Driving School Franchise An Instructor’s Guide to avoid the pitfalls……………… By Tariq I Musaji DSA ADI MAIRSO
Driving School Franchise
What is a Franchise? According to Oxford English dictionary “… Authorisation to sell…..services.”
Avoiding the Pitfalls‌.....
What would you expect from a reputable driving school offering a franchise contract?
Support – telephone / on-line Marketing/Publicity Stationary Vehicle livery including headboard Pupil leads (genuine) Fixed franchise fee (weekly/monthly) Commitment from the Franchisor to the Franchisee
What are the pitfalls? Read the contract carefully. Will endeavour to provide pupils Marketing materials provided – you do the promotion of your services. Cannot and will not guarantee you an exclusive territory Point of saturation – plenty of Adi’s competing for work within a small geographical area.
A guide to avoid the pitfalls…. How you can protect yourself?
Research the driving school, google it and look for any comments left by previous instructors who took out a franchise with this particular school. Read the contract, sleep on it / seek legal advice – don’t be pressurised into signing a contract which you simply do not understand the long term implications. Contact DIA or MSM for legal advice. If you are convinced – Pay the initial franchise fee with a Credit card. Advise - Pay subsequent fees with credit card NOT A DEBIT CARD. Do not set up Standing Order / weekly / monthly OR Direct Debits.
Negotiate to have your franchise fees reduced/waived until the work begins to pick up / sufficient number of pupils/ break-even point.
If things go wrong…………….
Formal written complaint to the Owner/Management of the driving school. No success? Go to your credit card company. Section 75 of the Consumer credit Act. Credit card company will usually put you off, as they will argue that the contract was between yourself & the driving school. More and more companies are going bust – Credit card companies reluctant to offer you your money back! Be persistent. Financial Ombudsman Service You will succeed………… It takes self motivation, courage and determination. Keep a working file – Make a note of every conversation you have, keep emails, name of the person you spoke to etc. IT’S YOUR MONEY, YOU HAVE WORKED HARD FOR IT ESPECIALLY IN THE CURRENT CLIMATE!