Franchising is certainly not a new concept and I have no idea how many brands have turned their sights on franchising as a means to grow their business. But I don’t think that’s the important thing to consider. My question rather, is how many brands are doing it well? We talk to MANY franchisors during our tradeshow season and there are several statements that reiterate themselves over and over again.

“We want to support our franchisees and provide them the tools they need to succeed and successfully build our brand presence.”

“We want to build long term, trusting relationships with our franchisees.”

“Our ultimate goal is the success of our franchisees; we’re committed to providing them with unyielding support in their ventures.”

It’s remarkable to hear the details of franchisee programs that have been put into place by dozens of organizations. It shouldn’t come as a shock; franchisees are the backbone of your brand after all. Alas, the world of doors and hardware is usually an afterthought for these busy, and sometimes overwhelmed, franchisees. You can’t blame them – they have a list of to-dos that would put mine to shame, but that doesn’t help the frantic phone calls that are placed when something doesn’t arrive with their door package.

So, how can you help them when your own to-do list feels insurmountable? First thing’s first, you need a plan of action, which is exactly what I’m here for.

Common Franchisee Door and Lock Problems – Low Quality Hardware

This is where a clearly designed hardware schedule comes in handy. If the hardware specification is left to the devices of your franchisees that’s just one more decision they have to make isn’t it? In order to ensure high-quality hardware that will withstand the brute force of a busy facility, make sure your hardware specification and/or guidelines spell out the exact hardware that should be applied for each opening.  You can also go as far as listing some vendors as must-buys, leaving little to no room for substitutions.

Common Franchisee Door and Lock Problems – Inconsistent Branding

Basically the same steps as number one, but for a different reason. To maintain consistent branding, every location, be it a franchise or a corporate owned store, should have consistent hardware and branding throughout. You wouldn’t expect to see Solo cups at your neighborhood McDonald’s right? Of course not! All brand packaging and display is meticulously outlined for the franchisees – the hardware and construction materials should be no different.

Common Franchisee Door and Lock Problems – Cost Control/Cost Effectiveness

It’s important to remember that you have FAR more experience in the restaurant world than many of your franchisees. That’s not a bad thing by any means, but it would behoove everyone involved to share that knowledge and expertise. How much is too much to pay for the door package? Why didn’t they send this part for this opening? This is common knowledge for most of us, but franchisees are often new to the industry – they’ll benefit from you spelling it out for them. In the long run, their opening costs will remain lower without the dreadful burden of change orders increasing the cost of everything!

How much more relaxing would store openings be if just one piece – the door and hardware piece – were to go smoothly? Give it a try and let us know your experience.