One of the keys to a successful franchise operation is a standardized system that Franchisees follow to ensure consistency throughout the organization. A Franchise Operations Manual is one of the most effective methods of conveying policies, procedures, and operating systems to new Franchisees. Existing Franchisees also benefit from a comprehensive Franchise Operations Manual relative to the ongoing operation of the Franchise Business. When properly implemented, the Manual ensures greater consistency between the independently operated franchise locations. It also saves valuable resources at the corporate level by minimizing the time franchise personnel spend responding to Franchisees’ questions.

The Franchise Operations Manuals produced by FranSource acts as both a training manual for new franchisees and an ongoing reference guide for established franchisees. The FTC permits the Manual to be a unilateral extension of the Franchise Agreement. This allows the Franchise Operations Manual to serve as the vehicle through which your company may modify policies, processes, procedures and other “nonmaterial” aspects of the franchise business. Recognizing that successful systems change and evolve, the pagination of the Manual is specifically designed to allow for easy updating as modifications and enhancements to the system are made.

FranSource determines the content of the Franchise Operations Manual through the use of questionnaires, interviews, and onsite visits to view your operation first-hand. The content of the Manual includes comprehensive policies and procedures pertaining to the development and operation of the Franchise Business. The Franchise Operations Manuals developed by FranSource average 350-800+ pages depending on the concept.

We review your existing training materials and programs and advise you concerning recommended modifications as appropriate for the Franchise Business. If employee training manuals have not yet been developed, we will produce the manuals to ensure the proper training of your Franchisees’ employees. We also provide assistance and recommendations to define and establish appropriate training requirements for employees of the Franchise Business.

We consult with you to establish the initial training program for Franchisees. A training itinerary is produced which outlines the training content, hours devoted to each topic and other related information. Initial Franchise Training may be conducted at the corporate office and/or the Franchise Business.

The production of a Styles Guide may be required when compliance with extensive design and layout specifications is mandated. When the specifications and requirements are more basic, this information is typically included in the Franchise Operations and Policies Manual. Information provided in the Styles Guide includes trade dress specifications and requirements, costs, ordering policies, and vendor information for items such as carpeting and flooring, wallpaper, paint, wall decorations and signage, ceilings, counters, tables, chairs, display cases and racks, menu boards, and other similar items.

For food and beverage operations, we prepare a full-color Recipes Manual that includes food preparation and storage protocols, recipes, photos, and plating specifications.

We advise you concerning staffing requirements for the franchise operation initially and as your operation grows. We also develop and conduct franchise training programs for your staff.

We advise you concerning franchise inspections that may be conducted by the Franchisor at the Franchise Business. In addition, we prepare a Franchise Inspection Form to be used by your representatives when conducting inspections.

We provide recommendations and assistance in establishing appropriate communication and support programs for your Franchisees. A major component of successful Franchisors, these programs play a key role in maintaining a successful franchise organization. Examples include:

We also advise you concerning the types of support services that should be provided to Franchisees during the pre-opening period.

Franchisees are typically required to report information to the Franchisor regarding sales, financial data, income and sales tax returns, and other information specified by the Franchisor. We advise you concerning appropriate reporting requirements for the franchise business. In addition, we provide recommendations regarding minimum performance standards, revenues and/or inventory purchasing requirements when appropriate.

Franchisors may grant an “Exclusive Protected Trade Territory” in which to operate the franchise. We advise you concerning the criteria and system to be used to establish exclusive territories.

Franchisors may choose to offer assistance to franchisees relative to selecting a site for the Franchise Business. Franchisors have the right to dictate the type, style, size, layout and other criteria for the franchise location. We consult with you to establish appropriate requirements and criteria for the site selection process. As part of this process, we produce a Site Evaluation Form to be completed by Franchisees. If the franchise business is home-based, we assist in determining specifications and requirements for a home office.

Using established criteria as well as statistics compiled from similar type companies, we determine the franchise fee, royalty fee, advertising and marketing fees and other fees appropriate to the franchise operation. We also provide recommendations and considerations related to other possible sources of franchise revenue, including promotional fees, administrative fees, regional and national advertising fees, sales of products, and training and field support fees.