In a sense, the franchise business model is about risk minimization.  Studies on the success rate of non-franchise business startups conclude the same thing. Starting a new business is very risky. Most studies show that over 90% fail within three years. The primary reason for failure is the owners extended learning curve contributes to unforeseen costs.  Cash gets tight early and the building process breaks down.

The market place is not tolerant of inexperienced neophytes learning the ropes of business ownership.  Failing in business can be a horrible experience and it happens to thousands every year in the U.S. even though it is unnecessary.  Absent experience and enough money to pay for your "business education" on the fly, failure is likely.  Business format franchising is as close as you can get in todays market to a guarantee of success. All the studies done have found that new franchise startups rarely fail when franchisees stick to the system and outlined process.

People follow similar learning processes which includes a series of trial and error encounters through which knowledge is gained.  Continued trying and failing adventures makes one wiser but poorer.  This process is the learning curve. In the context of franchising, the franchiser has absorbed the learning curve for you  and fine tuned the secrets of success for their business. In business format franchises these learnings are  transferred to the franchisee. This is why people buy a franchise, to minimize risk and have the best possible chance to succeed. Another reason  to buy a franchise is that a franchise investment can be thoroughly researched before significant expenditures are made.

With a non franchise business startup you operate in the dark. No matter how much research you do it is very difficult to prioritize and focus.  A franchise provides the steps and in a very real sense you can try the business on before you buy to make sure it is a good fit for you. The franchise begins to squeeze out competition through it's sheer size. The franchise can buy products in large quantity at significant discount.