Q: If I am a conversion DMC, can I keep using my existing company name?
A: Although we do not recommend this because it diminishes market brand equity, so long as the PRA name and logo are prominently used in all communications, collateral materials and stationery, you may use your old name along with the PRA name.
Q: Once a license is granted, can PRA grant a license inside my territory?
A: So long as you are in compliance, the territory assigned to each DMC is exclusive and no additional licenses will be granted in that territory.
Q: Who determines what my territory is?
A: The territory is negotiated and determined at the time the license is granted and is subject to negotiation.
Q: How will a client performance failure at another PRA office/location effect my franchise?
A: Due to the screening process at the time a franchisee is selected, and to the many safeguards built into every PRA delivery system, performance failures are rare, however, continued service failures may result in the loss of the franchisee license.
Q: What are the type of expenses which will be expended from the Marketing Co-op fund account?
A: The co-op marketing fund may be spent only on items which promote the franchise system as a whole. The fund is subject to annual audit, as required by the Department of Corporations. In general it is expected that the fund will be used for:
- Advertising in trade magazines, and other electronic media
- Sales trips to corporate and incentive clients which promote the entire franchise system
- Fam trips for buyers in various destinations which promote the entire franchise system
- Certain graphic design and creation services used to create and update logo design, corporate promotional pieces, electronic and traditional and advertising
- The creation and maintenance of the PRA trade show booth, shipping and handling
- Attending certain national trade shows and industry association promotional activities
- Design, creation, and creative writing of brochures, sales kits, and additional sales support materials (Franchisees will be able to purchase support material based on their individual needs)
- The expenses of the Advisory Committee members in attending regular meetings
- Any other promotional or marketing activity which serves to promote the entire franchise system
Q: Does PRA have a Quality Management Program?
A: Yes, PRA maintains a Quality Management program, which is described more fully in the confidential Franchise Operations Manual, and is covered and reviewed during the training program. In general, any Quality Management program includes training, application of pre-established systems/policies, regular on-site compliance audits and post program contact with clients. However, for the protection of the franchisees, the content of the Operations Manual, and our Quality Management policy, it is confidential and may not be disclosed until after the franchise is granted.
Q: Can promotional marketing funds be spent on non-promotional items?
A: No. The franchisor promotional co-op fund can only be spent on promotional events and items that are of benefit to the entire system. The fund and the franchisor are subject to an annual audit as part of The Department of Corporations.
