Archive for Author 'John Santiago', only excerpts shown, click title for full entry.
The truth about the technology all around us today is that it is here to stay whether we like it or not. The younger generations—Generation X, Millennials—and even baby boomers do everything on their smart phones, tablets and computers, from communications to television, to reading books, to shopping online, to boarding an airplane. Anyone […]
For years, we have been asking SEI to upgrade the antiquated security surveillance system in our stores. This system is so old it uses VHS tapes—which are hard to find these days—and the parts required to fix it when it breaks down are getting scarce. Now the company has announced that it has embarked […]
Time and time again, I am contacted by frantic franchisees who have just been through an audit that resulted in the disclosure of either a cash or inventory shortage. Small shortages, particularly of inventory, are expected in a convenience store, like a 7-Eleven, that has an inventory of thousands of small items that attract […]
One of two shocks to hit the 7-Eleven franchise system in 2009 was the announcement by 7-Eleven, Inc. (SEI) of the termination of the four-decades-old policy of sharing 25 percent (later 24 percent) of the gross profit from gasoline sales with the franchisee. A few years earlier, SEI had changed the gasoline amendment for […]
A franchisee from my area recently sent me an e-mail regarding a theft procedure adopted by one of her employees that eventually raised a red flag at corporate, resulting in her getting a “bill” for SEI’s share of lost gross profit dollars. The bill was presented in the form of a “Financial Impact” report […]
Franchisees around the country are very concerned about 7-Eleven’s plans to install new DVR security systems in all franchised stores. Don’t get me wrong. I’m fully in favor of replacing the old VHS systems we have that we can’t even buy tapes for anymore. Franchisees should actually welcome the arrival of the DVR, since […]
We’ve said it many times before in the 37-year history of the National Coalition: “Franchisees working together can accomplish more than any number of franchisees working independently.” Bringing franchisees together through the work of the National Coalition and local FOAs is my number one goal for 2012. It’s time that we reemphasize franchisees working […]
At any company that utilizes a lot of equipment, good maintenance support as backup is critical. Until 2010, maintenance in our 7-Eleven stores was managed internally through 7-Eleven, using national and local contractors. Early in 2010 we moved to Facilities Maintenance (FM), a big corporation that provides maintenance management services to similar large companies, […]
It may sometimes appear that the road to obtaining additional stores by existing franchisees is built upon shifting sands with no clear and consistent policy established by SEI for guidance. Undoubtedly, given the number of inquiries that I receive regarding this issue, a great deal of confusion, disappointment, and even resentment is prevalent in […]
One of the features of the 7-Eleven system is the support services provided by 7-Eleven, Inc. (SEI). Among these services are the payroll processing, payroll tax reporting and the payment of withholdings. Unfortunately, the employees hired by franchisees do not always lead exemplary lives. Additionally, these difficult economic times may permeate the family unit, […]
