Do not sign any agreement without having it reviewed by your attorney and accountant.
Do not pay for any circular you request.
Promises made by a franchisor may not be binding unless included in the final franchise agreement.
Record ALL conversations with each franchisor -- include date, time, person talked to, promises, questions and their answers.
The UFOC does not mean the government has reviewed and/or approved your franchise.
Do not be pressured into signing an agreement: It's in the salesman's interest to create a sense of urgency that may not be real. Remember: Trade shows and franchise brokers are in business to sell franchises.
Talk to lots of franchisees including those the franchisor doesn't recommend or who have recently left the system. Include some in similar geographic areas, some who've been in business 3-12 months, and some who've gone through a renewal cycle and have been in the system for many years.
The Franchisor must give names of all franchisees who left the system in the past 3-5 years.
Never underestimate the start-up costs of getting into the franchise. Make sure you have enough funds to carry you until the business makes a profit.
Don't assume that because a franchisor is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA), it is a "reputable" franchisor.
