FRANCHISEE John Spicer told fellow delegates at the Advantage conference that Airtours’ promotional literature “could always be damaged in transit” if he thought it was not suitable for his shop.
Spicer, of Spicer Travel Bureau challenged the notion that a 70% racking space obligation to the operator was a control measure.
“If it comes along and it’s naff, it can always be damaged in transit,” he said.
He told colleagues in the industry that he did not believe he had given up his right to do as he pleased in his business.
“Although some people think I have sold my soul to the devil – Ron Muir – I believe I have retained my independence,” he said.
“The powers that be may tell me what to sell but I decide in the end whether I do sell it or not.”
He told members his reasoning for joining the franchise, “While we grow and become more successful, hiring and firing and making profits, we can also have the backing of a larger company and not just depend on a collective front.
“It does not mean you cannot think for yourself and disagree with the leadership. This is a democratic choice and it’s called independence.”