Franchise Advice

How do I finance the purchase of a franchise?

Franchising in Australia is in a very favourable position in comparison with independent businesses. The vast majority of new business start-ups use personal savings and loans from friends and family ... More

Why should my business consider International Expansion?

If you are serious about building a substantial business you should benchmark your progress against global industry peers not just your local competition. You will soon find that the world offers the ... More

Why does the Flight Centre incentive model work so well?

The concept of skin in the game or variable pay structures within retail stores is an area that is experiencing a renewed focus in response to the near full employment status of the Australian market ... More

Being a Franchisor is lonely! Where to go for help and how to improve your system, Franchisees and yourself? How to become an effective Franchisor?

I’ve twice been a Franchisor prior to becoming a consultant to our sector.I now wish I had been exposed to all the franchise systems that I have as a consultant before I was a Franchisor, because I wo... More

An uncertain economy? Never a better time to enter franchising!

For many years now franchising within Australia has continued to boom. This is not surprising when most economic commentators would state that we have just been through times where all the business Go... More

What should you look for in a franchisee?

The recruitment of Franchisees is one of the most vital decisions to be made by a Franchisor .You are effectively inviting prospective franchisees to partner with you in building and growing your ... More

What is a franchise operations manual?

The operating manual furnished by most companies will provide you with the knowledge you need to operate that business. It’s a good reference book for you as it establishes the rules, standards and sp... More

How can we help franchisees to improve their performance?

In Australia the franchising sector is facing more scrutiny following various State and Federal enquiries into the benefits of the mandatory code. Franchisors are still wary of providing too much info... More

How is it best to find out accurate information about a franchise opportunity?

If you haven’t read "What questions should I ask myself before I decide to buy a Franchise?", then go read it now! We are looking for something you can love, and, just like a marriage, there is going ... More

Can I force all of my franchisees to participate in a national trade promotion?

The ability of a franchisor to require its franchisees to participate in a trade promotion is predominantly regulated by the terms of the franchise agreements between the franchisor and its franchisee... More

In what circumstances may a franchisee terminate a franchise relationship?

A franchisee may terminate the franchise relationship: a. Within seven days after signing the franchise agreement or making a payment under the franchise agreement (the cooling off period) b. With t... More

May a franchisor refuse to renew the franchise agreement with a franchisee?

Yes, provided circumstances exist which, under the terms of the expiring franchise agreement, entitle the franchisor to refuse to renew the franchise agreement. There is no obligation to renew the fra... More

I’ve chosen a franchise business I’d like to purchase. What should I do next?

Before seeking your own legal advice on buying a franchise, the following is a useful checklist:1. Obtain from the franchisor all agreements and the franchise disclosure document that the franchisor i... More

Can I stop a former franchisee or employee from setting up a competing business?

Restraint of trade clauses and confidentiality agreements are commonly used to prevent former franchisees or employees from engaging in activities that compete with the franchised business. However, r... More

How often do I need to update and give out copies of my Franchise’s Disclosure Document?

The Disclosure Document must be updated every time the Franchisor enters a new Franchise Agreement, including when there is a transfer, renewal or extension of a Franchise Agreement. A copy must be pr... More

Why can’t I sue the Franchisor? – An insight into your franchisee’s rights and interests when attempting to exit your system.

There are many successful Franchise systems that operate responsibly and support their Franchisees. The Franchisors have invested in their business, staff training, research and development and look t... More

Are you selling your franchise business? What are some of the obligations that a franchisee may need to be aware of?

In most cases selling a franchise business can be cumbersome and stressful at the best of times. The secret to the smooth transfer of a franchise business is to ensure that the franchisee has within a... More

“I’m entering into a franchise agreement for a retail business and the franchisor has advised that I must enter into a lease agreement with the landlord. What should I do and what should I look out for?”

The Retail Leases Act (NSW) (the “Act”) and similar legislation in other states govern retail leases, granting valuable rights to you as a lessee and imposing various obligations on the lessor both be... More

Would buying or setting up a business from a well-known franchise brand be a guarantee that it will be financially successful?

While buying a well-known brand with strong systems will go a long way towards putting to on the road to financial success, it is not in itself a guarantee. The profitability of individual franchises... More

Why should I consider franchising my business?

Franchising is a way of leveraging your intellectual property. A solid business, doing well in its market, but finding itself at a crossroad regarding future growth may want to consider franchising a... More