Negative press for any business can be devastating. Look at the Quizno’s situation going on with disgruntled franchisees. I like Quizno’s sandwiches on my lunch break and it’s a welcome break in my usual burger/fries routine. What I don’t understand, and what may come to pass, is that this negative campaign franchisees and bloggers are causing may just cause the brand to go out of business. And where will that leave people who enjoy the Quizno’s menu? Subway…good but no sizzle.
The explosion of the internet has given rise not only to readily accessible information but forums for people to vent their frustrations and anger at companies, political figures, and even the government. Do these forums help or make the situation worse? Your feed back is aprreciated.
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The internet is and always will be a forum for expression. Just look at social networking sites. Everyone has something to say be it positive or negative. Franchisors are no different. There will always be those who've invested that are not happy and will vent their frustrations. If the companies are legit they will have nothing to hide.
Thank you for the comment. But what of the franchisees who are doing very well? Are these negative forums hurting them in the process? What are your thoughts on this?
Negative posts does have an impact on franchisees that are open and are doing okay. What these posters don't realize is that when they're venting their frustrations at the company that they are also jeapordizing the people that work for that company and their livelihood, not to mention stores that are open. As for the franchisees they need to continue to provide good customer service, consumers will only turn on you when you, the franchisee, has done something very wrong in their eyes.
Fair franchising organizations like the IFA (International Franchising Association) and AAFD (American Association of Franchisees and Dealers) are there for franchisees and entreprenuers to help navigate the terrain. These orginazations have volumes of information to give to people. Even the ones who've been frustrated by the process. Franchise attorneys are another resource to help people really get a grip on what they're getting into. Situations and comments going on about Quiznos, Elite, and Cuppy's are just examples of a feeding frenzy of negative posts. Although the thread may be relavent, some of the comments slip way into the territory of libel and slander. The internet not being regulated adds to the frenzy. The question I pose to anyone that cares to respond is "Should the internet and or forums that cater to disgruntled consumers be regulated by the government?"
There are so many sites and companies out there looking to scam the unsuspected, how can one be so sure that the companies they are dealing with are reputable? Your post tends to be pro business but what about the other side of the story. You hear and read about so many people being duped out of their money, the internet may be just the ticket to showcase such companies.
All I can say is that you research, research and more research. Call and speak with the franchisees, as the previous poster stated check with franchise orginazations to get the information you're seeking.
The internet is another tool to research companies, but the jist of this article is to what extent do these forums and web sites go and is there any recourse for companies that have come under fire to protect themselves? Quiznos, Cuppy's Coffee and Meineke are just a few examples of companies that may have lost revenue and/or brand damage due to comments posted by others. Is there any truth to these and other allegations brought forth by disgruntled customers?
For example I could comment that XYZ company scammed me without any shred of evidence and that company may suffer losses. The internet allows me that freedom to spread mistrust and discord. So when looking to do business on the internet research, research and more research until you have all the facts, not the fluff, to make an intelligent decision.
Update: You will ultimately make a decision. Use your best judgement and advice of close associates to gather all information to you. And as you make that decision, keep in mind the story "The Boy Who Cried Wolf". There is a message in there for everyone of us.
First let me say that I'm an advocate of free speech on the internet. The government has no business regulated it. The freedom to share ideas and information is for everyone, not just the ones big brother says. Look at China and other communist countries were free speech and the sharing of information is highly regulated. But there should be some moral compass in which people of all races, creed, nationality and/or sexual orientation should hold themselves accountable to. A creed or standard that if breached could be held accountable.
No way should the government get in the way of free speech. Forums and blogs on the internet should be free from prying eyes no matter what the content. Everyone should have a place they can freely put down their thoughts, ideas and yes even gripes. That's the beauty of the world wide web.
Disgruntled franchisees and or anyone for that matter are not thinking about anyone but themselves and their problems. They care nothing about the brand or other business people and their concerns. The forums really need to keep it professional and objective. From what I've been reading it's all about name calling and franchisor bashing. Some people need to get a life. Find a solution and start dealing with your own problems before casting stones at glass homes.
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