Part 6 of a 10-Part Series on the AAFD Road Map to Buying a Franchise.
The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers is committed to educating and supporting our members, all franchisees, and prospective franchisees. We’ve taken pains to create outstanding educational materials, develop special service opportunities, and arrange for significant product and service discounts for our members.
If you’ve ever wondered about the benefits that the AAFD offers, here is a short list of highlights.
- Franchise InfoLine: (800) 733-9858
Call the Franchise InfoLine to learn more about membership with the AAFD and all the benefits of forming a franchisee chapter within our organization.
- The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards
The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards are the first standards ever created that provide franchise buyers with objective criteria for judging a franchise opportunity. The standards were developed as a means to encourage franchisees and franchisors to participate in a Total Quality Franchising relationship and to protect the interest of prospective franchisees as they evaluate franchise opportunities.
The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards are available for purchase on Amazon.com in print and Kindle and are free to download for Amazon Prime members.
- AAFD Chapters and Support for Independent Franchisee Associations
A major emphasis of the AAFD’s vital services to the franchisee community is our support of vibrant and effective independent franchisee associations. The AAFD offers a community for franchise associations to communicate and share best practices. The AAFD also offers a full range of support services for new and existing owners associations.
The crown jewel of the AAFD’s association services is our AAFD Chapter Program – we can effectively and efficiently help groups of franchisees launch and manage their independent association as a trademark specific chapter of the AAFD.
- AAFD Franchisor Accreditation and Seal
The AAFD offers the only full accreditation program that recognizes franchise companies that embrace fair, balanced, and collaborative franchising cultures in accordance with the AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards. Franchisors have the option of first gaining AAFD Accreditation by adopting a franchise agreement that substantially conforms to the AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards. They can then work to qualify for the AAFD Fair Franchising Seal.
Prospective franchise buyers are encouraged to consider franchise companies that have earned AAFD Accreditation or the AAFD Fair Franchising Seal. These franchise companies have shown respect towards the AAFD Fair Franchising Standards and towards their franchisees. Learn more about AAFD Franchisor Accreditation or view a list of Accredited Franchisors.
- AAFD Member Discounts
The AAFD has partnered with many product and service providers to offer our members substantial benefits on things that every franchisee needs, like office supplies, telecommunication services, electronic payment processing, teleconferencing, health benefits, and more. See the full list of current service and product discounts just for AAFD members.
- Franchisee LegaLine℠
The AAFD’s Franchisee LegaLine is an exclusive network of experienced franchise attorneys who can represent the interests of franchisees and prospective franchisees. Currently, the Franchisee LegaLine operates in more than 40 states, offering FREE initial consultations to AAFD members and valuable special member programs, including initial franchise opportunity reviews, initial franchise dispute reviews, and special member pricing.
Access the AAFD’s exclusive LegaLine network.
- Franchisee FinanciaLine℠
Modeled after the AAFD’s Franchisee LegaLine, the Franchisee FinanciaLine is being developed as an exclusive network of experienced accountants, CPAs, and other financial service professionals who can provide a range of valuable financial services, including bookkeeping, tax advice, and lending services.
- Suppliers Network
The AAFD is continuously negotiating quality programs and discounts to support its members. The suppliers network is a list of AAFD-recommended businesses and service providers that can help franchisees succeed at any stage of their business. In addition, the AAFD Purchasing Group is member-owned and managed to serve your needs. Visit the AAFD Suppliers Network.
- Workshops & Seminars
Call the AAFD at (800) 733-9858 for information on franchise events taking place in your area or for referrals to experts who can speak on various topics related to franchising.