What is in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)?

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is an essential legal document that franchisors must provide to prospective franchisees before they can purchase a franchise. The FDD contains detailed information about the franchise system, including its operations, costs, legal obligations, and expectations, giving prospective franchisees a comprehensive view of what’s involved in running the franchise. It is standardized by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and contains 23 required sections, or “Items,” to ensure franchisees understand what they’re getting into and are protected by full disclosure.

Below is a breakdown of each of the 23 required Items in the FDD:

Item 1: The Franchisor, and Any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates

Item 1 introduces the franchisor, including its legal name, business address, and details of any parent companies, predecessors, or affiliates. It includes the franchise’s history, any changes in ownership, and relevant background information, which helps establish credibility and context.

Item 2: Business Experience

This section outlines the business experience of the franchise’s executive team and key personnel. Information on their past roles and time in the industry shows the level of expertise and stability behind the franchise brand.

Item 3: Litigation

This section discloses any past or pending litigation involving the franchisor, its affiliates, or key executives. It helps franchisees understand any ongoing legal risks or disputes that could impact the business or franchise relationship.

Item 4: Bankruptcy

Item 4 details any bankruptcies filed by the franchisor or its executive team. This is a critical item for evaluating financial stability and trustworthiness, as it gives insight into past financial troubles and risk factors.

Item 5: Initial Fees

Item 5 covers the upfront fees required to join the franchise system, such as franchise fees, training fees, and any other initial payments. These fees are often non-refundable and can vary based on factors such as territory or location size.

Item 6: Other Fees

This section breaks down additional fees that a franchisee might incur, such as ongoing royalties, advertising fees, technology fees, and renewal fees. Item 6 helps potential franchisees estimate long-term financial commitments within the franchise system.

Item 7: Estimated Initial Investment

Item 7 provides a range for the total initial investment required to open a franchise. This includes expenses like leasehold improvements, equipment, inventory, and working capital, helping prospective franchisees evaluate whether they can afford the startup costs.

Item 8: Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services

This item outlines any restrictions on where franchisees can buy products, equipment, and supplies. Many franchisors require franchisees to purchase from approved vendors to maintain consistency across the brand.

Item 9: Franchisee’s Obligations

Item 9 lists the franchisee’s legal obligations, including compliance with operational standards, training, financial obligations, and promotional activities. It typically includes a summary chart to give franchisees a quick view of their responsibilities.

Item 10: Financing

This section discloses any financing options the franchisor offers, such as payment plans for the franchise fee or assistance in obtaining loans. If the franchisor provides direct financing, terms and conditions will be explained here.

Item 11: Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training

Item 11 covers the support and resources the franchisor provides, including training programs, ongoing operational assistance, and access to proprietary software or systems. It also explains the advertising fund and any requirements for local marketing efforts.

Item 12: Territory

This item outlines any exclusive or protected territory rights for franchisees. It details the geographical area a franchisee can operate within, as well as any potential for competition from other franchise locations or the franchisor itself within that area.

Item 13: Trademarks

Item 13 provides a list of the franchise’s registered trademarks, logos, and service marks. It also discloses any legal restrictions, risks, or pending litigation related to these intellectual properties.

Item 14: Patents, Copyrights, and Proprietary Information

This item describes the franchise’s intellectual property beyond trademarks, including patents, copyrights, and proprietary processes. Franchisees should understand the value and protection of these assets, as they are essential to the brand’s uniqueness and competitive edge.

Item 15: Obligation to Participate in the Actual Operation of the Franchise Business

Item 15 states whether the franchisee must be directly involved in daily operations. For example, some franchises require franchisees to be owner-operators, while others allow for passive ownership or management by a third party.

Item 16: Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell

This section details any limitations on the products and services the franchisee is allowed to offer. The franchisor may impose these restrictions to maintain brand consistency and ensure the quality of products or services provided.

Item 17: Renewal, Termination, Transfer, and Dispute Resolution

Item 17 describes the terms and conditions for renewing, transferring, or terminating the franchise agreement. It also outlines procedures for handling disputes, including arbitration requirements, jurisdiction, and related legal obligations.

Item 18: Public Figures

This item discloses any involvement by public figures or celebrities in the franchise, either as endorsers or investors. The presence of well-known individuals can be beneficial for marketing but may also indicate potential licensing or endorsement fees.

Item 19: Financial Performance Representations (FPRs)

Item 19 is optional but highly valuable as it provides financial performance representations (FPRs) for the franchise. If the franchisor includes Item 19, it will disclose average sales, gross revenue, or other financial data based on existing franchise units, helping franchisees gauge potential earnings.

Read more on the Item 19 from Franchise Conduit:  https://www.franchiseconduit.com/understanding-ftc-guidelines-for-item-19-disclosures-in-franchise-documents/

Item 20: Outlets and Franchisee Information

Item 20 lists the number of franchise units currently in operation, locations opened or closed, and transfers over recent years. This section gives franchisees insight into the franchise’s growth and stability.

Item 21: Financial Statements

Item 21 includes the franchisor’s audited financial statements for the last three years. This is a crucial section for prospective franchisees to evaluate the franchisor’s financial health and ability to support its franchise system.

Item 22: Contracts

This item provides copies of the actual contracts the franchisee will be required to sign, including the franchise agreement, lease agreements, and any ancillary agreements. Reviewing these documents helps franchisees understand their legal obligations.

Item 23: Receipts

The final item, Item 23, is a receipt that prospective franchisees must sign upon receiving the FDD. This receipt serves as proof that the franchisee received the disclosure document and acknowledges its contents, providing a record for legal compliance.

Read more on the FDD from FMS:  https://www.fmsfranchise.com/understand-the-franchise-disclosure-document/

The FDD is an essential document for both franchisors and franchisees, as it lays out the foundation of the franchise relationship. Each of the 23 Items serves a distinct purpose in educating and protecting prospective franchisees, ensuring they have the information needed to make informed decisions. Franchisees should carefully review the FDD, possibly with legal and financial professionals, to understand all obligations, costs, and potential risks before entering into a franchise agreement. With a clear understanding of the FDD, franchisees can enter their investment with confidence and clarity, positioning themselves for a successful partnership.

For more information on what is in the FDD and how to franchise your business, contact Franchise Marketing Systems (FMS Franchise):  www.FMSFranchise.com 

For help with buying a franchise, connect with Strategic Franchise Brokers:  www.StrategicFranchiseBrokers.com