Franchisor
Franchising
Ten franchise traps to avoid at all costs
David Wilson Thinking of buying a franchise? The good news is that franchises usually work, says three-time franchise owner Jane Lombard, now a franchise consultant.
Brumby's carbon tax claims under microscope
Judith Ireland The consumer watchdog is questioning a major bakery franchise, following an internal newsletter that advised bakeries to put up prices and ''let the carbon tax take the blame''.
Brumby's carbon tax misfire a legal warning for franchisees
Larissa Ham Franchisees reminded they are personally liable even if advice comes from head office.
Homework key for franchise buyers
David Wilson Consumer watchdog urges would-be franchise buyers to watch out for inflated franchise-income claims.
Watchdog warns investors over income promises
David Wilson THE consumer regulator is urging would-be franchise buyers to watch for inflated franchise income claims.
Brumby's dodges fine over carbon tax price rise suggestion
Larissa Ham Bakery franchise Brumby's has escaped a hefty ACCC fine over its carbon tax misfire.
FRANCHISING
Size up a franchise in seven easy steps
David Wilson Here's some expert intel on how to spot a legitimate franchise opportunity.
Walk in to franchising with eyes open
Miriam Steffens Be your own boss, run your own show - for many people a dream that seems too daunting to achieve on their own in the jittery economic climate.
Could you cut it as a franchise owner? The top 10 traits a franchisee needs
David Wilson Franchising is a $128-billion-a-year business in Australia. Over a thousand franchise brands run across the country, covering every angle from coffee vending to in-home behavioural dog training.
Gavin Culmsee
Franchises one way to weather the retail storm
Gavin Culmsee THE latest Westpac Melbourne Institute index of consumer sentiment showed a drop in confidence from the previous period and found Australians are less optimistic about their financial position over...
FRANCHISING
Seeking the edge
Chalpat Sonti When Issam and Enza Soubjaki visited a gourmet burger store, they liked it so much they bought a franchise - then turned around the entire company.
Ombudsman asked to probe 'flawed' Bakers Delight investigation
Chalpat Sonti The Commonwealth Ombudsman has been asked to review an investigation into one of Australia's, and the world's, largest bakery companies after former franchisees claimed flaws.
Allied Brands grew too fast, say administrators
Colin Kruger THE administrators of Allied Brands, the failed Baskin Robbins franchisor, have blamed its expansive growth plans and an uncertain economic environment for the company's collapse last week.
Retail Food Group posts 11% profit rise
Food franchisor Retail Food Group has posted a 10.6 per cent rise in annual net profit, and says its cash flow in the current year will be strong.
Sundae, bloody sundae
Wendy's franchisees are asking whether the ice-cream chain's business model is built to fail, writes Stuart Washington.
Franchise with drive to succeed
A start-up has ambitions of becoming the Bunnings of hire-car services, writes Kate Lahey.
New or existing franchise? That's the question
Both options have their attractions. It all depends on your appetite for risk and hunger for reward.
Legal preparations are always crucial
Go into your new franchise with top advice and be sure you understand your obligations.
Changes to franchising code finalised
Chalpat Sonti The federal government has finally acted on changes to the franchising industry, today announcing what it calls "the most sweeping reform" of the industry's code of conduct.
