Franchisee Background Checks – Who Should Pay
In the dynamic world of franchising, the success and sustainability of a franchise brand rely heavily on the quality of its franchisees. One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked is the screening process for potential franchisees. Traditionally, franchisors have borne the financial burden of background checks and application processes. However, a paradigm shift towards making franchisee screening a cost borne by the franchisee applicants themselves has significant advantages, both for the franchisor and the prospective franchisee.
The Insignificance of the Background Check Fee
Potential franchisees embark on a journey that requires a significant financial commitment. It is only logical that they share in the responsibility of covering the costs associated with the due diligence process, including their own background checks. The background check fee is a minor expense when viewed in the context of their overall venture into the franchise brand. Even if the fee amounts to several hundreds of dollars, the prospective franchisee recognizes its relative triviality compared to their substantial financial investment in the franchise brand.
Appreciating Brand Protection
Franchisees who willingly shoulder the cost of their own background checks inherently value the importance of safeguarding the brand’s integrity. The knowledge that their peers will undergo similar scrutiny creates a sense of community responsibility. This shared commitment to upholding high standards becomes an additional layer of protection for the franchise brand. Plus, franchisees will appreciate that those who follow are also being background checked, which protects their own investment, and reinforces a culture of accountability among franchisee owners.
Brand Reputation and Resource Allocation
A robust background check process, funded by franchisee applicants, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the reputation of the franchise brand. By having applicants cover the cost, franchisors can allocate resources to other crucial aspects of the franchising process, such as marketing, training, and technology. A well-maintained brand reputation not only attracts quality franchisees, but also appeals to customers seeking consistency and reliability across franchise locations.
Ease of Implementation through FDD Updates
Implementing a policy where franchisee applicants pay for their own background checks is a straightforward process. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which must be updated annually, can easily incorporate this information. This change is unlikely to deter serious applicants who understand the value of a thorough screening process. The ease of implementation contributes to a seamless and transparent franchising process.
Avoiding the Pitfall of Low-Cost Background Checks
– While cost considerations are often a significant factor in business decisions, opting for low-cost background checks may compromise the thoroughness needed to protect the franchise brand. Franchisors should not be driven by the desire for budget-friendly screening processes. Since the franchisee is covering the cost, there’s an opportunity to ensure that the background checks are as comprehensive as necessary. Protecting the franchise brand is paramount, and cutting corners on background checks can pose risks to the overall integrity of the franchise system.
In essence, shifting the financial responsibility of franchisee screening to the applicants brings about a range of benefits. It aligns financial commitment with brand loyalty, creates a community of dedicated franchisees, ensures transparency, safeguards brand reputation, and allows for comprehensive background checks. As franchises evolve, this approach contributes not only to a streamlined screening process but also to the long-term success and sustainability of the franchise brand.
Continuous Criminal Monitoring – Ongoing Brand Protection
The initial franchisee screening process should be only the beginning of the due diligence process. To further protect your franchise brand, a system of Continuous Criminal Monitoring can be implemented, and the nominal future cost can also be disclosed in the FDD and paid by the franchisee. For this, you will want to partner with a reputable CRA (see below).
Partner With a Reputable Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA)
Of course, as franchisee background checks are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), ensure that you seek out a reliable background screening company, and one that is also a consumer reporting agency (CRA). A reputable CRA can guide your firm to ensure the proper franchisee screening disclosure and authorization documents are being used, plus they can create streamlined digital processes to allow the franchisee screening process to be implemented seamlessly.
Posted by: Rudy Troisi, L.P.I., President and CEO, Reliable Background Screening
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