What do I say to them and is it the norm?

[Anonymous]

I contacted a company asking for details on their franchising and mentioned I live in X area and due to DH's job transfer we'll settle in Y location in 60 days. Y location is where I intend to start the business. I also sent my resume attached to the email.

They sent me an one line response complimenting my background and asking me to contact them once we're settled since I have the profile.

I responded their one line email saying our exact location would depend on the investment and requirements so if I needed an office we'd look for a property downtown while if I didn't need a physical address we'd live on the immediate suburb of that area.

They responded again saying they're not willing to share the info while I'm not physically in the target location.

WTH? Is this the norm? ?Do I even respond to such email?

[Anonymous]

Franchise people are strange and very tight lipped until you give them information. they are paranoid you are the competition for one

[Anonymous]

Most companies make that information widely available on their website, out of their own self-interest.

Sounds like they're looking for a little more out of you other than 'in two months I'm moving to x city and want to open one of your branches'.

I'm going to throw out a possibile solution, that even I cringe at, being a product of the times...pick up the phone.

[Anonymous]

I was as honest as one can be saying our location will depend on this stuff. If I need a physical address I will want to have minimum commute to work and if I can have the office in my home I'd rather live a bit far from downtown and have it in my own home.

I guess I'll call then.

[Anonymous]

Wow! I just called them and the person actually hang up on me!!!!

I guess I'll look for another brand.

[Anonymous]

Yikes thats weird. Steer clear. I thought you were talking about a franchise for Subway or Taco Bell or something.

[Anonymous]

No, it's for services.