What should you ask a franchisor before signing?
Updated
Get clear written answers about costs, obligations, support and exit conditions before you commit.
Ask about the complete cost
What is included? What is excluded? Is VAT included? What recurring fees, supply minimums and site costs apply? When are payments due, and which are refundable?
Ask about daily operation
Who supplies the products? What are the lead times? What happens during a supply interruption? What staffing, storage, water, power and food-handling arrangements are needed?
Ask about support
Who reviews the site? Who is trained? What happens at opening? Who handles operational questions afterward? Ask for scope and responsibilities in writing.
Ask about the agreement
What are the term, renewal, transfer and termination conditions? Are there territory rules? What happens if the site becomes unavailable? Have qualified advisers review terms you do not understand.
Planning guide. Confirm current concept requirements and quotations before committing.