The main advantage of buying a franchise is the reduced risk of failure. When thinking about starting a business, entrepreneurs always seems to compare buying a franchise to and independent start-up. That is a mistake.

Depending on which study is being quoted, and which time frame is being analyzed, the numbers are staggering in favor of Franchising. The numbers show more than a 90% survival rate after five years for Franchisees versus in the range of 20% for stand-alone start-ups.

As you can see, comparing franchising to and independent business is like comparing apples to oranges. Unless you are furiously independent and self-confident entrepreneur and have a unique idea which consumes your life or have an abundant expertise in a specific area, franchising is always a safer way to go.

The key to the success of the franchise model is the support and collaboration of the proven system. Business is always about building a system and franchising offers the most efficient way of delivering business systems to anyone who wants to be in business for him (her) self.

If a candidate talks to ten franchise companies they will hear a saying being repeated that in franchising “you are in business for yourself without being by yourself.” The saying, and franchising in general, provides a sort of comfort level not available to an independent entrepreneur.

Being independent may provide a great degree of freedom, but may also provide a share of confusion, second guessing, increased costs and a feeling of going alone against the world.

In the end, I would never discourage anyone form starting an independent business. At one point in time, I was faced with that decision myself and realize that each person has their own set of circumstances that come in play. However, I would discourage anyone from simply comparing franchising to starting an independent business. Comparing different franchises to each other is another story.

Author Andre Chernih runs SelectFranchiseList.com.