[atlasunshrugged]

Yes, I looked into franchising many years ago and that was my recollection as well -- often groups also sell you the inputs/ingredients and force you to purchase through them to "maintain quality/consistency" which would seem to be another reason why McD would want more volume/sales.

[krger]

> often groups also sell you the inputs/ingredients and force you to purchase through them to "maintain quality/consistency"

QSR franchisees are famous for cutting every corner they can get away with (as well as cutting even more corners until they get caught by the brand or local health/labor inspectors), so maintaining quality and consistency is a very real concern for these brands.

[atlasunshrugged]

Yes, that's fair, but it's also a great way to guarantee recurring revenue for a franchisor whose franchisees are obligated to purchase from them

[dylan604]

I thought we were talking about an ice cream machine and not an ink jet printer.

[kube-system]

Inkjet printers merely have DRM. Franchises have way more power; they have legally binding contracts.

[atlasunshrugged]

All the same to the MBAs at these companies looking to squeeze the last penny out of everything