1851

When deciding to enter into a franchise agreement with a brand, a franchisee is investing in a proven model and system where there are many benefits including brand recognition from consumers, often a built-in customer base, assistance from the corporate team on opening a successful location and less risk and more profit. However, with all the attractive traits of the franchise model that encourage motivated entrepreneurs to pursue their business aspirations backed by a team of professionals, they should also understand the dynamic of the franchisor-franchisee relationship and what they can and cannot do.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-mcquillan-53390510/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisor-controls-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-rules-of-being-a-franchisee-2718358" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob McQuillan</a>, founder and CEO of Avignon Consulting and partner at Body20, says that anyone pursuing franchising should realize that they are buying into a brand’s system and its services and products and that the model is there for them to follow in order to be successful.&nbsp;“Franchise controls are basically guidelines that are set forth by the franchisor in the franchise agreement,” said McQuillan “The franchisee really needs to understand what their obligations are and the guidelines that the franchisor has in place, because that's going to be how they navigate their new business.”&nbsp;Elaborating on some major aspects of a brand that cannot be changed by its franchisees, McQuillan explains that a franchise has a duty to protect its trademark and brand — and this includes everything from the logo to store design to the quality of the products or services sold to how the business operates day-to-day. The franchisee is an entrepreneur and owns their own business in the sense that the location and territory are theirs, but they still have to operate within the brand’s guidelines.&nbsp;“Franchisees shouldn’t strive to reinvent the wheel,” said McQuillan. “Franchisors spend a great deal of money and time protecting the brand and enlisting attorneys a lot of money to draft franchise agreements. It's a pretty strong and hard fast rule that once these brands have the specific nails down and rules in place, they don't want you changing anything.”While the rules and guidelines for each franchise are different, McQuillan advises prospective franchisees to look closely at the FDD and see what their obligations are before signing the franchise agreement to avoid any issues down the road.&nbsp;McQuillan further mentions that if someone doesn’t comply within the franchisor controls set forth, the brand can actually start de-franchising the individual. In order to avoid this, he advises franchisees to do their research and speak with the top operators in the brand’s system to understand their day-to-day life, as well as to consult a franchise attorney when reading the legal terms of the brand to gain peace of mind.“Pick three or four people performing at the top level with the brand and have open, honest conversations with them,” McQuillan said. “Because whatever those top performers are doing, they are following the practices set forth in the system and thriving because of it.”&nbsp;

Franchisor Controls: What You Need To Know about the Rules of Being a Franchisee

1851 Franchise

Bob McQuillan, founder and CEO of Avignon Consulting and partner at Body20, stresses that franchisees should understand they are buying into the brand’s systems and processes and that these controls are in place to both protect the brand and lead franchise owners to success. 

franchisor-controls-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-rules-of-being-a-franchisee

Sylvan Learning

Sylvan Learning - Empowering Women in Education - Susan Valverde - Denise Tompkins - Jessica Rollins

Empowering Women in Education: How Sylvan Learning’s Female Leaders Are Making an Impact

sylvan-learning-empowering-women-in-education

Shuckin' Shack

Photo of Shuckin' Shack team gathered in a room for the brand's State of the Union

Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar Franchise Partners Unite for Annual Conference Focused on Innovation, Growth, and Giving Back

shuckin-shack-franchisees-unite-for-annual-conference

Integrity Franchise Group

Why Attending Franchise Conferences is Crucial for Your Business Success

why-attending-franchise-conferences-is-crucial-for-your-business-success

Pool Scouts

Women Entrepreneurs Thriving With Pool Scouts: Celebrating Women’s History Month

women-entrepreneurs-thriving-with-pool-scouts-celebrating-womens-history-month

Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite - Chris Bergman - Dog Training Tips - National Dog Training Education Month

2News Nevada: Dog Training Expert Provides Tips for National Dog Training Education Month

dog-training-elite-chris-bergman-expert-tips

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

The Joint Chiropractic - Dr. Anthony Tran - IFA Franchisee of the Year - 1851 Franchise

The Joint Chiropractic’s Dr. Anthony Tran Named Franchisee of the Year by the IFA

joint-chiropractic-dr-anthony-tran-ifa

TruGolf - Hybrid Golf Franchise - Nexus Golf - 1851 Franchise

TruGolf Links Unveils Revolutionary Hybrid Golf Franchise Concept

trugolf-links-unveils-revolutionary-hybrid-golf-franchise-concept

Photo of a basket of chicken wings with dipping sauce and celery

RestaurantNews: Franchisees File Comprehensive Legal Complaint Against Hurricane AMT

restaurantnews-franchisees-file-comprehensive-legal-complaint-against-hurricane-amt

Hooters - Bankruptcy Chapter 11 - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Prepares for Bankruptcy Amid Financial Struggles

hooters-prepares-for-bankruptcy-amid-financial-struggles

Tiam Behdarvandan’s Let’s Get Moving Offers a Franchise Opportunity Rooted in Growth and Support

tiam-behdarvandans-lets-get-moving-offers-a-franchise-opportunity-rooted-in-growth-and-support

Franchise Deep Dive: Studio Pilates Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

franchise-deep-dive-studio-pilates-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

The Ace Up Their Sleeve: How Ace Handyman Services Matters Found the Perfect Partner in Ace Hardware

the-ace-up-their-sleeve-how-ace-handyman-services-matters-found-the-perfect-partner-in-ace-hardware

Don Yurick Talks Master Franchising and Growth with Hammer & Nails Grooming 

don-yurick-talks-master-franchising-and-growth-with-hammer-nails-grooming

Franchisee spotlight featuring Ian and Dick Rydholm with gradient blue background and Sylvan logo

Ian and Dick Rydholm Celebrate 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sylvan Learning in El Paso, Texas

ian-and-dick-rydholm-celebrate-30-years-of-transforming-lives-through-sylvan

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Franchisor Controls: What You Need To Know about the Rules of Being a Franchisee

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS