The following groups and organizations can provide you with additional franchise-related information.
American Franchisee Association
The American Franchisee Association (AFA) is an organization of franchise owners and represents franchisees in 27 industry areas. The AFA works to protect the economic investment of franchisees and provides a wide range of services to its members. For more information on its services and membership requirements, contact:
American Franchisee Association
53 W Jackson Blvd # 205
Chicago IL 60604
(800) 334-4232
International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association (IFA) is a non-profit trade association established in 1960 to build and maintain a favorable economic and regulatory climate for franchising. IFA's mission is to enhance and to safeguard the business environment for franchisors and franchisees worldwide. IFA's membership and network encompass more than 32,000 franchisors, franchisees, suppliers and others.
The IFA offers many educational programs, reference materials and publications. For more information on its services and membership requirements, contact:
International Franchise Association
1350 New York Ave NW # 900
Washington DC 20005-4709
(202) 628-8000 Fax (202) 628-0812
American Association of Franchisees and Dealers
The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) is a national, non-profit trade association. Its motto is "Bringing Fairness to Franchising." For more information on its services and membership requirements, contact:
American Association of Franchisees and Dealers
PO Box 81887
San Diego CA 92138
(800) 733-9858
(619) 235-2556
Better Business Bureaus
Files on many firms that distribute their goods and services through the franchise method are maintained by Better Business Bureaus (BBB). A summary report for a specific company on which a Bureau has a record can be obtained free of charge from the Better Business Bureau in the area where the franchising company is headquartered.
If the address of the local Bureau is not known, send a postage-paid, self-addressed envelope with the complete name and address of the company on which information is desired to: Council of Better Business Bureaus Inc., 1515 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA 22209. The council will either refer your request to, or provide the address of, the appropriate Bureau.
North American Securities Administrators Association
The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) is the national voice of the 50 state agencies responsible for investor protection. It serves as a national forum for efforts to protect small investors and to increase the efficiency and uniformity of state regulation of the capital markets.
NASAA has three primary functions: 1) cooperation and coordination of efforts between state divisions; 2) development of national policy and relations with federal agencies and industry self-regulatory organizations; and 3) investor education.
NASAA is the organization responsible for the UFOC guidelines. For more information about NASAA, contact:
NASAA
One Massachusetts Ave NW # 310
Washington DC 20001
(202) 737-0900
Franchise Times
Franchise Times (formerly Franchise Buyer) is a magazine published bi-monthly by Crain Communications. Franchise Times focuses exclusively on franchising - providing news and information for both the franchise buyer and the franchise owner. Articles from recent issues include: "Top 200 Franchises"; "Negotiating Lease Key to Site Success"; "Franchising's Top 10 Myths"; "UFOC Most Important Document for Buyers"; "Burger War Harms All"; and "Winning Franchises between $50,000 and $100,000."
Franchise Times
Crain Communications
740 N Rush St
Chicago IL 60611-2590
(800) 281-7713
The Info Franchise Newsletter
The Info Franchise Newsletter is a monthly newsletter providing news and information regarding franchises.
The Info Franchise Newsletter
PO Box 550
Lewiston NY 14092-0550
(716) 754-4669
World Franchise Consultants
World Franchise Consultants provide research, screening, consulting, and referral services for franchisees. They will evaluate the most suitable franchise for a person looking to own their own business.
World Franchise Consultants
25820 Southfield Rd # 201
Southfield MI 48075
(810) 559-1415 Fax (810) 557-7931
Let's Talk Business
Let's Talk Business is a nationally syndicated call-in radio talk show offering advice on business and franchising.
For your local radio station listings, call (516) 424-3803