International Law

When is an Award a Bribe?

A franchisor press release announces that

"Nurse Next Door Home Healthcare Services is proud to announce that, this past weekend, Chris Wilkinson and Tawnya Ketch accepted the inaugural Nurse Next Door Franchise of the Year Award on behalf of their Nanaimo franchise.

The 2008 Nurse Next Door Awards program took place at a gala event at the Coast Plaza Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

Overlooking English Bay, the venue played host to the historic event which brought together, for the first time, all of Nurse Next Door's franchise partners from across the country.

The top prize, Franchise of the Year, was based on diverse selection criteria which included revenue, planning process, financial records, team environment, and level of participation with the franchise program.

While many franchise locations experienced significant success, Nanaimo, BC walked away with the coveted award."

Now, why do we have franchise prizes?

What is the point of awarding a prize? For an accomplishment that was not rigorously defined?

Uh, because a prize in the hand is worth $20,000 of revenue not earned in the bush. Flashing small talisman's of merit bets out increasing the revenue to the franchisee.

Full post as published by Misleading Advertising Law on September 23, 2008 (boomark / email).