In the 1850s, Isaac Singer tried to expand his sewing machine market by increasing product distribution. While his efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful, it gave rise to a new business system: franchising. Franchising refers to the practice of using another firm's business or philosophy in exchange for payment or a percentage of monthly sales. As a business model, it generates more than $1 trillion in annual sales in the U.S alone. Not surprisingly, it is used in more than 70 industries and twice as many countries. Topics falling under the wide umbrella of franchising include franchise fees and validation, social franchising, event franchising, franchise consulting, and all the other matters relating to franchising, from the selection and acquisition of a franchise to site selection, lease negotiation, compliance with statutory requirements, provision of training and support, and the maintenance of effective troubleshooting systems. The resources contained in this section are all about franchising and the concerns that fall betwixt and between.