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Many/most franchisors have a "Franchisee Advisory Council"
which may consist of a group of franchisees who regularly (maybe
once a year) meet with the franchisor to discuss franchisor and
franchisee issues. These Advisory Councils usually have little or
no power or authority and effectively cannot impose demands on the
franchisor.
A number of
franchisees, in various franchises, have joined together to forn
an IFA (Independent Franchisee Association).
From an
article about IFA's:
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| Historically,
franchisee associations were formed in times of crisis.
For example, changes in management of the franchise organization,
the system's bankruptcy or significant changes in the
franchise system, as well as a perceived breach in the
franchisor's performance of its obligations to franchisees,
were all reasons that resulted in the formation of an
independent franchisee association in one chain or another.
While this may or may not still be the case today, the
bottom line is that franchisee associations are much more
prevalent on the franchise scene today, and that trend
is not likely to reverse. Moreover, although many of the
more powerful franchisee associations in today's milieu
may have been creatures of controversy, they have managed
to find ways to have harmonious relationships with their
franchisors--usually. |
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If you're considering
buying a franchise, you might wish to find out if there's an IFA
for that franchise -- and get in touch with them.
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