Franchise FAQ

how do franchises work in australia

by Muriel Corkery Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Franchising is a way for business owners to expand and grow their business across Australia and the world. As a franchisor, you give third parties (franchisees) the right to use your IP and systems to offer, sell or distribute goods or services. T he franchisee pays fees to the franchisor in exchange for these rights.

A franchisee is given a licence to manufacture and distribute the franchisor's product. In hardware or automotive parts stores, you'll often see a wholesaler-retailer agreement. Under this model, a franchisee retailer buys products from a wholesale franchisor and then sells them under licence at retail.Aug 6, 2021

Full Answer

How does franchising work in Australia?

Let’s now look in more depth at how franchising works. There are four business models generally used in franchising in Australia. This model is commonly seen in businesses like new car dealerships. The agreement enables a retailer (franchisee) to sell the franchisor’s product straight to the public.

What is a franchisee?

A franchise typically involves the granting by one party (franchisor) to another party (franchisee) the right to carry on a particular name or trade mark, according to an identified system. Franchises are usually located within a territory or at one specific location, for an agreed upon term.

What makes a franchise business successful?

Having a big, well-known brand behind you can do wonders for your franchise business. And if it is a recognizable brand, your future customers already know who you are and what your business does when you open.

What are the largest franchises in Australia?

We have ranked the largest franchises in Australia based on the number of outlets as reported by the franchisor. The list is topped by Subway, IGA and BP with a total of over 3,500 outlets combined.

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Is franchise business profitable in Australia?

Franchising contributes around 4% to the country's GDP, generating over half a million new jobs and bringing in an incredible 181.8 billion in revenue every year.

How does a franchise owner get paid?

How do franchise owners get paid? Franchise owners can pay themselves a salary or depending on their business entity, they may be able to take a draw from their accumulated equity.

How much does a franchise cost in Australia?

These fees vary greatly from $5,000 to $1 million depending on the type of franchise and the franchisor. In the event that you are buying an existing franchise, a transfer fee may be charged when you transfer ownership. You may be required to purchase products or services from the franchisors or affiliated companies.

How does paying for a franchise work?

Franchise marketing fees are usually based on your monthly revenue. For instance, if your average monthly revenue is $25, 000, and the franchisor charges a 2% marketing fee, you'll have to pay your franchisor $500. (That's $6, 000 annually.) That's a lot of money.

What is the failure rate of a franchise?

Coincidentally when I was with NatWest I managed the survey for the last 22 years. Pretty much every year the survey has been conducted has shown between 8-12% of franchise businesses left their franchise each year. This is for a variety of reasons, including retirement, selling, ill-health and financial failure.

Is it worth it to own a franchise?

If you're a fledgling entrepreneur or a seasoned business person wanting to diversify your holdings, you've probably wondered, “Are franchises a good investment?” The simple answer is yes, especially if a great opportunity presents itself. There is an obvious appeal to starting a business via buying a franchise.

How much does a franchise owner make in Australia?

The national average salary for a Franchise Owner is $75,000 in Australia....Franchise Owner Salaries.Job TitleSalary7-Eleven Franchise Owner salaries - 1 salaries reported$70,000/yr13 more rows

What should you know before buying a franchise?

10 Key things you need to know before buying a franchiseThe territory. ... Restricted covenants. ... Litigation history. ... Renewal rights. ... Franchise company right to acquire units. ... Ownership transfer rights. ... Estimated initial investment. ... Financial performance representations.More items...•

What to check before buying a franchise?

These are the 6 factors you should consider before getting into franchise;Market Requirement. The best way to start a business is to understand the market and their demands. ... Track the brand. There are many brands in the market open for franchising. ... Expenditure. ... Competition. ... Training. ... Restrictions.

What are the disadvantages of owning a franchise?

Buying a franchise means entering into a formal agreement with your franchisor. Franchise agreements dictate how you run the business, so there may be little room for creativity. There are usually restrictions on where you operate, the products you sell and the suppliers you use.

Is it better to start a business or buy a franchise?

Bottom line, franchises have a higher overall success rate than startups. Franchises operate under a predetermined business model that has already brought success while independent businesses make adjustments and decisions to their business model as they go.

What is the most profitable franchise to own in 2022?

Most Profitable FranchisesDunkin'7-Eleven.Planet Fitness.JAN-PRO.Taco Bell.Orangetheory Fitness.Great Clips.Mac Tools.More items...•

Do franchise owners pay employees?

In some cases, the franchisor will pay all company employees, but in most cases, this responsibility rests on the shoulders of the franchisee. In some cases, franchisees and franchisors are considered joint employers, but this is relatively rare.

What percentage do franchises take?

The average or typical royalty percentage in a franchise is 5 to 6 percent of volume, but these fees can range from a small fraction of 1 to 50 percent or more of revenue, depending on the franchise. Marketing Fees.

Do franchise owners pay taxes?

States charge businesses franchise taxes for the privilege of incorporating or doing business in the state. Franchise tax is different from a tax imposed on franchises. And, it is not the same as federal or state income taxes. Business owners must pay franchise taxes in addition to business income taxes.

How much profit does a franchise make?

Franchise Business Review found that the average annual pre-tax income of franchise owners in America is $80,000. Only 7% of franchise owners make more than $250,000 annually, and 51% earn less than $50,000.

What are the different types of franchising in Australia?

There are four business models generally used in franchising in Australia. Manufacturer-retailer. This model is commonly seen in businesses like new car dealerships. The agreement enables a retailer (franchisee) to sell the franchisor’s product straight to the public. Manufacturer-wholesaler.

How large is the franchising industry in Australia?

Franchising has revolutionised how the retail industry works by allowing small business owners to compete with resources matching those of the large corporations.

What is the disclosure requirement for a franchise?

The Code sets out a list of information and documents that the franchisor must disclose to the franchisee when entering into a new franchise agreement, or renewing or extending an existing one. This gives the franchisee the information they need to make an informed decision about the agreement.

How many people are employed in franchising in 2020?

In 2016, the franchising industry was employing around 472,000 people. Food retailers made up 13% of those units. The 2020 forecast is for 508,000 people employed across over 90,500 franchise units. That makes franchising a huge industry and heightens the importance of all parties acting professionally and in good faith.

What is good faith in franchise?

Franchisors and franchisees are both obligated to act in good faith in their dealings with one another. While the common law definition of ‘good faith’ continues to evolve, essentially it means both parties should act honestly and with no ulterior motive.

What laws do franchisors have to comply with?

As well as abiding by the Code of Conduct, franchisors and franchisees may also be legally obligated to meet other pieces of legislation like: the Fair Work Act. the Australian Securities and Investments Act. Australia’s tax laws. state and territory licensing schemes.

What is franchising business?

Franchising is a business model where one company (the franchisor) owns a brand and offers a license to others (franchisees) so they can sell the products or services under that brand for a defined period of time. The franchise business structure offers would-be business owners the best of both worlds.

What are the opportunities for franchising in Australia?

The most popular opportunities for franchising in Australia are in the non-food retail industry, which accounts for over 25% of franchise systems. In 2019, food retail concepts that promoted health and well-being continued to do well. Opportunities also existed within administration and support services.

What is the FCA?

The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) is a leading industry (trade) association, and works closely with local and international franchises alike to help them make progress. More details on the FCA can be found here#N#This link will direct you to a non-government website#N#.

What is franchising in Australia?

Franchising is a way for business owners to expand and grow their business across Australia and the world. As a franchisor, you give third parties (franchisees) the right to use your IP and systems to offer, sell or distribute goods or services. T he franchisee pays fees to the franchisor in exchange for these rights. This article will assist franchisors in understanding what their obligations are and what compliance with the relevant laws looks like in Australia.

What is franchise contract?

any customer-facing contracts drafted by a lawyer before providing them to franchisees for use.

What is IP in franchising?

IP describes the various kinds of intangible assets owned by franchisors and used by their franchisees across their network. IP often includes:

What are the privacy laws for franchisors?

Franchisors and franchisees will likely be subject to the Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). For instance, t hese laws restrict the ways in which franchisors and their franchisees can deal with and distribute certain information. Therefore, with most customer data sent and received in a franchise network through the internet or cloud-based software, franchisors must carefully monitor compliance with Australian privacy laws.

How long do you have to sign a franchise agreement?

Franchisors must not sign the above franchise documentation until the franchisee has had the documents for at least 14 days. Additionally, franchisees will have a right to terminate the franchise agreement within 14 days of signing it, as provided in the Code. In these circumstances, franchisors are required to refund all fees paid, less their reasonable expenses.

When does the ACL apply to franchisees?

When franchisees are providing goods or services to consumers, the terms of the ACL will apply. Similarly, when franchisors provide goods or services to franchisees, most of these supply arrangements likely fall under the ACL.

When was the franchise code introduced?

The Code was introduced in 2015 to regulate the conduct of franchisors and franchisees throughout their relationship. Amongst other things, the Code:

Why is it important to find a franchise?

It is important to find a franchise that complements your existing skills, experience, personality, lifestyle requirements and budget. Running a business can be a physically and mentally challenging experience and to remain motivated you want to find a model that suits you well.

What are some examples of franchises?

The most famous example of a franchise business in the world is McDonald’s. Over 90% of McDonald ’s outlets worldwide are franchises. Other well-known Australian franchises include Anytime Fitness and Baker’s Delight.

What is the importance of franchise agreements?

When signing a franchise agreement and opening a franchise, the franchisee exposes themselves to both the ordinary risks of operating a business as well as risks that are specific to their position as franchisee. It is very important to fully understand these risks before committing to any franchise operator and to ensure that you have had both legal and financial advice. Franchise contracts are often worded in the franchisor’s favour so having the right advice from a lawyer, business broker or finance broker can ensure that you negotiate the best terms for your business.

How long does a franchise contract last?

A franchise contract is a fixed term contract ,often 5 to 7 years, and it can be very difficult to cancel the contract before its expiry. While you may be able to sell your franchise before the end of the contract, the franchisor has to approve the sale and may charge cancellation and transfer fees.

What does a franchisor do?

In addition to the brand and business model, the franchisor will often assist with marketing, training, site selection and mentoring.

How much are franchise royalties?

Franchise royalties are often calculated as a function of sales, typically 5-6% but can be as high as 15%. Some franchisors charge a fixed fee irrespective of sales levels.

How to get a loan for franchising?

The cheapest and most readily available loan for franchising is obtained by borrowing against your personal property or a property owned by your business, also known as a secured personal or business loan. You may also be able to borrow against your franchise if the franchise holds significant assets.

How much of Australia's franchises are international?

Only 28% of them are international, which ensures perfect opportunities for foreign businesses in Australia. Retail trade industry is ruling the franchise market and occupies ¼ of it. All the franchise yields $144 billion for the economy of the country.

What is the attractiveness of Australia?

Australia is a country with a well-developed economy. Household net-adjusted disposable income per capita is $ 33,138. Mineral resources such as coal, ore, gold, iron as well as agricultural products meat, wool, and wheat are exported by the country.

What happens when a franchise opens?

Simply stated, even before a franchise business opens in an area, several things are set in motion that contribute to the local economy. And once someone signs a franchise agreement and opens the business, some of the benefits to the local area remain in place.

What is franchising world?

Franchising is a world full of ideas, determination, grand plans and big dreams. On the flip side, it’s also a world that includes disappointments and failures ( unfortunately ). Simultaneously, franchising it’s a world of fresh starts. A forward-looking world where people fire their bosses in order to be the boss.

How much does a Chil Fil franchise cost?

The franchise fee for one Chil fil A franchise is only $10,000. That’s unheard of in franchising. The average franchise fee hovers around $30,000 these days-which is not a lot of money for what you get. ( See above)

How does franchising affect the economy?

Franchising: Economic Impact. Franchising-as an industry, makes a huge impact on the U.S. economy. ( Other countries like England, The Philippines, South Africa, New Zealand, and even the continent of Australia, benefit tremendously, economically, from franchising.) From The International Franchise Association:

What to expect when buying into a franchise?

Another thing you’re getting when you buy into a franchise system is their business experience. That’s a huge thing to have behind you as you start your business. The franchisor has already ( hopefully) made the mistakes. They’re the mistakes you don’t ever have to make. It’s a nice way to get into business. Making no mistakes-or at least less mistakes-because they’ve been made already, saves a lot of time and a lot of money. It’s why a lot of people who want to be the boss look into investing in a franchise.

How to get a team together?

One way to get an entire “ team ” together ( if you feel you have a good shot at success with your idea) is to hire a franchise development firm. But, not all of them are created equal.

What happens if you own a food franchise?

If you own a food franchise, and you purchase let’s say, milk, you will have purchasing power. The power that comes with being part of a network. A franchise network. Independent businesses in your area won’t be able to touch the price you pay for milk. That’s because they’re buying a case of milk a month, while you ( the franchise network) is buying 100 cases. Big difference. It’s a powerful advantage of franchise ownership.

What is franchising business?

Think of franchising as paying someone for his or her business strategy, marketing strategy, operations strategy, and the use of his or her name. That's pretty much what franchising is -- you are establishing a relationship with a successful business so you can use its systems and capitalize on its existing brand awareness in order to get a quicker return on your own investment. You are using its proven system and name, and running it by its rules.

What is Franchising?

Imagine that you're opening your own McDonald's. To do this, you have to buy a McDonald's franchise. In order to qualify for a conventional franchise, you have to have $250,000 (not borrowed). Your total costs to open the restaurant, however, will be anywhere from $685,750 to $1,504,000, which goes to paying for the building, equipment, etc. Forty percent of this cost has to be from your own (non-borrowed) funds.

What is the FTC rule for franchising?

The Franchise Rule deals with the franchising contract and requires that the franchisor give full disclosure of earnings, company history, litigation, and key-officer experience levels. It also requires that contact information be provided for existing franchised units. The rule does not, however, cover anything that happens after the contract is signed, such as problems with product availability, site selection, and placement of other units within the same geographical market.

Why do franchisors have to protect their proprietary information?

In order to do this, they establish restrictive covenants for their franchisees. These covenants govern the things a franchisee can do.

How to negotiate a franchise agreement?

There are many elements of the franchise agreement, as well as the franchise deal itself, that can benefit from the advice of an attorney. These can include: 1 Reviewing the franchisor's offering circular (the UFOC) and evaluating the opportunity 2 Negotiating points of the final contract 3 Limiting your personal liability by establishing the correct business structure 4 Dealing with trade secrets and other proprietary issues 5 Establishing your own trade name 6 Dealing with state statutes

Why is franchising important?

This is because franchises typically get up and running faster, and are profitable more quickly. This can be a result of better management as well as a well-known name.

When was the franchise act introduced?

National fair franchising legislation was also introduced. HR 3308, also known as the Small Business Franchise Act, was introduced in 1999 by representatives Howard Coble, R-NC, and John Conyers, D-MI. The legislation would provide franchisees with a right of action in federal court in the event that the corporate franchise violates any provision of HR 3308. It was sent to the House Subcommittee on November 17, 1999. It was tabled during the 106th Congress, but is slated for reintroduction in the 107th Congress. There is bipartisan opposition to the bill in the Congress; however, organizations such as the American Franchisee Association highly support it. Opposition states that the bill tries to establish a "one size fits all" model to franchising, and that simply won't work with the many differences in franchise businesses and systems.

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A Snapshot of Franchising in Australia

The Franchising Code of Conduct

Other Applicable Laws

Key Takeaways

  • The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) is a leading industry (trade) association and works closely with local and international franchises alike to help them make progress. More details on the FCA can be found at https://www.franchise.org.au/. Besides the National Franchise Convention, organized by the FCA, there is the Franchise & Business Oppor...
See more on trade.gov

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