Selling a franchise used to be all about sales reps telling the company story and controlling the narrative. But thanks to AI, prospective buyers now show up armed with data and analysis, and they don’t need franchise salespeople to explain what a business does.
The rise of the “naked” salesperson reflects a larger shift in how franchises are evaluated, according to Franchising.com. Information that once lived behind gated conversations is accessible with a few prompts into ChatGPT.
Franchise brands that are transparent, data-ready, and easy for AI to interpret will gain trust. Those that rely on polished presentations or guarded information will struggle to compete in a marketplace where prospects expect proof.
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Car Buyers Are Sick Of Spending a Fortune on New Cars
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The days of consumers shelling out big bucks for cars seem to be coming to an end. Buyers are now looking instead to used vehicles, longer loans, or waiting for real discounts, according to dealers and industry analysts.
New-car sticker shock has gotten so bad that even good earners are thinking twice. Add in higher interest rates, auto tariffs, and anxiety about the job market, and the idea of taking on a steep monthly payment feels reckless.
Don’t expect a fire sale, though. Experts say the prices of new cars won’t drop dramatically because the supply squeeze of the past few years has kept used cars unusually expensive, too. And when used cars aren’t cheaper, buyers who need a vehicle have no choice but to return to the new-car market, keeping demand—and prices—from sliding.
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