In Short
- FANZ membership enhances credibility, provides access to extensive networking, and offers educational resources.
- Members gain access to FANZ-endorsed mediators for efficient dispute resolution.
- Membership signals commitment to fair franchising, boosting trust among potential franchisees.
Tips for Businesses
To maximise the benefits of FANZ membership, use networking events to build valuable contacts and leverage FANZ’s educational resources for skill development. Display the FANZ logo prominently to boost credibility and attract franchisees, ensuring compliance with fair franchising standards to maintain trust and foster growth.
The Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ) is a nationwide organisation that both represents and promotes the franchising community. Its goal is to advance business growth and maintain proper standards for franchising in New Zealand. Members are usually franchise professionals who wish to be part of these aims, including both franchisors and franchisees. While membership is optional and comes with various fees, there are several benefits for those interested in franchising. This article will cover five benefits of being a member of the Franchise Association of New Zealand.
Access to a Network of Contacts
One of the primary benefits of being a member of the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ) is gaining access to a reliable network of potential franchising contacts. These are all business people interested in the same area, with the same goals of success within the industry. It is true in any commercial sector that if you have experience and knowledge, you can do well. But, in some cases, it is not necessarily what you know that will aid you the most, but who you know.
FANZ offers many networking events for members to share knowledge and experience with others. One of these is the National Franchise Conference, which is held over two days and involves various workshops and keynote speakers. As a FANZ member, you would receive discounted rates for participation in this event.
FANZ members are also the only parties able to enter the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards. Success in these awards can do wonders for your reputation and offer opportunities to improve your business based on independent reviews.
Educational Resources
FANZ also offers chances to learn and grow your franchising knowledge. Information is key in franchising, and FANZ can help you develop specialist skills for analysing and finding information that can help your franchise. They offer courses for franchisees and franchisors alike in different formats, including:
- online courses;
- seminars;
- special member opportunities
- conferences; and
- training opportunities.
As a FANZ member, you would gain access to such resources and further opportunities for educational growth.
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Methods for Dispute Resolution
Any good franchise should have a clause in its franchise agreement detailing how to manage a dispute. FANZ members must do so according to the Association’s Code of Ethics and Code of Practice.
If someone thinks that a FANZ member has not complied with these rules, then they can make a complaint to an independent service that FANZ offers.
While some franchises may not want such an independent arbitrator, this can be a positive for some groups. As a FANZ member, you can gain access to FANZ-approved mediators that can offer mediation services in any disputes within your franchise. In any case, FANZ offers various resources that may be of use to you when dealing with dispute resolution, with clear guidelines set out on their website.
Add Credibility
FANZ is a recognised and respected organisation in New Zealand that most franchising professionals will take heed of. They deal with the government and other official parties, as well as the media. As a member of this organisation, you become a part of that. In particular, you can identify yourself with the FANZ member logo on things like your:
- website;
- advertisements;
- business cards;
- brochures;
- letterheads; and
- disclosure documents.
This offers you potential marketing advantages and can open you up to new opportunities, with others recognising you as a member. As a franchisor, if potential franchisees see you using the FANZ logo, they may be more inclined to sign on with you due to this credibility. FANZ will also promote your franchise within their directory listing on Franchise New Zealand.
Demonstrate a Commitment to Fair Franchising
Leading on from the previous point, membership in FANZ indicates to others that you are committed to abiding by and maintaining fair franchising standards. As a member, you must comply with FANZ’s rules, laid out in the following:
- Association’s Rules;
- Code of Practice; and
- Code of Ethics.
There are various things you need to comply with, including:
- giving potential franchisees a disclosure document;
- allowing a seven-day cooling-off period for signing franchise agreements;
- requiring complaints and disputes resolution processes that are fair for franchisees; and
- a commitment to best practice franchising.
New Zealand does not have franchise-specific laws, so this area is largely self-regulated. However, by signing up to these regulations, you indicate to others that you want to operate a fair franchise that protects franchisees’ interests. As such, they may be more inclined to join your franchise. By submitting your franchise to these rules, you must act fairly and honourably.
This publication provides you with the fundamentals for franchising your New Zealand business, including set up, branding and management.
Key Takeaways
There are numerous benefits to being a member of the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ). Some advantages can apply regardless of whether you are a franchisor or franchisee. Therefore, consider whether membership is something that will be suitable for you.
If you need help with setting up your franchise, our experienced franchise lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 0800 005 570 or visit our membership page.
Frequently Asked Questions
A franchise is a business model that you may use to grow your business. You, as the franchisor, allow other parties, the franchisees, to replicate your business operations to create their own success. In return, you grow your brand and receive various fees or royalties.
The Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ) is a nationwide organisation dedicated to business growth and success through franchising. Membership is optional for franchises, but there are various benefits.
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