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

When considering buying a franchise, one factor stands out as particularly critical to your success: franchisor support. Franchisor support can make or break your franchise journey, providing the necessary guidance, resources, and assistance to help you thrive. Here’s how to effectively assess the level and quality of support offered by a franchisor.

1. Review the

Buying an existing business can be a fantastic way to become an entrepreneur without starting from scratch. However, it requires careful planning, evaluation, and execution. Here are some essential tips and strategies to guide you through the process.

1. Evaluate Financial, Market, and Operational Strength

Financial Evaluation:

  • Review Financial Statements: Analyze the balance sheets, income

Thinking of diving into the world of franchising? Hold your horses! Before you jump in, it’s essential to do your homework. Here are seven must-do steps every savvy franchisee should follow to ensure they’re making a well-informed decision.

1. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)

The FDD is your franchising bible. It’s packed with vital

In the world of franchising, the franchise agreement is the cornerstone of the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee. This legal document outlines the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties. While many potential franchisees feel they must accept the agreement as presented (particulary since many franchisors claim it cannot be negotiated), one franchise

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

Starting a business can be a daunting task, but franchising has become a popular choice for entrepreneurs who want the benefits of owning their own business with a proven model, as well as support from the franchisor. However, not all franchisors provide the support franchisees need to operate a successful business. In this blog post

Buying an existing business is often a great opportunity for would-be business owners. It is a way to skip the early stages of business development and hit the ground running. However, before making any serious decisions, it is important to understand the legal implications involved in buying an existing business. There are many legal issues

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