What is the Franchise Association of New Zealand?
The Franchise Association of New Zealand is an organisation that brings together franchisors, franchisees and others working in the franchising, such as accountants, lawyers and other affiliates. Processes such as learning and exchanging knowledge are facilitated to encourage high standards of conduct.
The Franchise Association of New Zealand's Code of Practice and Code of Ethics must be adhered to by all members. Although franchises are generally covered by business law, there is no legislation for franchising in New Zealand . The Code of Practice states the franchisor must fully disclose the franchise to prospective franchisees before the applicant makes the final decision. With no specific franchise law, this protection is only available through dealing with Franchise Association of New Zealand members.
As publications, meetings, seminars and other gatherings take place, the Franchise Association of New Zealand assists those contemplating buying a franchise make the best decision for their individual circumstances. The Franchise Association of New Zealand also ensures those existing members of the franchise adhere to high standards right from the very beginning.
With 220 members of the Franchise Association of New Zealand representing more than 5,000 franchisees, the group includes both franchise divisions of large corporations as well as independent success stories.
Not only is the Franchise Association of New Zealand a member of the World Franchise Council, but it is also one of the founders of the Asia Pacific Franchise Federation and therefore assist members wishing to expand internationally.
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
One benefit of becoming a member of the Franchise Association of New Zealand is access to a vast collection of franchise information. The Franchise Association of New Zealand is a meeting place of franchises and affiliates from a wide range of industries and sectors that will allow businesses to cross-pollinate and allow individuals to network with others in the franchising arena. Indeed, becoming a member of the Franchise Association of New Zealand will hold you in good stead in the franchising community, as your credibility will be consolidated amongst both peers and potential customers, when they see the Franchise Association of New Zealand insignia against your franchise.
The Franchise Association of New Zealand's logo alongside your franchise will be a true point of difference for those franchises and affiliates against non-members. This allows for a distinct marketing and advertising advantage. Members will receive very competitive rates for attendance to conferences, seminars and other franchise gatherings. Another key benefit of membership to the Franchise Association of New Zealand is collective liaison with the government as a respected and highly regarded franchise corporate body. Members of the Franchise Association of New Zealand will be some of the first to know in franchising news and updates in the area.
Franchisors receive a free copy of their choice of either The Franchisor's Guide or The Franchisee's Guide. These publications commissioned by the Franchise Association of New Zealand hold valuable information for those owning or operating a franchise. Not only will members be advertised at franchising expos and the Franchise Association of New Zealand's website, but franchisors and advice providers receive a free listing in the Franchise New Zealand magazine and website. The Franchise Association of New Zealand also acts as a collective franchising voice in the media, to enhance its image in the public sphere, as well as to serve franchising's best interests in media channels.
Affiliates, such as lawyers and accountants, also benefit noticeably as member of the Franchise Association of New Zealand. Regular seminars and meetings are conducted by the Franchise Association of New Zealand on topics of specific interest in specialist areas. These conferences will enable the affiliates to network with many established and upcoming franchisors to further extend understanding of franchise systems as well as the opportunity to expand their client base and generate further business.
How to become a member
Franchisors have much to gain from being a member of the Franchise Association of New Zealand. There are no laws in New Zealand that specifically deal with franchising. Some may take advantage of this legal loophole. With a window of opportunity for unscrupulous franchisors, those dealing with franchisors or affiliates can trust members of the Franchise Association of New Zealand are genuine.
Also, prospective franchisors wishing to expand their successful enterprises will enjoy the many advantages of franchising as well as the many disadvantages. Given the fact that the business relationship between franchisor and franchisee becomes quite close, the interests of both parties will be best served if franchise operates properly right from launch. New franchises with the greatest chance to succeed will be those who have been given advice by affiliates who are members of the Franchise Association of New Zealand.
In addition to the extremely beneficial ability to use the Franchise Association of New Zealand's logo, meeting other members allows many different opportunities to open up and the chance to learn from other members. Gatherings take place around the country.
To contact the FANZ regarding membership simply fill in the form below and our membership manager will be in touch.
Why deal with members
In general, purchasing a franchise is seen as being a lower risk venture than going into a business that is not franchised. With the vast array of franchises being presented throughout New Zealand , there is more than likely something for everyone in most industries across the board.
Not all franchises are created equal. Some franchises have been operating for many years and are therefore very well established with a solid image in the eyes of the public. Other franchises may be new and dynamic, making a name for themselves in the world. The ultimate truth is that, in the world of the franchising, there are both good and bad operators.
While consumer and commercial legislation does exist in New Zealand , there is no franchise-specific legal protection. The Franchise Association of New Zealand ensures prospective franchisees have at least some information disclosed before they make a decision to purchase a specific franchise.
Franchise Association of New Zealand members are franchising professionals who endorse "Best Practice in Franchising". Potential members of the Franchise Association of New Zealand undergo an in-depth and thorough evaluation process before being admitted to the group. A component of this evaluation process is making sure all their records at the time of application are in line with the Franchising Code of Practice. This ensures prospective franchisees are given a comprehensive disclosure document, a "cooling off period", a franchise agreement and a copy of the Code of Practice.
Only members of the Franchise Association of New Zealand are obliged operate by the Code of Practice. Those franchisors and affiliates who are non-members and have therefore not had their practices evaluated by the Franchise Association of New Zealand are not obliged to operate with the code.
The Franchise Association of New Zealand does not take granting membership lightly. Those who meet the high standards of the group reflect the best of the New Zealand franchising community as they have undergone the strict evaluation procedure. Members of the Franchise Association of New Zealand stand alongside the very best in the world.
Members of the Franchise Association of New Zealand include financial institutions who have specialised franchise departments to help franchisees secure finance; consultants who determine the viability of franchising a commercial entity, prepare business plans and develop franchise operational manuals; lawyers who remark on appropriate franchise structures, trademark and copyright legal advice as well as drawing up franchise agreements and accountants to ensure the business runs efficiently, evaluate cash-flow as well as future projections.