At the Show:

• When you arrive, study the floor plan of the exhibitors listed. Circle the businesses you recognize or that look interesting to you. Make sure you stop by these booths during your visit.
• Don't waste time. Pass by the sellers who are out of your price range or don't meet your personal goals. Have a short list of questions ready to ask the others: 1. What is the total investment required? 2. Tell me about a franchisee's typical day. 3. What arrangements are made for product supply? 4. Is financing available from the franchisor? 5. Ask for a copy of the company's FDD. Not all franchisors will give you a copy of the FDD at the show. This is perfectly acceptable, but if you're serious about investigating an opportunity, insist on a copy as soon as possible.
• Collect handout information from all the companies that interest you. Also gather business cards.

After the Show:

• Organize the materials you collected into file folders. Then read through the information more closely.
• Follow up. Call the representatives you met to set up meetings and gather more information.