As part of an extensive franchise system, franchisees may feel unsure about who to contact with concerns or issues regarding specific problems that need to be addressed with the franchisor. However, franchisees need to understand they are not alone, and the benefits of joining a franchise association are vast, particularly in providing crucial support during these situations.
In the following guide, we will go into more detail about the concept of a franchise association and discuss the advantages of becoming a member of these associations.
What Is a Franchise Association?
Similar to how chambers of commerce support independent businesses, franchisee associations are membership organizations for franchisees. They operate independently of the franchisor and are generally composed of groups. The association’s ability to speak with one voice empowers and assists members in staying informed.
How Do Franchise Associations Operate?
Franchise associations play a significant role in the industry by advocating for franchisees on a national and sometimes global scale and providing valuable resources to support individual franchisees. While the structure of franchise associations can vary, most of these associations strongly emphasize organizing events and exhibitions, considering them essential activities for their members and partners.
The Benefits of Joining a Franchise Association
A proper franchise association can bring significant advantages to all parties involved. Members may discover that these franchise associations can bridge gaps between franchisors and franchisees and facilitate connections with other franchisees.
By working collectively, franchisees can better represent their interests and address issues with a franchisor using a unified voice. Additionally, members can tap into the wealth of wisdom, experience, advice, and best practices other franchisees offer. The franchise association can also serve as a valuable resource for keeping members informed about new regulations and navigating evolving regulatory landscapes.
Furthermore, franchise associations can play a critical role in better preparing franchisees by providing education, training, and mentorship beyond what a franchisor can provide them. They can also assist franchisees in addressing concerns related to purchasing and advertising as a unified group instead of representing their issues as individuals with disparate interests.
Different Types of Franchise Associations
Joining a franchise association should be a well-informed decision. For starters, franchisees have the option to become members of several national associations, including:
- The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD)
- The Coalition of Franchise Associates (CFA)
- The International Association of Franchisees and Dealers (IAFD), and
- The American Franchise Association (AFA)
These associations all share common objectives of promoting franchising, giving franchisees a stronger voice when sharing concerns with the franchisor, and representing franchisees in the creation and execution of state, local, and federal laws.
What To Consider When Choosing a Franchise Association?
When choosing an association, franchisees should prioritize selecting one dedicated to representing the interests of all members within a franchise rather than solely focusing on addressing the individual grievances of a single franchisee with a franchisor. It is also crucial that the association maintains open, transparent, and collaborative communication with its members.
Contact FortmanSpann To Learn More About Franchise Associations
FortmanSpann is one of the few legal firms in the United States with the skills and experience to take on franchise law, provide legal support to defend franchisees’ rights, and offer reasonable fees so franchisees can afford high-quality legal counsel. Our legal team represents clients all over the United States in a variety of courts, and we have the knowledge and experience required to defend franchisees in a range of commercial decisions and conflicts.
For further information about the legal services our team provides or to learn more about franchise associations and their benefits, contact FortmanSpann today to speak with an experienced franchise law attorney.
