Market Research agency 10 Thousand Feet will survey franchisees across Australia throughout February and March to determine which network has the most satisfied franchisees in Australia.

“The surveys are a great feedback tool for franchisors, and importantly allow us to create a positive news story for individual franchise systems and the franchising sector as a whole,” said Ian Krawitz, head of intelligence at 10 Thousand Feet.

“We recognise that new entrants to the process might not have surveyed their franchisees before and may be wondering how they will perform, and we have taken the risk out of the whole process with a test run for new entrants, to go with our existing transparent rating system,” Krawitz said.

Franchisees take part in a five minute survey which has been designed through industry collaboration.

The survey gives franchisees the chance to give measurable feedback on their franchisors performance across 35 key areas. The ratings are then compiled into a ranking system, with weightings given towards key areas of importance to franchisees such as support, financials, lifestyle and passion.

The awards are then showcased on the topfranchise.com.au website and in leading publications such as Franchising. In 2010 the awards were also covered by Channel 9, Sky Business and other key websites, newspapers and radio programs.

As a result of the awards, participants have on average increased their own franchisees’ willingness to recommend them by 18 percent, Krawitz reports.

“Striving to improve their franchise systems practices has led to having more contented franchisees who are in turn happier to recommend their business. This is creating a sustainable competitive advantage for franchisors.”

The 2011 topfranchise awards close at the end of February; email info@10thousandfeet.com to find out more about the process and the test run for first time entrants.