Franchise News and Perspectives

Franchising isn’t for everyone.

But if you’re serious about it, there are some things you need to know. For purposes of this blog post, eleven to be exact. These aren’t just suggestions; they are essential truths that can make or break your success as a franchisee.

1. Strong Brand or Great System—Preferably Both

A franchise

One franchise probably isn’t enough.

That’s the truth most won’t tell you when you are looking to do more than just buy yourself a job. The real game-changer in franchising? Going multi-unit.

Why Multi-Unit Franchising is the Next Level

Owning a single franchise is like dipping your toe in the water—it’s a start, but it’s

In Iowa, the franchise world has a silent guardian—Section 537A.10(11). It’s called the Good Faith provision in the Iowa franchise statute, and it’s more than just legal jargon; it is the very lifeline that ensures fairness between franchisors and franchisees. But what does this really mean if you are a franchisee?

Good faith isn’t just

Rushing into franchise ownership without preparation is a costly mistake.

To avoid buyer’s remorse, you need to be deliberate in your approach. Here’s how:

1. Self-Assessment: Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Before browsing franchises, evaluate your skills, interests, and financial situation. Too often, people pick franchises based on potential profit, not realizing they lack the

If you want to protect your investment in a franchise, don’t rely on verbal promises from the franchisor.

Why not? Because verbal promises are worthless if disputes arise. Verbal assurances from a franchisor representative might make you feel secure in the moment, but when challenges occur—like receiving less support than promised or discovering fees you

Entering into a franchise agreement can be an exciting and lucrative venture for many aspiring business owners. However, the path to successful franchise ownership is fraught with potential pitfalls. – just like opening your own independent business. As a franchise lawyer, I’ve observed several common mistakes that franchisees make, which can lead to significant financial

Contracts. The word alone might make you think of stacks of paper and endless legal jargon. But fear not! As your friendly Iowa business lawyer, I am here to break down the basics of contracts. By the end of this post, you’ll feel more confident in understanding the backbone of every business deal. Let’s dive

In the realm of business agreements, noncompete clauses have long been a subject of scrutiny and debate. These contractual provisions restrict individuals from working for or starting a competing business within a specified time frame and geographical area after leaving their current employment. While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken steps to limit the

Franchise agreements are the heartbeat of the franchise industry. They dictate the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee, outlining everything from branding and marketing guidelines to operational procedures and fees. Let’s be honest. These franchise agreements are VERY one-sided. No one denies it. So, it is not a surprise that many prospective franchisees ask, “Are

You’re convinced that owning a business is your true calling in life, and you decide to invest in a franchise. But before putting pen to paper, you should do your due diligence and understand all the risks and rewards that come with that decision. One essential step is to review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)