The franchise model is considered the greatest business model ever invented. It allows people worldwide to own their own businesses. But how did franchising begin? Let’s explore the history of franchising.
The Middle Ages marked the beginning of franchising. Local governments granted high church officials and other important individuals licenses to maintain order and assess taxes. These licensees paid royalties to the lords and had a monopoly on commercial ventures.
During the Colonial period, the concept of franchising continued to grow. Franchise kings authorized individuals to hold markets, run ferries, and establish colonies. Licensees had protected territories, which remains a common feature in franchising today.
In the 1840s, a German beer brewer granted rights to taverns to sell their beer under the trade name SPATEN. Tavern owners paid royalties to use the brand name, similar to modern-day franchising.
The modern franchise model can be traced back to Isaac Merrit Singer, who patented a practical sewing machine. Singer used licensing arrangements to sell machines. Licensees paid upfront fees and taught customers how to use the machines.
In the late 1800s, the automobile industry emerged, leading to the creation of automobile dealerships. Dealerships became the distribution method for automobiles.
Other franchises started emerging, including gasoline service stations and restaurants. Franchising became more widespread.
In the 1960s, Ray Kroc revolutionized franchising with McDonald’s restaurants. He became the McDonald brothers’ exclusive agent and started selling franchises. McDonald’s grew into an empire with thousands of franchise locations worldwide.
Isaac Singer, Henry Ford, and Ray Kroc made significant contributions to franchising. Singer’s installment plan made sewing machines more accessible to consumers. Ford established a franchise network for automobile distribution. Kroc emphasized uniformity and cleanliness, creating a domino effect in franchising.
In conclusion, franchising has a rich history that spans centuries. The contributions of Singer, Ford, and Kroc shaped the modern franchise landscape.
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