Franchisinh (Session 25-26)

Franchising (Session 25-26)
What is Franchising?
Franchising
- Franchising is a form of business organization in which a firm that already has a successful product or service (franchisor) licenses its trademark and method of doing business to another business or individual (franchisee) in exchange for a franchise fee and an ongoing royalty payment.
- Some franchisors are established firms (like McDonald’s) while others are first-time enterprises being launched by entrepreneurs.
Two Types of Franchise Systems
Product and Trademark Franchise
- An arrangement under which the franchisor grants to the franchisee the right to buy its products and use its trade name.
- This approach typically connects a single manufacturer with a network of dealers or distributors.
o For example, General Motors has established a network of dealers that sell GM cars and use the GM trademark in their advertising and promotions.
o Other examples of product and trademark franchisors include agricultural machinery dealers, soft drink bottlers, and beer distributorships.
Business Format Franchise
- An arrangement under which the franchisor provides a formula for doing business to the franchisee along with training, advertising, and other forms of assistance.
- Fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, and motels are well-known examples of business format franchises.
o Business format franchises are by far the most popular form of franchising, particularly for entrepreneurial firms.
When to Franchise (From the Franchisor’s Point of View)
Approach Franchising With Caution and Care
- Establishing a franchise system should be approached carefully and deliberately. 
- Franchising is a complicated business endeavor, and an entrepreneur must look closely at all its aspects before deciding to franchise.
Regulations
- An entrepreneur should also be aware that over the years a number of fraudulent franchise organizations have come and gone and have left financially ruined franchise owners behind.
When Is Franchising Most Appropriate?
- Franchising is most appropriate when a firm has a strong or potentially strong trademark, a well-designed business method, and a desire to grow.
- A franchise system will ultimately fail if the franchisee’s brand doesn’t add value for customers and its business method is flawed or poorly developed.


Buying a Franchise (From the Franchisee’s Point of View)
Buying a Franchise
- Purchasing a franchise is an important business decision involving a substantial financial commitment.
- Potential franchise owners should strive to be as well informed as possible before purchasing a franchise and should be aware that it is often legally and financially difficult to exit a franchise relationship.
The Costs Involved With Buying a Franchise
Initial Franchise Fee
- The initial fee varies depending on the franchisor
Capital Requirements
- The costs vary but may include the cost of buying real estate, the cost of putting up a building, the purchase of inventory, and the cost of obtaining a business license.
Continuing Royalty Payment
- Typically 3% to 7% of monthly gross income.
Advertising Fees
- Franchisees are often required to pay into a national or regional advertising fund.
Other Fees
- Other fees may be charged for various activities, including:
o Training additional staff.
o Providing management expertise when needed.
o Providing computer assistance.
o Providing a host of other items or support services.
More About Franchising
Franchise Ethics
- The majority of franchisors and franchisees are highly ethical. 
- There are certain features of franchising, however, the make it subject to ethical abuse. These features are as follows:
o The get rich quick mentality.
o The false assumption that buying a franchise is a guarantee of business success.
o Conflicts of interest between franchisors and franchisees.
International Franchising
- International opportunities for franchising are becoming more prevalent for the following two reasons:
o The markets for certain franchised products in the U.S. have become saturated (i.e., fast food).
o The trend towards globalization continues. 
- Steps to take before buying a franchise overseas:
o Consider the value of the franchisor’s name in the foreign country.
o Get a good lawyer.
o Determine whether the product or service is salable in the foreign country.
o Find out how much training and support you will receive from the franchisor.

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