What should I check before buying a pizza franchise resale?

A franchised pizza unit is not quite an independent shop with a sign on it. Its sales, equipment and staffing all sit inside a system, and the franchisor has a say in who takes over. That changes what you ask for. Use the general franchise resale checklist as a base, then add the questions that belong to pizza.

Where the orders come from

Ask the seller to split the unit’s sales by channel: the brand’s app or call centre, walk-in, and third-party delivery apps. Each behaves differently. Brand-channel orders may carry system rules, while third-party orders may come with commissions that reshape the margin. Ask whether any channel depends on a promotion the brand runs and could change.

Delivery zone and neighbouring units

Get the delivery zone in writing and ask where it ends. Find out how close the nearest sister units are and whether the franchisor plans to place another nearby. Order maps from the seller show where customers actually live. A zone that looks large on paper can be thin in practice.

Ovens, make-line and required upgrades

Compare the equipment with the brand’s current specification. Ask for service records, and ask the franchisor in writing whether it will require a re-image or upgrade on transfer, and when. That cost lands on you, so make sure you know it before you commit.

Drivers, staff and franchisor approval

Delivery depends on drivers. Ask how many are employees, how long they have stayed, and whether the manager will remain. Then ask the franchisor to walk you through its approval and training steps, and who must sign off. Your lawyer reviews the franchise terms; your accountant reviews the unit’s financial statements.