This 2005 book describes in much detail both how and why franchising works. It also analyses the economic tensions that contribute to conflict in the franchisor-franchisee relationship. The treatment includes a great deal of empirical evidence on franchising, its importance in various segments of the economy, the terms of franchise contracts and what we know about how all these have evolved over time, especially in the US market. A good many myths are dispelled in the process. The economic analysis of the franchisor-franchisee relationship begins with the observation that for franchisors, franchising is a contractual alternative to vertical integration. Subsequently, the tensions that arise between a franchisor and its franchisees, who in fact are owners of independent businesses, are examined in turn. In particular the authors discuss issues related to product quality control, tying arrangements, pricing, location and territories, advertising, and termination and renewals.

Franchising networks are experiencing great success in international business organization. Few books try to explain the characteristics of these networks. Contrary to the existing literature this book tackles more theoretical problems related to governance, organization, knowledge management, contract design, incentive and regulation issues both from the economic and management view point. It delivers new theoretical and empirical results regarding plural forms, contract design, and knowledge and strategic management issues. Its purpose is to offer researchers and practitioners new theoretical and empirical insights in one of the most important economic phenomenon at the beginning of the 21st century: Franchising networks as organizational arrangement for growth and internationalization of firms.

Franchises have become an ever-present feature of American life, both in our landscapes and our economics. Peter M. Birkeland worked for three years in the front-line operations of franchise units for three companies, met with CEOs and executives, and attended countless trade shows, seminars, and expositions. Through this extensive fieldwork Birkeland not only discovered what makes franchisees succeed or fail, he uncovered the difficulties in running a business according to someone else's system and values. Bearing witness to a market flooded with fierce competitors and dependent on the inscrutable whims of consumers, he revealed the numerous challenges that franchisees face in making their businesses succeed. Book jacket.

Service Franchising succinctly extracts from observations about international franchising from both the scholarly and trade literature. The work adds insights gleaned through extensive research and the experiences of the author. As a result, the book advances the body of knowledge on international franchising for the academic community. In addition to being a breakthrough text for researchers in business and economics the book also contains guidance for franchisors and franchisees in their efforts to achieve success in the global marketplace. Ilan Alon has made major contributions to the understanding of franchising, both through his own research and his compiling and study of the work of other leading researchers. Alon pioneered research into the internationalization of franchising with his published studies from Asia, Europe, Latin America and other parts of the world.

A comprehensive and accessible companion to a proven business model, this book shows how to franchise an existing business, supported by case studies, data, and research reports on the franchise industry. For small to medium sized businesses, franchising can lead to successful and profitable growth, and plays an important role within the US economy. Utilizing a proprietary dataset with the most up-to-date statistics regarding a range of franchising trends, this analytical guide is based on management research frameworks that will lead to better understanding of a range of franchising strategies. Issues covered include: The franchising business model, including its history, economic impact, and regulations Critical factors that significantly influence franchising success, enabling a comprehensive feasibility analysis of franchising potential or existing business ideas Implementation components of franchising strategies, such as different franchise structures, regional development plans, and future trends With its clear focus and practical orientation, this book will be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students, interested in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in franchising.

Hundreds of potential entrepreneurs investigate franchising every year, but this enormous business opportunity remains hugely misunderstood. Franchising: Pathway to Wealth Creation delivers that guidance, from start to finish.