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E-Commerce Times Seeks AIS Media CEO, Thomas Harpointner's Insight on the Topic of Internet Franchises January 31, 2007 AIS Media Inc. CEO, Thomas Harpointner, was interviewed by E-Commerce Times to explore reasons why partnerships work better than franchises when it comes to Internet-based business opportunities. His statements included: "Partnerships work better on the Internet. I don't see why franchises exist," Thomas Harpointner, CEO of AIS Media, told the E-Commerce Times. "Cookie-cutter franchises don't cut it anymore." Harpointner started AIS Media in 1997 after looking at various business markets. His online business develops, deploys and manages e-business applications and services over the Internet. "The survival rate with franchising is not as high as with other types of business models and has more risks," he said. Proprietary businesses such as partnerships have a competitive advantage, Harpointner found. From his view, bad business models do not franchise well. "Now, [with partnerships] it is a fairly level playing field. We decided against franchising," he said. In 2002, Harpointner launched channel partnerships through his Web site. Rather than charging partner’s monthly fees as franchisers must pay, he said his partnership participants share all benefits of being in business without the downsides of a franchise. For example, those involved in a franchise cannot diversify their business. Instead, they must adhere to the company line. "No two businesses are alike. Partnerships work better on the Internet," Harpointner said. "Success [online] is based on the ability to market and sell. We see many of our partners discovering the benefits of partnering over franchising." To read the full story visit: Internet Franchising: Sure Bet or Risky Business? About AIS Media © 2007 AIS Media, Inc.
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