Franchises

A few years ago, Massage Therapy Journal published an article, "Get Ready For Massage Envy!" The article, based on interviews with the founders of the franchise, painted a glowing picture of a business where happy massage therapists had 401K plans, were paid for empty appointments during their shift, and were well compensated for their work. I couldn't help but feel, though, that there was a slightly ominous warning in the title. How could a franchise offer all this to the therapist and only charge $39 for an hour massage?