Australia’s largest franchisee survey findings
The FCA has recently launched the final report of Australia’s largest franchisee survey. With over 1,000 responses, it is the largest single survey of Australian franchisees undertaken.
The key findings include:
- The 2021 Australian Franchisee Survey Report is based on responses from 1,007 franchisees representing 83 Australian franchise systems and evidencing significant diversity.
- The survey sample reflected: Australian franchised businesses were operated by men (69%) and women (29%) (note: in many of the male operated businesses, a woman partner may also jointly run the business’.
- Whilst the majority of respondents (57%) were born in Australia, more than 40% were born overseas with India the second most common place of birth at 15%, followed by China 7% and the UK at 3%.
- A high level of education was evident across the population of franchise owners with 18% holding a tertiary degree and a further 27% holding a Post Graduate Qualification. More than 50% of respondents indicated either High School (22%) or a Diploma / Certificate (30%) as their highest level of education.
- A low level (4%) of respondents indicated they had previously served in the Australian Defence Forces and the majority of ex-defence force personnel owning franchises were involved in non-food businesses with the highest representation found in service and maintenance franchises.
- The vast majority (73%) of franchise units were owned by single operators. A further 20% of respondents indicated the operation of 2-3 units and 7% indicated the operation of 4 or more units for their franchise system.
- The survey reflected that 33% of respondents had commenced their business in the last five years (2017-2021). A further 30% commenced their business between 2012 and 2016 and 37% had now been operating their business for more than ten years.
- Responses indicate that franchises are typically operated by mature age owners with 76% of respondents aged 40 years or older.
- Franchised businesses are a significant employer in the Australian economy. The employment of more than 2 people was indicated by 81% of respondents. Single operators accounted for 19% of respondents. Almost half of all respondents (48%) indicated their business employed 2-10 people with a further 34% reporting their franchised businesses employed more than 10 people.
You can read the full survey here.