Franchise Associations: Examples and Benefits

Owning a franchise doesn’t stop at operations and management. As a potential franchise owner, you will become part of an existing franchisee network, allowing you to share insight and knowledge with others. However, some franchisors go the extra mile by joining franchise associations. But what are the benefits of choosing a franchise as part of an association?

What is a Franchise Association?

It’s a group or network of franchisors or franchisees that provide growth and learning opportunities via a membership. Members can join events and access suppliers or resources to make their franchises successful.

Examples of Franchise Associations

• International Franchise Association (IFA)
• World Franchise Council
• Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA)
• American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD)
• European Franchise Federation
• Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation

Some franchise groups have associations, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, 7-11, and Burger King. But why do some franchisors create their own associations, then join bigger ones?

For example, Dunkin Donuts, 7-11, and Burger King created their associations to protect business interests.

But the Dunkin Donuts association started in 1989 during a hostile takeover of the investment community. Meanwhile, the Burger King and 7-11 associations are committed to supporting its growing franchise network. And they want to become the main source of information, vendor support, and advocacy.

Franchisor Benefits

Most franchise associations provide more benefits to franchisors. If you want to know what perks franchisors get, here’s a list from the IFA:

• Continuing education
• Events
• Franchise mentoring and networking
• Certification: Certified Franchise Executive
• Spot on the Franchise Directory and Franchise Opportunities Guide
• Expo and event sponsorships
• Franchise Supplier Directory
• Franchise Government Relations
• Industry info, research, and publications
• Partnership access – legal and financial
• Advertising

What Are The Franchisee Benefits?

Although franchisors get the actual benefits of being part of associations, franchisees, in extension, get perks too. Here are examples from the IFA, AAFD, and CFA.

International Franchise Association

According to the IFA, here are the advantages you could get:

• Gain insights into the latest franchise trends from experts
• Build relationships
• Get representation in programs and activities
• Access to their Preferred Partner Vendors
• Connect and learn with others with Franship

American Association of Franchisees and Dealers

Meanwhile, the AAFD has various benefits, depending on your membership type.

Franchisee Chapter Membership (One-time initiation fee at $95; $37/mo):

• Tax exemption
• Financial management
• Bylaws
• Strategic planning
• Peer-to-peer networking
• Virtual office
• Buying power
• Health benefits

Association Membership (starts at $2000):

• Education
• Support programs and advocacies
• Discounted rates on meetings, affiliate memberships, and suppliers

Associate Membership:

• Access to tools
• Free initial consultations and discounts
• Get newsletter and email updates about the AAFD
• Support from the AAFD
• Increase buying power

Affiliate Membership (starts at $79):

• Health benefits
• Discounts
• Networking
• Advocacy
• Legal support
• Industry updates
• Education

Coalition of Franchisee Associations

Like the AAFD, the CFA has various membership options, but theirs is tiered. Here are the benefits of being part of the CFA:

An Individual Franchise Member ($100) gets the latest on legislative bulletins, issue updates, activities, and action alerts. Plus, they can pay the member rate on the CFA Day Forum.

Meanwhile, the Executive Franchisee Member ($1,000) has the following perks:

• Invitation and participation in board meetings
• Get updates on issues and activities
• Pay the member rate on the CFA Day Forum and Legal Symposium

Finally, the Franchisee Association Member ($4,000 + $1,000 quarterly payments) has all the benefits of an Executive Franchisee Member. However, there are other benefits to this tier:

• Voting seat
• Association logo on communications and website
• Involvement in government advocacy
• Collaboration on ideas/issues
• Access to research about franchise agreements and best practices

Should You Choose a Member Franchise?

With all this talk about franchise associations, should you choose a member franchise then to get all these perks? The answer depends on you. A franchise association can provide the benefits mentioned above for franchisors or franchisees. However, it’s up to you which franchise you want to own. 

Each franchise, regardless of their membership status, has its own benefits. You can start this process by researching your preferred franchise and submitting your applications.

List of Some Member Franchises in the IFA

• Jiffy Lube
• Glass Doctor
• Tire Pros
• iHOP
• Zaxby’s
• Subway
• Taco Bell
• Smoothie King
• Pool Scouts
• The Maids

List of Some Franchise Chapters in the AAFD

• Anytime Fitness
• F45 Training
• Pearle Vision
• Tutor Doctor
• BNI
• Denny’s Franchise Association
• Saladworks

Key Takeaways

Being a franchise owner gives you opportunities to grow your business and become a leader. Sure, there are fees involved in becoming a member, but benefits, like continuous learning, certifications, and discounts, can be enticing to grow your franchise. In the end, it’s up to you if you want to join franchises with established associations or that are association members.