NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ - San Diego, CA, United States, 2007/06/27 - The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) announced a new program for new and emerging franchise systems to earn AAFD Accredited Contract status.

The new initiative provides accreditation to franchise systems that do not have an established track record of great franchise relationships, but whose franchise agreements substantially conform to AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards. This new program provides a great tool for prospective franchisees to identify franchise opportunities that respect the rights of franchise owners.

Upon request by a franchisor, the AAFD will conduct a review of the franchise agreement and identify areas in which the franchise agreement needs to be amended to conform to AAFD’s rigid Fair Franchising Standards. Franchise agreements that conform earn AAFD Accredited Contract Certification.

Prospective franchise buyers now have objective criteria by which to judge the fairness of a franchise agreement. This is a strong asset in setting a franchise apart from the many that a prospect is likely to be considering.

In addition, Franchisors with AAFD Accredited franchise agreements have the opportunity to promote the fact that their franchise agreements comply with AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards.

AAFD has long promoted fair franchising standards with its Fair Franchising Seal which is available to any franchisor whose franchise agreement and franchising practices support the principles of Total Quality Franchising. Although the AAFD bestows the Fair Franchising Seal upon franchisers that meet the Association's criteria, it is the franchisees of the particular system that nominate their franchisor and ultimately determine whether or not the franchisor has met the criteria to earn the Seal and retain it.

Chairman, Robert Purvin is excited by the new AAFD Accredited Contract program for franchise agreements, "Certification of a franchise agreement is a great first step in the Fair Franchising Seal approval process. The AAFD Accredited franchise agreement program allows prospective franchisees to see if the franchise they are considering has a franchise agreement that complies with AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards. It also allows franchisors to promote the fact that their franchise agreement is AAFD Accredited.”

About the AAFD

The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. Formed in 1992, the AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising. Since its formation the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised businesses throughout the United States. The AAFD currently has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.

The AAFD's Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association's recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD Purchasing Co-op and e-Commerce Marketplace add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD’s Branded Partner Program provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.

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