When you buy a franchise, you're putting big dollars on the line — and your success doesn't entirely depend upon you. The quality of the company that stands behind your franchise also matters a great deal. Thus, it's important to find out as much as you can about the parent company before you lay your money down. Here are 10 questions to ask:

1.  What type of franchise is it?   Most franchises are "package franchises" — businesses such as fast-food restaurants, muffler shops, or motels that come complete with a business model laid out by the parent company. That model covers everything from financial controls to hiring guidelines. "Business-format franchises" include businesses such as car dealerships and gas stations that exist mainly to distribute the parent company's goods. Owners of product franchises have more control over the way they run their businesses.

2.  Does the business lend itself to the franchise model?   Fast-food businesses, for example, greatly benefit from their association with the brand name and products of the franchisor.