All franchises must meet the legal definition of a franchise no matter what they call it before it is an actual franchise. This is the Federal Trade Commissions take on the franchise rule. It is not illegal to call a company a franchise even if it is not one and if it is not it does not have to follow the rules. In this opinion of law, I do have a quick summary of thoughts for the Federal Trade Commission Franchise Rule Making Group:
So what you are saying is that even if a company calls what they do a franchise, it is not a franchise unless it meets the test. And if meets the test then it is a franchise no matter what the parties call it?
Well then Al Queda, which is often called a franchise in our national news, which is operating in the United States, actually is not a franchise and therefore does not need to disclose anything or any information. Yet all the legitimate businesses, which are franchises must disclose everything. Why not make Al Queda meet the definition of a franchise since they have similar training camps, collect fees and use similar handbooks, operations manuals and methods? Each international cell or franchise follows the same plans. If the FTC can make them fall within their definition; then the FTC can get a list of all their franchisees and the Federal Trade Commission can sue them to prevent attacks? Just like the Federal Trade Commission is doing with SPAM. Doing a lot of good there, let me tell you, with 2111 worth of junk mails today alone. Thanks for nothing. I want my taxpayers money back! What a complete disgrace and failure, is the Federal Trade Commission unfit to lead? Next question:
It appears the Catholic Church is a franchise but call itself a church. Operates using the same marketing plan to collect tithing, pays franchise royalties to the parent, even molests young children which seems to be a common theme and practice? So does this mean if Bob Smith owned a Motorcycle Repair Company instead of a car shop that it could become a church and franchise out and collect fees without being a franchise? "Zen and the art of?"
Although one might have problems with this argument since these examples are totally absurd, from a philosophical standpoint, one does have to ask the question? And perhaps even ask; why do we even have a franchise rule in the first place? Obviously it is to help other business models over the franchise model? So the Federal Trade Commission has a franchise rule to make it difficult for franchises to survive so other business models can do better? Yet it is now proven even with all this bogus over regulation franchising still wins as the most efficient model. I present these examples as so much of this report and those who commented are out to lunch.
Someone somewhere was afraid of how fast franchising was moving so we ended up with the franchise rule? That is not a sufficient reason to keep it. Especially with 105 complaints in a decade, 70% bogus meaning 26 complaints actual with over 350,000 outlets sold, show me another industry, which can show those types of figures? Well, show me, because I have been studying this and I can tell you none exists.
The Wal-Mart or Starbucks of the world have proven equally powerful and efficient to the franchise model, however much of their methods except for private ownership of units follows that of the methods of franchising. Now if we continue to limit franchising they will have no competition. The FTC claims to help competitive markets, yet it destroys competition rather than leveling the playing field; deny this.
The recent franchise report by the FTC and this discussion is pure unadulterated mental masturbation. Franchising is about win-win-win situations and solving problems in the marketplace, serving the needs of the economy, franchisor, franchisee, customer and even sometimes the shareholders. That is a good thing, if we argue over what is and what is not and try to define it one way or the other, we miss the point of why it even exists, it exists to extend brand name, save on capital outlay for rapid expansion and fill a niche in the market place where buyers and sellers come together of their own free will to partake using a unit of trade. Mr. Snow recently spoke about franchising and reiterated the President's message that "franchising means jobs!" How can you argue with that logic? Look at how many jobs are provided by franchising? Why would anyone want to over regulate the forward progress of all mankind and the value of the greatest business model ever created in the entire written history of our specie? WAKE UP!
You can make definitions all you want, you can redefine, re-write, argue, manipulate common words of the English language, but in the end all you do is limit the possibilities of the creative genius of those who seek and find niches to fill for the common good of all. Why are we doing this, can't we just reduce this burdensome regulation and let free will and free markets flourish? Why are we attacking small efficient businesses which turn to the franchise model for expansion? Meanwhile if you want to stop the Catholic Church from molesting children or Al Queda from hurting our country, be my guest, I hope you sue the crap out of them. Good luck. My question to everyone is what good is making definitions if it hurts commerce by sweeping in other businesses and industries into this never ending fold of over regulation and intense litigation? Let's use some common sense here please. "Enough Already!" Think on this.
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.worldthinktank.net/wttbbs
personalized cleaning services Des Plaines ..Today is a Red Letter Day! It's special because today... Read More
The less a business pays for goods and services the... Read More
When do annoyances in a relationship become too much to... Read More
If you run a mobile car wash, mobile fleet washing... Read More
If you've been thinking about starting a business, but are... Read More
A recent survey showed that only 28.7% of small business... Read More
First, we need to define the different kinds of skip... Read More
The temporary staffing industry continues to expand, with yearly double-digit... Read More
Running a business on the net these days can be... Read More
Expanding your business requires you to take a good hard... Read More
In today's fast paced marketplace it is easy to neglect... Read More
Every home business has the same problem of how to... Read More
What is a guru?A guru is a teacher. A mentor.... Read More
COLLABORATIVE NEGOTIATING:Collaborative negotiating is a win-win strategy that can focus... Read More
We have all seen the mobile washing units cruising our... Read More
There are almost as many opinions and views on marketing... Read More
Here's why 'WHY' is such a profit-making marketing trigger."Stop taking... Read More
Concrete Roof Tile Business: During the 2004 summer season, storms... Read More
The Dynamics of Daylight Savings Time changes the way we... Read More
When working from home, it is usual to find that... Read More
It is an American dream to own a business. But... Read More
CONSIDERING COMPANY NEEDS: In identifying your needs for the internship,... Read More
-- The One Pager Shortcut Series --An effective and compelling... Read More
Car Wash Crime in the Hood. Apparently not everyone is... Read More
The Customer Analysis section of the business plan assesses the... Read More
family-safe home cleaners Arlington Heights ..A successful joint venture marketing effort is the goal of... Read More
As a company grows, the owner's role begins to change.... Read More
Pardon my enthusiasm, but a large part of your small... Read More
Business Process Automation or BPA for short. This was a... Read More
If you are in the professional car care business you... Read More
Small Business, Big Business ? What's the Diff?Well a lot... Read More
How many "get rich schemes" have you joined? Or have... Read More
Expanding your business requires you to take a good hard... Read More
A solopreneur I know disappears from my radar screen for... Read More
You need to be visible to attract customers, right? But... Read More
As a specialist in getting restaurants open, it is surprising... Read More
Here is an interesting case study of a company, which... Read More
Has this ever happened to you... 'John, you have a... Read More
There are many little details that go into making sure... Read More
This is the tale of two business plans with very... Read More
It behooves every professional mobile auto detailer to stay up... Read More
One overlooked individual in the process of taking a company... Read More
Your on-line success is based on your efforts and yours... Read More
Want your small business to flip instead of flop?! Statistically... Read More
One of the most common horrific mistakes a business can... Read More
What are the best methods for keeping a good business... Read More
Many smaller businesses choose niche markets for various reasons and... Read More
Thankfully, most of us will never find out. That is... Read More
I have to admit, I was curious. When I saw... Read More
Many businesses offer small business franchise opportunities. There are many... Read More
Small Business |