|
Post by Fed Up As Well on Apr 8, 2018 13:09:35 GMT
Unfortunately this would require, at the very least, a few letters from a good franchisee attorney, something which, from what I have seen, franchisors are willing to pony up for even though it would be peanuts as a group compared to how we are being screwed over and over by this predatory franchisor.
|
|
|
Post by Fed Up As Well on Apr 8, 2018 13:10:56 GMT
I mean UNWILLING to pony up for . . . cannot find an edit button.
|
|
|
Post by iwishicoulddoitover on Apr 8, 2018 18:03:30 GMT
I mean UNWILLING to pony up for . . . cannot find an edit button. I don't think that it is an unwillingness to pony up the funds as much as it is fear of Snap hitting us over the head with their vindictiveness. Their pockets and their ways of punishing those that sign up to sue them are deep and wide.
|
|
|
Post by greenergrass on Apr 8, 2018 19:58:55 GMT
I think it could be easier for a for a former franchisee (or group of) to go up against a franchisor. I don't think anyone gets newly involved in a franchise/business with the intention of doing it for just a few years especially with the cost to start up brand new (build out, new equipment). For many (or maybe it's just me), the reason for closing earlier than intended is this fact of having the increasing costs required by the franchisor (mandatory MyZone with monthly subscription fee, Fitpass which has taken away the opportunity to capture initial joining fees, etc.), the bullying, and what could be unlawful practices. If not unlawful, then let's call it unscrupulous. When I signed for my extension after five years, I still had not recovered the initial investment. So of course I will sign to continue. I'm stuck and trying still to recover that ROI. And it would seem more possible to recover once a five year equipment lease/loan is paid up. So we continue after the first five. And of course the franchisor has changed things. The first agreement even indicates they can do this. But who would imagine things like a $500 CAD fee as part of modernization? And the significant mark up for items required in modernization? I recall reading (but can't locate it now) that it's within the rights of the franchisor to require the franchisees buy only from them or their approved vendors when the franchise is new. Thereafter, as I recall, they can only require it if it is unique to the brand in some way. Otherwise, it's anticompetitive (that is illegal).
|
|
|
Post by devagirl on Apr 23, 2018 19:25:23 GMT
I agree - I fought as hard as I could about a CAD that had to be redrawn twice, materials that came damaged or unuseable (glue for floor which was open and dried out), flag mural pieces ripped which were replaced with a CANADIAN flag....
Big issue for any kind of litigation, with the exception of class action, is that our franchisee agreements are very well written to ensure whatever action we take must be in Minnehopeless and go through mediation first. Well I bet SNAP and LIFT have more than a fair share of lawyers, judges etc. signed up on their side to ensure no one wins.
Someone previously made a comment about contacting their state's attorney general. A word of caution on that, from my attorney when I wanted to do the same thing. There is a well hidden clause in the franchise agreement about SNAP and LIFT Brands being able to sue any franchisee who demeans or devalues the SNAP brand. I had thought about getting one of the TV stations that do a consumer 'on your side' program until my attorney warned me away from making too much noise that could get back to SAP.
That said, I've asked my attorney if he knows any good franchise attorneys since the REAL way to win - again as someone wisely commented earlier - is to go big and go class action. An hour ago my tax enrolled agent recommended the same thing - if at least 65% (ideally 75%) of owners pushed forward some "collective bargaining" and made enough noise that the venture money backs away or at least starts to ask questions we might have power to enforce some much needed changes.....
|
|
|
Post by veryfrustrated on Apr 24, 2018 11:14:11 GMT
Someone previously made a comment about contacting their state's attorney general. A word of caution on that, from my attorney when I wanted to do the same thing. There is a well hidden clause in the franchise agreement about SNAP and LIFT Brands being able to sue any franchisee who demeans or devalues the SNAP brand. I had thought about getting one of the TV stations that do a consumer 'on your side' program until my attorney warned me away from making too much noise that could get back to SAP. I can see that a television program could be seen as demeaning and/or devaluing. I do not see filing a complaint about their actions as being the same. A $500 CAD fee, for one, is downright gouging and everyone knows that. Requiring one of these stupid extremely overpriced sit down desks is gouging and everyone knows that. a "technology fee' is gouging and everyone knows that. I do understand a common look for wall paint, carpeting, logos, etc., as that is common franchise requirements and upgrades that all do. But how this franchisor "with values based on Christian principles HAHAHAHA!" goes about these things are gouging and everyone knows that. I know a few franchisees that have gotten out of their franchise agreements by hiring one of the best franchisor lawyers in the nation and they're right there in Minneapolis. Just as the franchisees of Subway and other predatory franchisors have done, nothing good for us will happen until we can get together and retain such an attorney to work for us. Corporate's franchisee agreement may state that they can sue anyone for demeaning corporate, but demanding fairness and seeking that fairness is not demeaning nor slanderous.
|
|
|
Post by isthisheaven on Apr 24, 2018 14:08:33 GMT
So I just received a 3rd estimate on modernization and the desk has yet again increased in price. It's now $200.00 more than what it was initially in February. I don't get it!
|
|
|
Post by Guest on Apr 24, 2018 15:24:50 GMT
isthisheaven how much is the desk now?
|
|
|
Post by cheryl on Apr 24, 2018 18:21:52 GMT
I think the big question is: What are they charging you to "modernize" and what's the cost to buy out of your franchise? From the numbers I've seen they're similar. Buying out of your franchise sounds like the smarter choice.
|
|
|
Post by snaplongtimer on Apr 26, 2018 14:09:24 GMT
Interesting thought. I am thinking if you have more than 3 years left it may be cheaper to upgrade with some new stuff. At least you're getting some type of new look you wouldn't have to worry about later. If you have to replace your entire carpeted floor, I couldn't imagine the cost of replacement on that.
|
|
|
Post by determined1 on Apr 26, 2018 21:54:07 GMT
From what I understand those costs are just for the flag, paint, laminate flooring, etc. If you add new equipment on top of it the costs are dramatically higher.
|
|
|
Post by umvokiiy on Sept 2, 2019 12:01:03 GMT
|
|
|
Post by ojuwixim on Sept 2, 2019 14:24:03 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Denniskilia on Nov 26, 2019 4:14:45 GMT
|
|
|
Post by IsacDaf on Feb 25, 2022 4:07:34 GMT
|
|