Just as small business owners might join the chamber of commerce, new franchisees should consider joining a franchisee association to stay informed and empowered.
But which club is right for you?
Here are five national associations catering to franchisees.
1. IFA
Now in its 50th year, the International Franchise Association educates and advocates on behalf of franchisees and franchisors. It is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising, with 1,076 franchisors and more than 10,000 franchisees as of January 2011.
Mission: IFA’s mission is to protect, enhance and promote franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs.
Members: Board of directors includes representatives from Driven Brands, McDonald’s, FOCUS Brands, Dunkin’ Brands, and many others.
Dues: Franchisors pay $1,500 for the first two years. After that membership dues are based on annual U.S. sales. For franchisees, if a parent franchisor is a member, they can join for free and receive all materials electronically. Or, for $100, they can receive hard-copy materials.
2. CFA
The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) is exclusively a franchisee association focusing on government affairs at the state and federal levels, franchisee education and training, executive leadership development and collective buying opportunities.
Mission: From TheCFAInc.com, the CFA "brings together some of the largest and most reputable independent franchisee associations to form a ground-breaking organization with a mission "to leverage the collective strengths of franchisee associations for the benefit of the franchisee community."
Members: Buffalo Wings National Franchisee Association, Dunkin’ Donuts Independent Franchise Owners, Independent Hardee’s Franchisee Association.
Dues: $1,000 a year.
3. AAFD
The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) is a national nonprofit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States, according to AAFD.org
Mission: Bringing fairness to franchising by ethically developing economic programming, advocating in Washington, and sharing information.
Members: Franchisees from Huntington Learning Centers, US Franchise Systems, Denny’s.
Dues: First year, $119. Renewal, $69.
4. IAFD
The International Association of Franchisees and Dealers (IAFD) is the new kid on the block. Formed in October 2009, IAFD is an organization for Franchisee Associations, their leaders and individuals to learn and benefit from experience of others in the industry; and utilize programs and resources to operate a profitable franchised business, according to Franchise-info.ca
Mission: Empower franchisees by better communication vehicles, more vendor benefits, advanced education for Franchisee Association Leaders and advocacy.
Members: Franchisee lawyers, franchisees.
Dues: For attorneys ($247) covers placement in the IAFD legal directory and attendance to its annual convention.
5. AFA
The American Franchisee Association (AFA) is an umbrella organization that lists other franchise groups as members. The national trade association consists of mostly franchisees and dealers. The AFA works largely on legislative issues, supporting the rights of franchisees in Washington D.C.
Mission: From Franchisee.org: Founded in 1993, the AFA "improves the business conditions for franchising generally, while working diligently to protect the economic interests of franchisees."
Members: Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees (AKFCF), the Denny’s Franchisee Association, the Domino’s Franchisee Association.
Dues: Varies by the number of members an association has. But in general, $100 per location annually for individuals ($2,500 maximum). Independent franchisee associations are $25 per location annually ($2,500 minimum, $60,000 maximum).
