The Government has recently made changes to the franchising rules. The most important update for Franchisor’s to be aware of is that concerning updated the Information Statement for Prospective Franchisees. In particular, Franchisors must now give the updated Information Statement to anyone interested in becoming a franchisee: No later than 7 days after they express …
Franchising Update – Franchisor Information Statement Read More »
Introduction As set out in our February 2021 Update, the Government has amended the Franchising Code of Conduct. Background In November 2020, an exposure draft of the new Code was issued and feedback and consultation. The amendments arose from the Government’s enquiry into “Fairness In Franchising” and subsequent report and recommendations (August 2020). The original …
The Government has indicated that they propose to amend the Franchising Code of Conduct. In November 2020, an exposure draft of the new Code was issued and feedback and consultation is underway. The amendments arise from the Government’s enquiry into “Fairness In Franchising” and subsequent report and recommendations (August 2020). The original report identified examples …
Franchising- Proposed Changes to the Code of Conduct Read More »
Introduction Anyone who has a passing interest in franchising will know that the Franchise Sector is under scrutiny. This article focuses on three issues where the Disclosure Obligations of Franchisor’s have been under the spotlight. Fairness in Franchising – Marketing Fund Review The recent parliamentary inquiry in to franchising “Fairness In Franchising” disclosed 31% of …
Introduction All Jump! Swim School franchisee need to be aware of the recent Federal Court decision involving the Jump! Swim School (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Campbell [2019] FCA 886 (7 June 2019) at http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA//2019/886.html). Freezing Orders Justice O’Bryan has made orders freezing the assets of various entities involved in Jump! Swim School (called …
Franchising Update: Jump Swim School, The ACCC and Freezing Orders. What Now? Read More »
Introduction Most Franchise systems require a Franchisee to pay a variety of fees. In addition to the Initial Franchise Fee and on-going royalties it is usual for a Franchisee to be required to pay a Marketing Levy or Marketing Fee. The Marketing Levy varies from a fixed amount to a levy based upon a percentage …
Franchising Update – Marketing Funds When the Franchisor Goes Bust Read More »
Heath Adams of Adams & Partners Lawyers discusses the operation & effectiveness of the Franchising Code of Conduct Report
One of the important issues to consider when buying a franchise is the issue of Supplier Rebates. What is A Supplier Rebate? A “Supplier Rebate” is a payment or financial incentive whereby a supplier of goods or services returns a portion of a purchase price to a Buyer. What’s the Problem? Supply chain management is …
Franchising – Due Diligence Issues – Supplier Rebates Read More »
What is due diligence? Doing your “homework”, “doing a bit of research” or “no idea whatsoever” are various descriptors of due diligence by participants in the SME space[1]. This paper adopts a definition of due diligence as set out in a recent Due Diligence Survey.[2]
Under the Australian Consumer Laws (the “ACL”) there are laws prohibiting unfair contract terms in consumer contracts. From November 2016, the unfair contract regime will now extend to small business contracts. A “small business contract” is where the contract has the following features: The amount payable under the contract is less than upfront $300,000 or $1,000,000 …
Unfair Contract Terms – Small Business & Franchise Agreements Read More »
