Does Cold Stone Churn Locations?
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Over at Sean Kelly's Unhappy Franchisee, an ex franchisee of Cold Stone Creamery complains that the franchisor turned down 3 legitimate buyers of his franchise, that he was forced to close, and that the franchisor immediately resold the location - pocketing the fees that they would not have got had there been a transfer.
1. The first buyer flunked the personality test.
2. The second buyer flunked the interview with the corporation.
3. The third buyer, a local CS franchisee, needed money from the franchisor to complete the transaction, when none was forthcoming he withdrew.
In six months, the franchisee had only 3 potential buyers and none of them were approved.
Finally, because of failing sales the franchise closed and the franchisor re-opened it for around $45k to a new prospect.
Here is what I want to know: was the franchisee selling it for $45k? I doubt it - I read this story as a typical unhappy franchisee desperately looking for the next sucker to off load his piece of poo to.
Sean, am I wrong?
Comments
Sean, the offer of $330 was meant to make the Cuppy's franchisee feel good. After all, they aren't liars are they? Who would lie for only $330? I must be telling the truth, then. And Cuppy's isn't so bad after all.
Standard cognitive dissonance trick - highly effective.
Posted by: michael webster
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August 7, 2008 11:16 PM
Two wolves inviting a sheep to lunch.
Like the Cuppy's franchisees who may have been collecting $330 per sucker they helped to sign up, there are certain aspects of human nature you just don't want to look too hard at, lest you end up disgusted with everybody.
Posted by: Sean | August 7, 2008 11:06 PM