Whether you operate a restaurant in a popular fast-food chain or a retail convenience store with a wide variety of products, you need the limited personal liability protections that an LLC can provide. With a franchise, it's important to form an LLC before you ever sign your franchise agreement.
The franchise agreement is the binding contract between you and your franchisee. It explains all rights and obligations for both parties and protects the integrity of your franchise system and your trademarks. This is one of the first documents you will send to a prospective franchisee.
The primary franchising documents needed to create a franchise relationship and franchise your business include: Franchise disclosure document. Franchise agreement. Operations manual.
One of the main requirements for starting a franchise is a business plan, which you'll also need to present to a lender. Before writing your plan, go over all the data you've been offered from a prospective franchisor, in addition to your own personal research.
When buying a franchise, you can expect to come across the following documents: Secrecy undertaking or non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed by the franchisee prior to receiving detailed information on the franchise. Disclosure document provided by the franchisor. Franchise agreement.
Retaining the services of an attorney who is experienced in franchise or contract matters will help you to understand your rights and obligations under the franchise agreement before you sign.
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal document that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires franchisors to provide to prospective franchisees before selling a franchise.
Since most franchise companies are privately held and do not share FDD's publicly it can be difficult to find these FDD's online. If you want one from a brand you are interested in you can always ask the brand for the document and they are obligated to give it to you during their sales process.