Free enterprise is where buyers and sellers of their own free will come together in trade through a common monetary instrument. Regulatory bodies such as the Federal Trade Commission are completely oblivious to free markets and free enterprise whenb it comes to franchising. If a franchisor is forced to offer or send out information of an offer to a “prospective buyer” that he is unsure that he even wants to do business with, then in fact it is not free enterprise. It is forced enterprise. When Government is forcing one party against their will to do business with another party whom they are not sure about, that is not free enterprise, actually it is not even close.

Franchising is not a toy at one of the remaining mall location Toys R Us stores sitting on a shelf where anyone can walk in and view it and the price is set. This is franchising and it consists of many other issues. It is an ongoing relationship, which might span 20 or more years. You would not marry a person or propose a marriage until you felt you knew the person better. Franchising has been described as a marriage by many organizations such as the SBA, SBDC, FTC, IFA, AAFD, Women in Franchising, AFA, NFC and others. In college textbooks I have often seen the statement comparing Franchising to a marriage.

The late great “Dave” founder of Wendy’s in his book describes it as a marriage. It is also in other books I have read. When giving speeches at colleges to business students I have used this analogy and never once has the professor pulled me aside afterwards to discuss such a comment. It is a common analogy and it fits and we should treat it as such. Forced enterprise is very socialistic in nature and would not fit into the current structure of capitalism. Forced marriages do not exist to any large degree in America and neither should forced franchised outlets. Think about it.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs