Things You Should Know

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Franchise Association Members

The Franchise Association is the only body which sets standards for franchising in New Zealand. The Association's members represent those concerned with promoting high-quality franchising in this country. Members are only accepted after undergoing independent scrutiny to ensure that their documentation and agreements comply with our rules. Members must also undertake to abide by the Association's Franchising Code of Practice and Code of Ethics which define standards of conduct in keeping with international best practice.

Click here for a list of Franchise Association Members

Why Deal with our Members?

1. All franchisor members must provide you with a document containing all the key details about the franchise.
2. You will receive the necessary information in good time to make a sound decision.
3. You will be encouraged to take proper legal and financial advice.
4. All franchisor members offer a seven day cooling-off period.
5. Only Franchise Association members are bound by the Franchising Code of Practise and the Code of Ethics.
6. All franchisor members offer a simple dispute resolution process in their agreements to protect the ongoing relationship.

Click here to download our Code of Practice

Click here to download our Code of Ethics

Unlimited Choices

One of the great things about franchising is that franchised businesses provide many people with the opportunity to enter new industries, roles and careers, without the need for extensive experience. Don't get it wrong: some franchise systems do require technical qualifications and experience such as Real Estate or Master Electricians, but they are in the minority.

Many people consider that because they have never worked in the food industry they could never successfully run a pizza franchise. This is not the case, because the technical skills can be learned, and so can the business skills. The key requirements for most franchises are attitude and determination.  Attitude and determination will ensure that franchisees achieve best results. The franchisee's ability to build relationships, important in any franchise, will help make sales and will enable the franchisee to work well with staff and the franchisor.

Questions to Consider

• What time do you have available for the business?
• Are you prepared to give up the security of a regular income?
• Are you prepared to take on the responsibility of managing a business?
• Do you have the total support of your partner?
• What should you do if the business fails or does not perform up to expectations?

It is important to consider these issues, and to do so in a thoughtful and informed manner. Talk to people who know you well, and know what your capabilities are. Talk to self-employed friends and gauge what they've learned from their experience. Talk to your professional advisers. Talk to your partner, children or parents. But only talk to those who have something positive to contribute and are impartial or will be involved in the consequence of your decision.

Click here to download our 5 Min Fact Finder (A simple tool to assess whether to purchase a franchise)

Other Key Areas to Investigate

• Research Franchising as a business format
• Decide what Industry and type of role you are interested in
• Understand the 12 Step evaluation/recruitment process - refer NZ Franchisee Guide
• Prepare for the interview
• Complete a Site/Field Visit and talk to other Franchisees
• Understand the contents of a Disclosure Document
• Understand the contents of a Franchise Agreement

For more detailed information on the above refer to the New Zealand Franchisee Guide published by the Association.

Click here to purchase a copy from the on-line shop