Franchising Is Not A Business In Itself, It Is A Business Strategy

Schooley Mitchell:

It’s a business system. That’s a significant distinction that isn’t always clear. McDonald’s is in the fast food business, although many people feel they are really in the real estate business, while others think they’re in the entertainment business. Regardless of that discussion, they are not in the business of Franchising. Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants is in the business of telecom consulting. Ramada is in the business of operating properties. Snap-On Tools is in the business of selling tools.

If someone says to you that they’re in the business of Franchising, they don’t really get what they’re doing. It’s all about the customer, and if the focus is not on the customer and their needs, then something is awry. Customers don’t need a Franchise. They need hamburgers, telecom consulting, hotel rooms and tools. So therefore Franchisors are not in the business of Franchising.

It has to be about the customer doesn’t it? After all, the customer pays for everything. They pay for salaries, they pay the rent, they pay the utilities, they pay for the costs of delivering the product or service, and they pay the profit. In businesses using the Franchising strategy, the customer pays the royalties, the customer pays for the development of the system, including support and operations, and they pay for everything the business does in its day-to-day activities, both Franchisor and Franchisee.