Franchising is a process whereby a successful business owner, has developed a highly marketable, sustainable business, and creates an opportunity for others to own their own business, using the same successful formula trading under the same business name.

The Franchisor is the entrepreneur - the person who initially develops the business. This person has spent the time researching, trialling and operating the business to perfect the systems and procedures and grow the business for profit. The franchisee is the person who is granted the rights to operate under the successful business name, using the franchisor's business system. They are trained to operate the business and are given assistance in the initial set up phase and on an on going basis.

For franchisees, franchising is not:

• A licence to make money.
• A fool proof way to go into business.
• A way to own a business where someone else does all the work and takes all the risks.

There are responsibilities for both the franchisor and the franchisee for the business relationship to work.

Fastway operates a ‘business format franchise’. This is a system where the franchisor permits and obliges the franchisee to use his trade mark/trade name and business service. This is the most common form of all franchises. Business format franchising entails the granting of a licence by one person - the franchisor, to another person - the franchisee. This allows the franchisee to trade under the trademarks and/or the trade name of the franchisor using the franchisor’s business know how and to make use of the entire franchise business package.

The franchisor develops what may be described as the ‘blue print’ for conducting the business. However, the success of the franchised business depends largely on the franchisee using his skills and commitment to maximise the opportunities it presents, implementing the knowledge gained from the franchisor, and complying with the system.