What Are a Franchisee's Roles and Responsibilities?

If you're going to be a franchisee, you should know exactly what's expected of you.

- by JEFF CHEATHAM

Franchising is built on strict adherence to mandated systems and operational controls. These include specific—and very different—roles and responsibilities for franchisors and franchisees.

Most simply: Franchisors are the brand. They grant licenses to franchisees to do business under the brand’s name and trademark. When a franchisee signs a franchise agreement, it’s crucial that they abide by the role and responsibilities expected of them to uphold the name and standards of the brand.

Here’s what anyone hoping to enter this ecosystem needs to know about what a franchisee is and does.

The franchisee’s role

Franchisees must adhere to a long list of demands related to owning and operating a licensed business, and not everyone is cut out for it. The role requires operating strictly within the confines of the brand’s proven business model, and remaining in compliance with the franchisor’s recommended procedures—which extend to systems, presentation, and protocols.