Franchisee associations have a positive obligation to communicate with their members, the franchisees, and to the franchisor.
"Members [franchisee] should communicate frequently with the [association] board," advises Barber.
This type of approach helped the Denny's Franchisee Association members work with the franchisor in adding a gift card program, including a program where gift cards are sold by third-party vendors.
"The negotiation of the legal documents, along with the financial settlement issues associated with the program, were worked through carefully and thoroughly before the franchisees were asked to participate," Barber says.
"The entire franchise community accepted the program and benefited from the hours and expertise of DFA board members who worked diligently for the good of the brand."
Communication with all franchisees, whether or not they are members of the association, is one of the four main functions of a modern franchisee association.
The other three functions are: education, providing member benefits, and advocacy.
But, as Craig Barber states, "Members should expect the association to focus on brand and franchise system matters," adds Craig Barber, Chair of the Denny's Franchisee Association.
"[They should] not expect the association to be the advocate for specific individual franchise issues with the franchisor."
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