Franchise Association Advantages

The AAFD is Your Center for Total Quality Franchising®

For more than 30 years, the AAFD has promoted and advocated for fair and balanced franchise agreements and relationships, and helped thousands of franchisees form independent associations as chapters of the AAFD. Franchise Association Advantages is that it provides a platform for members to speak with one voice, providing representation and advocacy with the franchisor, and as a negotiating body to promote the interests and rights of franchisees. An association also provides a framework for franchisees to work together, share best-practices and resources, and may be a key strategic tool for the franchisor’s long-term brand and business development.

Launching your franchisee association as a chapter of The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) is the most efficient and cost-effective way to quickly and easily form your franchisee association. With the expert organizational guidance and resources of the AAFD, you can bring your fellow franchisees together to strengthen your voice and make sure your franchisor is listening.

Franchise Association Advantages: There’s Strength in Numbers

“Strength in Numbers” may be a cliché, but it is also an absolute truth. Being part of an active independent franchisee association is a powerful way to improve how franchisees interact with their franchisor. Franchisee associations, especially when seeking a positive and collaborative franchise relationship, can effectively level the playing field in a franchise system by joining franchisee voices to a common cause.

Robert Purvin, AAFDs Co-founder, Board of Trustees, and Author of The Franchise Fraud: How To Protect Yourself Before And After You Invest says, says “Franchisee concerns have evolved over the past 30 years, and the encroachment, infringement and erosion of franchisee rights and ownership equity continues to plague many owners who are usually locked into one-sided onerous franchise agreements. In 2024, franchisor abuse of supplier mandates is the most frequent complaint we see, but price controls, franchisor competition, mandated POS systems are also frequent issues raised by our members.”

Unfortunately, these are just a few examples of what franchisees are dealing with when they come to the AAFD for help.

Why Franchisees Choose AAFD

  • To change the climate of franchising to be fairer and more profitable to franchise owners.
  • To promote the AAFD Fair Franchising Standards to provide direction to investors.
  • To identify best practices in franchising and to drive the franchising market to exemplary franchisors.
  • To develop negotiating leverage by building strong independent franchisee associations.
  • To address abuses in the courts and legislatures that cannot be handled through win-win negotiation.
  • To build your buying power through group purchasing.
  • To bring value to your members through group purchasing and the AAFD’s body of knowledge.

Leverage Your Buying Power as an Association

As a valued member of our Association, you’ll be able to tap into an extensive network of suppliers, giving you the ability to leverage your buying power and negotiate better pricing on the products and services you need to run your business. Join us today and start taking advantage of these valuable benefits!

“Two of our greatest member benefits is the access to Healthcare and Legal services at a reduced cost. Healthcare and access to the nation’s top franchise attorneys are two of the most sought-after services franchisees need”, said Amy Mancuso, Chief Development Officer. “These two, along with many other negotiated products, services and business solutions, give our members valuable resources that they would not have on their own.”

Member purchasing power is a fundamental benefit and one of many Franchise Association Advantages we offer. The AAFD is continuously negotiating quality programs and discounts to increase the value of membership.

Can we Make a Difference in Franchise Legislation?

Franchisees often feel helpless to make meaningful changes in laws and regulations that can protect their investments. They forget that while the franchisor lobby has the money, franchisees have the numbers, with outlets in every Congressional district in the country.

“We have only begun to scratch the surface of our potential to engage franchisees, but as we do, we will unleash a powerful force in having our voices heard, and ultimately impact franchisee friendly policies”, stated Keith Miller, AAFD’s Director of Public Affairs and Engagement. Being a member of your franchisee association and a member of the AAFD gives you the opportunity to have your voice heard.

In May 2023, the AAFD collaboratively hosted a webinar that gave franchisees a platform to directly communicate with the Federal Trade Commission Chair, Lina Khan. This event was a prime example of how our voices can be heard when we come together as a community. Under the leadership of Chair Khan, the FTC is taking a critical look at franchising to ensure that the franchisee’s investments are protected from any unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Additionally, the AAFD has continued its unwavering support of franchisee-friendly legislation, both at the federal and state levels. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that franchisees are given the support and protection they deserve, and we will not stop until we achieve this goal.

As franchisees gain economic power, franchisees will achieve the ability to educate the public, influence legislation, expose abusive franchising practices, and honor and reward exemplary practices.

The AAFD seeks to serve the franchising community, promote that which is good and healthy, and excise that which is exploitative and unscrupulous.

To learn more about how you can set up a franchise association, or to see if your franchise brand has already established an independent association, contact us here.

 

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