We hope the answers to some common questions below will help you to get a better understanding about our organization and the way it functions. You are urged to contact any Board member by phone or e-mail with your specific questions. Click here to go to the Board of Directors page.

Q: What is the difference between the independent association of franchisees and the National Advisory Council set up by Jackson Hewitt, Inc.?
A: The key word is independent. The NAC and the IAJHF have the same purposes and many of the same goals. Being independent means that the Association can address issues that affect franchisees separately from the interests of the franchisor. At times, it may mean that these issues require legal assistance in negotiating certain issues with the franchisor, something that the NAC cannot do.

Q: What are the immediate benefits of membership?
A: First, it’s important that you understand that the ultimate goal of the association is the enhancement of franchisee profitability and asset value; so all of our member benefits are linked to that goal. You, as a member, will have access to the ideas and wisdom of hundreds of fellow franchisees who have already solved many problems and avoided expensive mistakes. And more importantly, they are willing to share that information with you.

The exchange of good ideas, the review of best practices, and the critique of problem areas are all handled by the Message Board area of the IAJHF website. Click here to see what the Message Board is all about.

Beyond our on-line forum, you can almost always contact other members directly by email or telephone, and you have the opportunity to kick back, relax, and share in the fun at our annual convention held in the spring.

In addition, when you become a member, you will receive legal opinions of the franchise agreement with Jackson Hewitt, Inc. The opinions of our experienced legal counsel will probably be the most cost-effective access you could ever have to experienced, franchise-specific legal advice.

Q: Are there any other benefits to joining IAJHF?
A: Yes. The Association continually tries to make available to its members a group of business service and product suppliers who can offer us better pricing and better service through negotiated contracts. You will have the benefit of a wide-spread vendor and supplier resource directory at your fingertips, a directory put together by your fellow franchisees who have tested and proven the products and services of the recommended suppliers.

Our Best Practices section (still under construction, but coming soon!) will let you learn from and add to the proven techniques and business practices of other franchisees in the Association.

And when further contract negotiations with JH, Inc. occur, you will be included in the negotiations for further contract changes.

It’s important to repeat that the free and open communication among franchisees is a priceless benefit.

Q: How will joining the IAJHF help me specifically?
A: Besides all of the earlier-mentioned ways, like sharing of operations ideas, supplier and vendor suggestions, and alerts for technology solutions, there may be other ways. Although the IAJHF represents the interests of all its members as a group, the IAJHF can also back an individual franchisee on an issue that could ultimately affect all franchisee members. In the coming years, our organization will always change to adapt to the issues of the day.

Q: Who is on the Board of Directors
of IAJHF?
A: Click here to visit the Board of Directors page.

Q: Are we reinventing the wheel by forming an independent association?
A: No. Franchisee associations have been around for decades. Some of the top franchisee organizations include McDonalds, H&R Block, Domino's Pizza, KFC, Roto Rooter, Jiffy Lube, Pearle Vision, 7 Eleven and the Asian American Hotel Owners (AAHOA). As a matter of fact, many Cendant hotel owners are members of AAHOA.

Q: No one wants to fight with JH, Inc., so why do we need a lawyer?
A: Lawyers can advise us about our rights and responsibilities as detailed in the franchise agreement. Prudent business people seek legal advice on many issues, not just for legal battles. Be aware that Jackson Hewitt, Inc. has a very experienced legal staff which is specialized in dealing with franchisees. We believe that JH franchisees should have the same access to competent, experienced lawyers. By banding together, we become much more cost effective.

Q: Is there anything wrong with
joining IAJHF?
A: No. As a matter of fact, Jackson Hewitt, Inc. belongs to an association of franchisors. They share information among themselves on how to deal with franchisees. In particular, actions that were taken in early 2002 by JH, Inc. to re-form the National Advisory Council are textbook responses on how to squash the formation of a franchisee organization.

Q: Has the NAC failed us?
A: No. One group does not have to fail before another service organization is created. The recent mass resignation of 12 of the 14 members of the NAC over an important business issue is compelling evidence as to why the IAJHF must exist: Without an independent organization already in place, the franchisee community would have had no collective way to communicate and share information about any issues. And without the IAJHF, the potential for resolution and improved communication between JH, Inc. and its franchisees would have been non-existent.

In short, the two organizations (NAC and IAJHF) are not mutually exclusive and not at odds with one another. We both want the same thing: profitability. And so does Jackson Hewitt, Inc. It's a Win-Win-Win situation.