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Restrictions in Franchising
by FranchiseKing, Guest Blogger
- Created: February 6, 2013, 10:33 am
If you’re thinking of becoming the owner of a franchise-type of business, there’s something you need to know about franchising…and you may not like it.
Now, what I’m about to share probably won’t be a game-changer if you’re really bent on buying a franchise, but you need to have as much factual information on this business model before you invest in one.
Here goes:
You’re going to have certain restrictions placed on you.
And according to “Buying a Franchise: A Consumer Guide” published by The Federal Trade Commission, “These kinds of restrictions may limit your ability to exercise your own business judgment in operating your outlet. That said, if the franchisor does not limit the territory where each franchisee can sell, the franchisor and other franchisees may compete with you for the same customers, either by establishing their own outlets, or by selling to customers in your area through the Internet, catalogs, telemarketing, and the like.”
Please read it again.
Surprises Not Included
One of the best parts of franchising today has to do with transparency.
Years ago, you would have to drive, walk or ride your bicycle down to your local library, and spend hours just searching for information on franchising. I’m not even talking about information on specific franchise opportunities…just basic information on a franchise business works!
Things are vastly different now, obviously. Within minutes, you can get information on the franchise business model* just by using the search engine of your choice. There are even vast amounts of information readily available about the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
As a matter of fact, Item #8 (there are 23 items contained in the FDD) deals with the subject of this guest blog post: restrictions.
Item #8
Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services
This section tells whether the franchisor limits:
1. Suppliers from whom you may purchase goods
2. Goods or services you may offer for sale
3. Where you can sell goods or services
4. Use of the internet to sell goods or services to customers in and out of your territory and the right of the franchisor (or other franchisees) to use the Internet to solicit customers or to sell in your territory
According to the FTC, these kinds of restrictions may limit your ability to exercise your own business judgment in operating your outlet. That said, if the franchisor does not limit the territory* where each franchisee can sell, the franchisor and other franchisees may compete with you for the same customers, either by establishing their own outlets, or by selling to customers in your area through the Internet, catalogs, telemarketing and the like.
The FDD contains very specific things that have to do with the four items listed above. Make sure you understand what, where and how you can and cannot sell your products and services.
If you engage the services of a competent franchise attorney like I’ve been suggesting over the years, you’ll be able to have a complete understanding of any restrictions that will be placed on you as you move towards becoming your own boss.
* Non-US Government links
About the Author
The Franchise King®, Joel Libava, is the author of the book, Become a Franchise Owner! He's also a franchise ownership advisor; Joel teaches people that are interested in franchise ownership how to properly select and carefully research franchise business opportunities so they can increase their odds of success.
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Comments
clicktofranchise | Window Shopper | 3/5/2013 - 5:01 am
explain difficulties faced during buying a franchise.
www.clicktofranchise.com
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