THE HISTORY OF FRANCHISING
THE HISTORY OF FRANCHISING
The origins of franchising can be traced back to the middle ages (400 A.D. – 1500 A.D.). At that time, it was an accepted practice for local governments to offer important persons, even high church officials, a license granting them the right to maintain civic order and to make special tax assessments. Courts or lords could also grants rights to others to operate ferries, hold markets, and perform the business activities today carry out by professionals and craft guilds. The licensee (or franchisee) would pay the licensor (franchisor) a specific fund from the tax revenues collected or assessments made and in return receive military or other forms of protection.
Queen Isabella of Spain probably used (invented) a franchising system when she award Christopher Columbus a “franchise” in 1492 to develop travel and trade with the new world. It is fascinating that from the new world franchising would be introduced and re-established in the 20th Century.
Additional progress was made during the early 19th century in England when tavern and pub owners, while experiencing financial hardship, turned to brewing companies for financial assistance. The tavern and pub owners in return for financial assistance were required to purchase all of their beer from that specific brewer.
In the United State, franchising developed in the 1850’s when the Singer Sewing Machine Company formed a franchise in 1851. Agents were commissioned to demo, sell, and repair the Singer line.
In the late 1889, Robert Metzger was the first franchisee of Ford…before him; Fords were sold directly from the manufacturing plant. Ford began establishing dealers.
Rexall Drug stores – 1902
Western Auto – 1909
Howard Johnson – 1925
McDonalds – 1955
Kentucky Fried Chicken – 1955
International House of Pancakes – 1959 IHOP
THE HISTORY OF FRANCHISING - To learn more about this author, visit Ken Hollowell's Website.
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The History of Franchising
The origins of franchising can be traced back to the middle ages (400 A.D. – 1500 A.D.). At that time, it was an accepted practice for local governments to offer important persons, even high church officials, a license granting them the right to maintain civic order and to make special tax assessments. Courts or lords could also grants rights to others to operate ferries, hold markets, and perform the business activities today carry out by professionals and craft guilds. The licensee (or franchisee) would pay the licensor (franchisor) a specific fund from the tax revenues collected or assessments made and in return receive military or other forms of protection.
Queen Isabella of Spain probably used (invented) a franchising system when she award Christopher Columbus a “franchise” in 1492 to develop travel and trade with the new world. It is fascinating that from the new world franchising would be introduced and re-established in the 20th Century.
Additional progress was made during the early 19th century in England when tavern and pub owners, while experiencing financial hardship, turned to brewing companies for financial assistance. The tavern and pub owners in return for financial assistance were required to purchase all of their beer from that specific brewer.
In the United State, franchising developed in the 1850’s when the Singer Sewing Machine Company formed a franchise in 1851. Agents were commissioned to demo, sell, and repair the Singer line.
In the late 1889, Robert Metzger was the first franchisee of Ford…before him; Fords were sold directly from the manufacturing plant. Ford began establishing dealers.
Rexall Drug stores – 1902
Western Auto – 1909
Howard Johnson – 1925
McDonalds – 1955
Kentucky Fried Chicken – 1955
International House of Pancakes – 1959 IHOP
THE HISTORY OF FRANCHISING - To learn more about this author, visit Ken Hollowell's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
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John PowerJohn Power, founder of Biltmore Franchise Consulting, has extensive experience developing and marketing franchises and business opportunities. He has been in and around franchising for over twenty years. From 1980 through 1990 he conceptualized, organized, and developed the American Video Association. He grew AVA to 2,000 national members, before selling the company it 1990. It was later merged into another home video marketing company. From 2000 to 2005 he worked as a contract marketing and human resources consultant to several local and national companies. In 2005 Mr. Power began working as a franchise development consultant on a full-time basis. Since that time he has helped more than three dozen companies initiate and develop their franchising program. He notes that there are many companies interested in developing a franchise program, and who need his specialized assistance. Mr. Power is a “hands-on” franchise consultant. He said, “I am the ‘nuts and bolts’ person who tends to the details for my clients.” Mr. Power holds a B.S. degree with a major in Marketing. See: www.biltmorefranchise.com You may contact Mr. Power at: jpower@biltmorefranchise.co - Visit John Power's Website |
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