Franchise to Independent?

[foobs]

Anyone here have any experience going from being in a franchise relationship to becoming an independent? Any tips, tricks or secrets you can share?

Thanks

[chip anderson]

Get a very good lawyer.

[foobs]

:) Any chance you want to expand on that?

Perhaps a hypothetical would be better? Say you were part of a franchise, your agreement expired and you decided that you would be better off being an independent? How would you go about it?

[LENNY]

There is one very easy way!
Buy the building that your franchise store is renting!
Dont renew the lease for the corporate.
EASY

[foobs]

Ok... how about this... how would you go about figuring out the new name, logo and such? What about notifying patients/public that only the name has changed?

I am in a franchise situation where the corporation has little to NO control over what we do. We pay fees to them for having the name and for advertising that does not positively impact our specific office, and frankly, is very poor. We lease our own building, do all of our own buying, etc, etc. I guess what I'm looking for is more along the lines of changing the name and continuing on without the "backing" of the name of the corporation.

[Stopper]

Hire a good marketing professional who can design logos and a marketing campaign about the changes. Use mailings to your current patient base and advertise in local news papers. Just make sure that the phone number remains the same. Also if you are adding something new or up grading equipment and services make sure your patients know.

[Stopper]

Look at all the ads you see or receive in the mail. Call them and see who does there work and interview a few of them

[foobs]

Thanks. Anyone have a feeling on how far in advance to start? I'm thinking the patients should be notified before the name change, and probably after, and the advertising done to coincide with the change. Sound right?