Why an Association Now?One of the most compelling reasons for forming an Independent Franchisee Association is that it can help level the playing field between the franchisor and its franchisees. Almost all franchise agreements are "adhesion contracts" (take it or leave it) with one-sided terms designed to overwhelmingly favor the franshisor. The net effect is that the franchisor tends to have exclusive control over its system and to dictate the way in which its run without input from the Franchisees. In addition, typical franchisees often don't have the time, leverage, financial wherewithal or sophistication to meaningfully negotiate with the franchisor.
Fair Franchising AccreditationThe AAFD’s unique philosophy of promoting marketplace solutions to the franchising industry’s problem is dramatically embodied in the AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards and Franchise System Accreditation Program, designed to identify collaborative franchise relationships and recognizing that fair franchising is good business sense.
Why We Choose to Affiliate With the AAFDImagine a collaboration between the BrightStar franchisees and the franchisor that delivers consistently superior business results for both while building a premium brand...
The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers is organized by the formation of exclusive Trademark Chapters representing all of the franchised systems for which we have a significant number of members. The Association’s Trademark Chapters provide a crucial service of helping franchise systems throughout the United States develop consensus decisions within their franchise systems and promoting more equitable franchise relationships which exhibit the AAFD’s goal of Total Quality Franchising. Trust: The Key to a Successful FranchiseThe International Franchise Association’s Code of Ethics emphasizes to franchisors and franchisees alike that the “Foundations of Franchising” begin with “trust, truth and honesty.” While these words may all convey a similar message, the fact that each appears independently is likely not accidental. Being honest goes beyond simply telling the truth, and anyone who has been in any relationship knows that building and maintaining trust goes well beyond simply being an honest person.
TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves MoreThe BrightStar Independent Franchisee Association formed for positive reasons, following the course of many strong franchise systems that have become stronger by virtue of having strong owners associations that partnered with their franchisors to become outstanding competitors.
Why the Union Analogy Doesn't ApplyThe "unofficial" playbook for franchisors counsels: Put the fear of "unionization" into your franchisees to suppress the rise of an independent association. You can maintain control over your Franchise Advisory Council, but you can't control an Association. Frankly, that ignores the true position of the franchisee in the relationship. Franchisees always have an equity stake in the long-term success of the franchise. And in most cases, they have invested their life savings into the endeavor. Individual franchisees also bear the majority of the business risk. Most importantly, in the case of BrightStar, each franchisee is the BrightStar brand in their respective markets. Each of us, by definition, are long-term investors who must make rational business decisions to ensure we have the working capital necessary to fuel the growth of the BrightStar brand. Every franchisee is positioned only to think "win-win". Even the International Franchise Association (IFA) Sees Value in a Healthy Association"With the right attitude from both sides, a franchisee association can be an effective instrument in providing a better future for a franchise system."
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Fair Franchising StandardsIn 1996 the AAFD unveiled the first ever balanced standards of Fair Franchising Practices for the franchising community. Franchise buyers now have objective criteria by which to judge a franchise opportunity. The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards also serve as the basis for accrediting forward thinking franchisors who recognize that AAFD endorsement of their franchising practices can pay enormous dividends in the franchising marketplace.
The mission of the AAFD Fair Franchising Standards Committee is to develop standards relating to various business and legal aspects of the franchisor/franchisee relationship so that a more equitable franchise agreement becomes the standard for the franchise community and which balances the legitimate business interests of the franchisors and franchisees. Over the past 22 years the AAFD has promulgated over 140 Fair Franchising Standards and commentary to give guidance to fair and balanced franchise agreements and relationships. The Five Habits of Successful Franchisesby Brian Schnell
1. Undying Devotion to the Brand
2. Balance Interests of Franchisor & Franchisees 3. Stack the Deck with "Ace" Franchisees 4. Obsess over Franchisee's Bottom Line 5. Empower the Franchisees Franchisee Bill of RightsThe Franchisees of America, representing the best of the American entrepreneurial spirit, hereby recognize and demand a basic minimum of commercial dignity, equity and fairness. In recognition there of, the franchisees of America do proclaim this Franchisee Bill of Rights as the minimum requirements of a fair and equitable franchise system...
California's Franchisee Bill of RightsIn October 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB 525. Designed to protect the equity of franchisees, AB 525 passed the Assembly unanimously after the IFA chose constructive dialogue with the Coalition of Francisee Associations (CFA).
IFA Code of Ethics:
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