Closing the Circle: Some Banner Considerations

Thinking of joining a program? There are many factors to consider; make sure these are part of your checklist:

What are the costs of entry into the program. Are there one-time fees, monthly fees, or overrides on parts or management services?

What qualifications are needed for entry? Are shops pre-qualified and inspected periodically? Are there penalties for program non-compliance? Are both parties’ expectations clearly noted on the agreement?

Do you have an exclusive territory? Is your territory noted on the agreement?

Will you require special management training to qualify? Who pays for that training, and are you required to use systems mandated by the program?

What management and marketing assistance is available within the program? Can you modify those programs for local needs? Does the program use feedback from members?

Are warranty programs comprehensive, and how are they administered? Is the level of paperwork reasonable?