DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH OUTDATED MANUALS

Manuals should provide a detailed representation of the franchise business system. Manuals should also be considered as living documents. With regular changes in legislation as well as system improvement it is essential that franchisors regularly update their manual sets. A review should be undertaken at least once per year, to reflect revised operating practices, as well as legislative changes. We recommend that one person in the franchisors office be made responsible for regularly reviewing the manual set.

One of the main complaints we get from franchisees is that although the manuals they receive when they first purchase their franchise manuals are really helpful, they are rarely updated by the franchisor.

The Role of Manuals in Your Franchise
The importance of manuals can not be understated. Franchise Manuals provide a multi-faceted role within a franchise system. Manuals:
1. Provide procedures, systems, guidelines and useful information to franchisees
2. Define standards and control mechanisms
3. Act as complementary, enforceable and upgradeable part of the legal agreement
4. Define communication/information protocols and flow within the franchise network
5. Maintain brand integrity
6. Provide a vehicle for continually upgrading the system and maintaining integrity of intellectual property
7. Act as a training tool for both franchisees and the franchisor
8. Streamline need for FSO assistance
9. Add value to business and provide an exit mechanism for both franchisee and franchisor

Effective documentation of the franchise system is essential to the running of a successful franchise. Don't get caught! Franchize Consultants (NZ) Ltd can check your manuals and update to safeguard your liability and future business. For more information contact Win Robinson on 09 523 3858 or email (win@fcnzl.co.nz)

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