn a lot more about business and how it works. I'm a smart girl and I plan to figure some of it out this summer but is it even possible? I'm young and I know my business would be successful but am I in over my head? How would I even start my business? What is necessary to start a franchise? I'm going to college soon and just really want some advice.

Please give advice and opinions. Thanks

[Yolanda]

No way for GameStop since all GameStop stores are company owned.

In order to own any franchise or open your own store, you are going to need cash, a business plan and probably a loan.  lenders will not provide business loans to someone who does not have at least 25% of the cost to open the store in cash (you figure out the cost in the business plan - if you try to inflate the figures to get more money, they are experts and will know).

Also, most franchises want you to have a net worth of $200,000 or more in addition to your cash for the franchise.

And finally, you can't go to college full time and run a franchise or a successful business - this is a fulltime job (60 to 80 hours) and would leave you no time for classes and/or homework.

Go to college, get a business/entrepreneur degree and then think through what type of business you want, get the hands-on experience by working in the industry and then get your franchise when you are 30 - 35.

[Sandstorm]

Game Stops are company owned, not franchised.
To open a franchise you have to come with a money, to open a store similar to Game Stop you would need easily $100,000 and a bank loan for a $200,000+.

This goal is achievable in the long term but not the short term.