Are you planning to enter the 2025 FANZ Awards?

Here’s why franchisee sentiment could be the key to a winning entry.

Independent franchisee satisfaction surveys offer a valuable perspective on how your franchise system is performing in the real world. For FANZ Awards entries, this insight is critical. It enables you to demonstrate tangible outcomes, substantiate your claims, and highlight the experiences of those who represent your brand every day.

The FANZ Awards criteria for franchisors place strong emphasis on performance, particularly the performance of key stakeholders, including franchisees. Judges will want to see evidence that your franchisees feel supported and are thriving. Independent satisfaction surveys provide credible, data-driven proof direct from your franchisees, reinforcing the strength of your submission.

What High-Performing Franchisors Understand

Strong satisfaction results reflect strong system performance. Strong satisfaction emerges from consistent delivery, quality support and shared commercial success. A well-executed independent franchisee satisfaction survey validates the value of your franchise system, including your Franchise Support Office, while also highlighting any areas still needing attention.

When undertaken regularly, independent franchisee satisfaction surveys allow your Franchise Support Office the opportunity to set goals and grow confidence when the right resourcing, focus and efforts are paying off. But most importantly, for judges here, it signals that your franchise system is transparent, confident and open to external evaluation.

Benchmarking: Why Internal Data Isn’t Enough

At Franchize Consultants, we provide more than just survey data. Our independent franchisee satisfaction surveys are benchmarked against a comprehensive New Zealand dataset, giving you essential context. This comparison can reveal whether a concern is unique to your system or common across the sector, and whether your performance stands out or is trailing the pack.

Indeed, a score that feels low might actually be exceptional compared to the broader market. Equally, a strong internal result might not look so strong when measured against similar systems. That context is critical — and it adds both strategic clarity and credibility to your awards submission.

Key Dates for Your Entry

Entries for the 2025 FANZ Awards are now open and close at 5pm on 7 July. Awards are open to all FANZ members — franchisors, franchisees, affiliates and support staff — and categories include Franchise System of the Year, Franchisee of the Year, Field Manager of the Year and others.

Awards Are Just the Beginning

The benefits of an independent franchisee satisfaction survey extend well beyond award season. Surveys provide an annual snapshot of system health. They reveal trends, highlight risks, and inform decisions across support, training and operational strategy. They also ensure quieter voices and emerging issues aren’t overlooked.

Franchisee satisfaction should be treated as a key business indicator, on par with financial performance. It reflects how your model is functioning in practice and whether your network is well-positioned for future growth.

For Experienced Franchisors

You already understand the complexity of leading a franchise system. An independent franchisee satisfaction survey complements your experience. It helps you validate what’s working and uncover what might need more focus. It brings quieter insights to the surface and often reinforces just how much your Franchise Support Office is achieving.