As usual, this issue is choc-a-bloc full with information on franchising. We start out by bragging a little about the advances our website has made over one short year. We then tell you why it may be worth your while to consider joining a newly-established franchise and what precautions you should take if you do. After dealing with the age-old question “Is franchise legislation necessary?”, we bring you a selection of sector news drawn from all corners of the globe. We conclude with a selection of the most interesting questions posed by our readers, and the answers our experts provided.
It’s official: whichfranchise.co.za spearheads the growth of franchising in South Africa, and page impressions clocked up on our website over the past month are ample proof of that. Regular readers will recall that we were consistently reporting new records in the number of visitors to our site, and in page impressions, and the month of May was no exception. For the first time in our short history, our site clocked up 67 782 page impressions. The number of queries our “Ask an expert” service received was an all-time high as well, and our panel of experts had to work double-hard to deal with them all. They did so in a timely fashion and we thank them for that.
Most experts seem to agree that when it comes to selecting a franchise, well-established brands with a track record of success should be given preference. This may be the safest route, no doubt about that, but is it realistic? After all, every concept was a start-up once – someone somewhere had to take the plunge or the franchise would have never gotten off the ground. Read more…
In previous issues, we have reported that a growing number of countries, including the USA and the EU, either have franchise legislation in place already or are at the point of introducing it. For this reason, a report compiled by a respected German research institute on the request of German government and published in a web-based news bulletin makes interesting reading. Read more…
Another article published on the same web site made interesting reading as well. In it, its authors make the point that members of a franchised network are somewhat insulated from the hurly and burly of open competition, along the lines of “in unity lies strength”. They reason that in a franchise, far from seeing each other as competition, franchisees feel a strong sense of camaraderie and support each other where possible. Read more…
While most Westerners are concerned to put on too much weight and try to curb their – admittedly ferocious – appetites, the Japanese don’t seem to have reached this point just yet. The Sunday Times reported the other day that McDonald’s Japan has brought back the Mega Mac, albeit for a limited period of 15 days. This “mother of all burgers” consists of four beef patties and an extra slice of cheese. Although it costs three times more than the standard burger, it was a hit with consumers when it was first introduced last year. During the first three days after its launch, McDonald’s sold 3,32 million of these whoppers; sales throughout the three months long promotion period reached 11,5 million. Is it any wonder that the Japanese, traditionally seen as small people, are becoming taller (and heavier) by the day?
This article is prompted by horror stories that were related to us by several individuals who approached our “Ask an expert” section for advice. It appears that some franchisors prefer to keep potential franchisees in the dark about the implications of joining their networks until it is too late for them to change their minds. Read more…
The “Ask an expert” section of whichfranchise.co.za deals with franchise-related question.
Q. Is it correct or legally permissible for a franchisor to reject an application for a franchise without furnishing reasons for the decision? Read more…
1st Car Inspect – roadworthy, insurance and vehicle assessment in the automotive industry
Mobile Butchery – Mobile Butcher
Piatto Mediterranean Kitchen – Mediterranean style restaurant
For a full list of opportunities visit our directory
This brings us to the end of this edition, but it is not where our service to you, dear readers, ends. Should you have questions that relate to the concept of franchising rather than a specific franchise opportunity, we invite you to send an email to experts@whichfranchise.co.za. Our panel of experts will provide an answer to your question, usually within 24 hours. This is a free service offered to our readers that places you under no obligation whatsoever.
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