
Franchise Opportunities
What is
it?
In alliance with Dun
and Bradstreet, Inc., TRADEattache.com, Inc. a Delaware
corporation (TA), owns and operates the
largest Internet based trade directory in the world. The data base contains
information on close to 5,000,000 companies from 200 countries and/or economic
regions around the world.
Companies that wish to have
more prominent listings in TA’s directory are afforded the opportunity to
purchase Enhanced Listings on TA’s site for a monthly fee charged to their
credit card.
TA itself markets this
service through telemarketing campaigns directed at a number of markets. For
countries that are not currently covered by TA’s own direct telemarketing, TA
would consider granting franchise licenses to qualified operators who have a
demonstrable ability to promote TA’s services in such markets in return for a
share of revenues generated in those markets.
This is typically done
through local telemarketing companies, chambers of commerce and/or trade
associations.
How does it
work?
From time to time TA, at its
own discretion, designates countries that qualify under this program. The
franchise rights are then offered to potential licensees who have a proven track
record in attracting sufficient numbers of manufacturers, exporters, importers
and distributors of products within that country.
The general principles of
the Franchise License are as follows:
1.
Franchisee’s
track records, infrastructure, capabilities and financial standing need to be
approved by TA.
2.
Franchisee
commits to set up the required infrastructure (such
as offices, Internet access, phones, personnel, etc.). The franchisee will also
provide the necessary marketing resource or
resources.
3.
Franchisee will pay a one time Franchise
Fee which will be determined by TA depending on the size of the market in the
country of Franchise.
4.
Franchisee will be expected to generate a
minimum monthly revenue for TA, which will start from a token amount and grow on
an annual basis.
5.
Franchisee will be granted 3-4 months
reprieve in order to set up the infrastructure, train his marketing resources
and his office personnel (if any) and have sufficient time to offer 2-3 months
free listings to his customers. During that time TA shall not expect any
revenues from the Franchisee’s operations.
6.
TA will provide initial site and
telemarketing training to Franchisee’s human resources at TA’s offices in Los
Angeles. Franchisee shall cover all
other expenses such as salary, travel, lodging etc.
7.
Depending on the market, the Franchisee
will earn between 30%-40% of the total gross revenue generated in the Franchise
country by the Franchisee or through other means such as voluntary client
registration on the site.
8.
TA will be responsible for maintaining the
site.
9.
Franchisee will be responsible for all of
the expenses of running a clean and effective operation in his/her country of
franchise, including adherence to all local laws and regulations.
10. Franchisee will have exclusive
rights to the country and the contract is expected to continue indefinitely, as
long as the Franchisee is not in default.
11. Franchisees are also paid a 15%
commission on any Banners they generate for TA’s site.
After a contract is signed
and the initial fees are paid, the Franchisee is required to designate at least
one resource and send them to TA’s head office for a period of training which
takes between one to three weeks. The training is done under the supervision of
TA’s Marketing Director and at TA’s expense. However the cost of the employee’s
salary, travel, lodging, insurance and incidentals are borne by the
Licensee.
During the training period
the Franchisee’s resource is trained in the various functions and capabilities
of the site, familiarized with the use of the codes and the uploading of listing
data.
At any time during the term
of the contract the Franchisee may request training for more resources which TA
commits to provide, and TA staff will be available to provide assistance and
offer support on issues which may come up from time to time during the term of
the contract.
All issues relating to
Franchisee’s accounting, administration, collections, payment of taxes, rules
and regulations, labor practices, etc. within the Franchise region must be
handled by the Franchisee in conformity with all such laws, normal business
practices and TA’s regulations. Franchisee’s local policies, practices must be
provided to TA in writing and approved by it. TA will not unreasonably withhold
its approval.
All issues regarding the
administration of the site, its maintenance, improvements, enhancements, online
customer support, listing approvals or cancellation are done by TA at its own
cost.
Franchisee at all times will act as an independent contractor and under no circumstances may be construed as being TA’s employee. Franchisee will not be authorized to make any representations or warranties on behalf of TA and will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement with it.
TA reserves the right to
make any changes to the site’s looks and/or services without the authorization
of the Franchisee and it will not be responsible for Internet failures, down
times etc.
Franchisee shall have no
rights or claims to TA’s database, site, logos, trade markets or any of TA’s
other assets in law or equity.
Nothing in this document
shall be construed as an offering by TA or an agreement by TA to enter into any
contracts or agreements with any potential franchisee or third parties.
For any questions regarding this program please contact Mr. John Moran, Vice President of Marketing, at (310) 659-2444.