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Franchise Rule, Thoughts For The Future

Franchise Rule, Thoughts For The Future
Author: Lance Winslow II

The Federal Trade Commission recently put forth a report to the franchse industry for comments to use in an upcoming rule-making event, which is sure to modify the current franchise rule. Many have been critical of additional rules in the industry, but none more critical than myself.

If the FTC really feels that these new rules will solve something then make them in a way that they can be universal and simplified. Review all the public comments and letters with regards to simplification; such as the comment about introducing a new FTC-EZ forms for Internet Use, for franchise buyers. Laugh along with the comment submitters rather than attacking them, but understand and see the problems from both sides. Entrepreneurs must be heard and feel good about the industry or they will move to greener pastures and other countries taking with them jobs, capital and know how. The FTC must commit themselves to move towards solutions, even if they take the agency all the way back to the drawing board, a complete re-write of the franchise rule is not such a bad idea, elimination, well even better. The FTC must practice what they preach and look in the mirror more often. And above all step back and look at the whole picture and see how absurd all this has really become. Oh and before the FTC condemns the franchisors why not look at the changing world of the consumer attitude, buying behavior and their endeavors during the sales process. Realize that it is a highly competitive business world out here and we are getting more competition from abroad every day, and many of these new foreign entrants to our markets are much more Machiavellian than we are in the States.

I personally do not believe any of these proposed rules are necessary, as I do not believe we even need the MUD (much unnecessary disclosure) the over regulations in the franchising industry at all, normal everyday market forces will enforce the survival of franchisors and thus prevent fraud. It would be “nice” if all franchisors had something on their websites for easy comparison for consumers. I think the industry is up for some guidance on such an issue with some great advice to help it along. The FTC should and could facilitate such. I do not believe it should be mandatory. It would be a much better test to see if the Franchise Industry can fix and/or address these issues to help along change. That would be an FTC and Industry move that would revolutionize the process and usher in a new beginning of things to come. Franchising is the future. Such a sign would signal a stop to this over regulation in all industries, which is chocking off America. This is no time to impede the franchise model. Don’t destroy all we have built in franchising. This industry is filled with great people both past and present. It is filled with great companies who have made it among their main objectives to deliver the American Dream to those who are dedicated and willing to give their all in a business of their own. This can be done and we can make so, we can build a seamless marketplace where businesses and government work together for the benefit of all, creating win-win situations, which can withstand any kind of adverse economic pressure. It is an undeniable truth, and together we can prove it and return America back to the prosperity that it has taken so long to build.

I certainly hope that the entrepreneur will be heard, we work harder than anyone else and we are the ones who are responsible for all you see in our country, every where you go. You cannot go to the store, drive your car, even fall asleep in your own bed without seeing out work. All to often we are the forgotten ones drown in a sea Political Correctness and over regulation. Let’s not forget how all this got here. If you love this country as much as I and as much as my ancestors who came over on the Mayflower and enjoy the fruits of the entrepreneurial, innovative and explorer soul, If you love this country and all that we have, If you are thankful to live in freedom, please don’t forget us. We are merely the one’s who built it all for you. If it were not for such folks we would not be here today, we would not be the greatest country in the world, we would not have any of this really.

Every time we make a rule or a regulation we hurt the entrepreneurs big and small. We need to reduce some of this regulation in franchising, because if you like what you see in this country now, you can have ten-fold if you will let us do our job, for the love and joy of building, creating and yes making money too. If not, all that you see will not last, it will slowly disappear and we will join the has-beens of great civilizations, which once showed great promise and have now come and gone, reduced to a mere footnote in a future history book or digital record. Think about it, stop the absurdity of over regulation now.

Lance Winslow II