The Franchise Disclosure Document is long, but a handful of its 23 items tell you most of what you need to know. Here's where to look.
Federal law requires the franchisor to give you the FDD at least 14 days before you sign or pay anything. Use that window, it's there to protect you.
The items that matter most
Items 5 & 6 list every fee, upfront and ongoing. Item 7 estimates your total initial investment. Item 19 is the financial performance representation, what existing units actually earn (if disclosed).
Items 20 & 21 show system growth, closures, and the franchisor's own financials. A pattern of closures or shrinking unit counts is a red flag worth asking about.
Get a second set of eyes
A franchise attorney reviews FDDs for a living and will catch things you won't. It's a small cost relative to the investment you're about to make.
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