The American Association of Franchisees & Dealers is a strong national trade association representing franchise owners and has proven to be a model citizen within the franchising community, recognized by the American Bar Association, the IFA (International Franchisee Association), the National Franchise Council, Franchise Times magazine and others for its positive contributions to franchising.
Simple. We want to improve our businesses, protect our investments, and increase our influence and communication with our Franchisor through a collective voice. We want all BNI® franchisees to support us, and help make us more viable, and we definitely want to be large enough to make a constructive difference. We want to build consensus and create value. We will accomplish our goals faster as more franchisees support us. All we are looking for at this time is for you to join The Independent Association of BNI® Franchisees (IABF).
Join the Independent Association of BNI Franchisees (IABF) anonymously. To do this, a franchisee can instruct his or her attorney to join on his or her behalf. The attorney becomes the “face” of your membership while you receive the benefits of joining the association. At the same time, neither the franchisor nor even the IABF will know your identity. The association can, however, count you as a member in its collective strength. Most AAFD-affiliated attorneys are happy to provide this service without charge or for a very modest fee to cover their time.
We will respect your right to disagree and oppose us, and we will consistently work to earn your respect, trust and support. Our goal is to win you over some day. Until then, give us the respect we accord you, and give us the opportunity to prove our mettle. We hope you will join us now, and help us mold the kind of association you would support, and help us earn the respect and trust of the Independent Association of BNI® Franchisees (IABF). But if not, just keep an open mind; and we will always keep the door open and the light on for you! Some of our strength will come from the size of our member base.
Our primary focus is not to be adversarial. We are dedicated to protecting our rights as franchisees and creating a fair and balanced business relationship with our franchisor.
There is definitely strength in numbers and by joining the IABF you become part of a large team of Executive Directors from around the nation where we share information about changes to our contracts, development schedules, renewal contracts, FDD’s, costs and fees. Many Executive Directors become members of the association so they can participate in our Legal Trust Fund. The Legal Trust Fund allows us to have the monetary ability to defend and protect our members should the need arise.
No. The AAFD offers a monthly payment plan plus a one-time initiation fee. Read more about The Independent Association of BNI Franchisees (IABF) Membership Dues.
The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that trademark specific franchisee associations are not entitled to tax exempt status under Federal tax law. However, as a Trademark chapter of the AAFD, your tax-exempt status is protected under the AAFD’s 501(c)(6) tax exemption.