Last updated: September 9, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how The Franchise Courier (“we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, and protects information when you visit thefranchisecourier.com (the “Site”). The Franchise Courier is a news and education resource published by FMS Franchise (Franchise Marketing Systems).

1. Who we are and how to contact us

The Franchise Courier
c/o FMS Franchise, 6110 McFarland Station Dr, Unit 105, Alpharetta, GA 30004, USA
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 800-610-0292

2. Information we collect

Information you give us

  • Contact form. When you use our contact form we collect the name, email address, and message you submit so we can respond.
  • Comments. If you leave a comment, we collect the name and email address you provide, the comment content, and your IP address and browser user-agent string to help with spam detection.
  • Correspondence. If you email or call us, we keep a record of that communication.

Information collected automatically

  • Log data. Our servers and our content delivery network automatically record information such as your IP address, browser type, referring pages, pages viewed, and the date and time of your visit.
  • Cookies and similar technologies. We and our service providers use cookies and similar technologies for site functionality, security, and analytics. See Section 5.
  • Analytics. We use Google Analytics (via Google Site Kit) to understand how visitors use the Site. Google Analytics sets cookies and processes usage data on our behalf. You can learn more at policies.google.com/privacy and opt out with the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.

Embedded content from other websites

Articles on this Site may include embedded content (for example videos, images, or documents). Embedded content from other websites behaves as if you visited that other website, and those websites may collect data about you, use cookies, and monitor your interaction with that content.

3. How we use information

  • To respond to your enquiries and provide the information you request.
  • To operate, maintain, secure, and improve the Site and its content.
  • To detect and prevent spam, abuse, and fraudulent or malicious activity.
  • To analyse traffic and usage trends in aggregate.
  • To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.

4. Legal bases for processing (EEA and UK visitors)

Where the EU or UK General Data Protection Regulation applies, we rely on the following legal bases: your consent (for non-essential cookies and analytics); our legitimate interests in operating and securing the Site and communicating with you; and compliance with a legal obligation.

5. Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device. We use:

  • Strictly necessary cookies for core site functions, caching, and security.
  • Analytics cookies (Google Analytics) to measure and improve performance.

You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may affect how the Site works.

6. How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only:

  • With service providers who process data on our behalf, such as our web host, content delivery network, analytics provider, and email/anti-spam services, under contractual confidentiality obligations.
  • When required by law, legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of The Franchise Courier, our users, or the public.
  • In connection with a business transfer such as a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, in which case any acquirer will be bound by this Policy.

7. Third-party links

The Site links to third-party websites, including franchisor resources and affiliated sites such as fmsfranchise.com and franchiseconduit.com. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites. Review their privacy policies before providing them with personal information.

8. Data retention

We keep contact-form messages and correspondence for as long as needed to handle your request and for a reasonable period afterward for record-keeping. Comments and their metadata are retained indefinitely so follow-up comments can be recognised and approved automatically. Analytics data is retained according to our provider’s configured retention period.

9. Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information; to object to or restrict certain processing; to withdraw consent; and to data portability. To exercise these rights, contact us using the details in Section 1. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law. You may also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

California residents

If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information we collect and how we use and disclose it, to request deletion, and to not be discriminated against for exercising your rights. We do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined under the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended.

10. Children’s privacy

The Site is intended for a business and professional audience and is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.

11. Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, including HTTPS encryption in transit, to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

12. International visitors

The Site is operated from the United States. If you access it from outside the United States, your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.

13. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. Changes are effective when posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date. Your continued use of the Site after changes take effect means you accept the updated Policy.

14. Contact

Questions about this Policy or our handling of your information? Email [email protected] or write to the address in Section 1.