Trust: Key to Successful Franchise Relationships: Many Challenges in Franchise Systems can be Avoided if Franchisors and Franchisees have More Open and Frequent Communication, Mutual Respect and Transparency (Winning STRATEGIES FOR FRANCHISE RELATIONS‪)‬

Retailers say that if you have a product people want to buy, the three most important elements to success are "location, location and location." Experienced franchisors and franchise attorneys will say that if you have a good franchise concept, the most important elements for a successful franchise system are building trust, being trustworthy and maintaining trust. The International Franchise Association's Code of Ethics emphasizes to franchisors and franchisees alike that the "Foundations of Franchising" begin with "trust, truth and honesty." While these words may all convey a similar message, the fact that each appears independently is likely not accidental. Being honest goes beyond simply telling the truth, and anyone who has been in any relationship knows that building and maintaining trust goes well beyond simply being an honest person. Moreover, what it takes to build and maintain trust varies between a start-up franchisor, an emerging franchisor and a mature franchisor.