Franchisors and franchisees alike must continue to adapt to changing customer and employee trends to find opportunities for growth.
Over the years, Postal Connections has evolved from a pack-and-ship retail franchise to adding e-commerce and online sales services to capitalize on growing consumer trends. Learn more in my feature in Franchise Update:
As published in the October issue of Global Franchise Magazine.
We live in interesting times, which a Chinese proverb tells us this is a curse. In franchising it can be a blessing to those franchise models that see flexibility and a focused view on customers.
Artificial intelligence is powering business automation; and digital technologies are transforming clunky analog processes at a rapid pace into self-help time and cost efficiencies. Franchise industry adoption of new age operating processes is in full swing, so there is no slowing down the future.
As a consequence of the pandemic and continually changing consumer behavior, what we once thought of as normal business practices just a few years ago will never be the same. Your franchise business could be in peril if you utilize stagnant “old-school thinking,” ignoring the modernized preferences of today’s customers with special attention on differences among different generations.
Franchises that have remained flexible and nimbly embracing change are being rewarded, often driving record sales and new unit growth. Unique innovations across industries have been implemented to entice today’s consumers in new ways, such as double drive-through lanes to keep fast-food fast. Ecommerce delivery drop-off and pickup packages at pack and ship retail stores adds time-saving convenience and service when needed. Postal Connections® has been following a retail business strategy of blending high tech with high touch service to remain relevant for consumers and local businesses. Paperless and cashless transactions are another technology driver impacting retailing. Recognizing this at Postal Connections, a new consignment sales service using eBay enables customers to turn over the selling of their items online to our staff expertise and iSOLD It® automated system. Using a software system, staff are able to assess item values and sales volatility to advise customers on pricing. Seller identities are transparent online, automated payments are received and franchisees earn a service fee that is directly deposited by eBay into their business account.
In another retail sector, a 2020 study from Wakefield Research found that when faced with change, 85% of restaurants completely reorganized their operations, changing the way they interact with customers as we know it. But, restaurants are not the only ones impacted by modernizations, all of franchising has been impacted. Thus, here are three things to keep in mind as you consider your evolutionary plans for the new normal.
Technology innovations are the driving forces of our modern society. A whopping 95% of Americans own a cellphone of some kind, with over 85% of those being smartphones. This means that a great minority of the American population does not own a smartphone. One aspect at the intersection of technology and businesses coming together that has taken off is mobile applications. In 2018, 42% of small businesses already had a mobile app, and this has only increased in the last three years. Now, businesses can be an earworm in our phones and with consumers carrying a piece of them everywhere we go.
With increased technology, the way we think about currency has changed. Years ago, the concept of “cashless” businesses was unheard of, and now, especially in big cities, they are a normal occurrence. What started as the takeover of credit and debit transactions, is now the takeover of mobile payment options such as Apple Pay, or even unconventional payment methods like Bitcoin. With the click of a button, you can pay for your items without picking up a single penny. Though not all businesses will or even should go cashless, providing sufficient currency options for customer payment is essential in the modern era.
Home delivery options within businesses were proven to be saving graces throughout the pandemic and continue to remain a staple. E-commerce has simply soared to unimaginable heights due to what began as stay-at-home orders and turned into time and convenience efficiencies for society at large. Postal Connections has seen a surge in our pack and ship services from this transformation (systemwide revenues were up nearly 10 percent in 2020 over 2019. Currently franchise locations are nearly 15 percent up in 2021 over 2020), and we’ve embraced by reinvesting in our own technologies to reinforce the uptick in delivery preferences for consumers and businesses.
Whether it is taking the form of delivering food from a local restaurant through third-party mobile applications, or e-commerce orders for whole new wardrobes through extensive online shopping options, the ease of not having to leave your home matched the needs of modern consumers in a post-pandemic world. For instance, we have adjusted to at-home convenience with our proprietary iSOLD It on eBay operating system. It works on mobile devices so Postal Connections staff can go to a seller-customer’s home or business to start our service. Robust e-retailing options are one of the most transformative aspects of new normal operating processes, though concerns remain with supply chain issues.
According to a 2019 study from Oxford Economics, Robots could take over 20 million jobs by 2030. Where factory workers once sat, and secretaries once made phone calls, there could be an individual computer controlling all of the work. Labor supply for many franchise sectors is as small as ever, and businesses are looking for ways to operate “labor-light” business models, requiring as few bodies as possible.
We have all heard complaints that robots are growing so complex that they have the ability to take over our jobs. Though this sentiment is often laughed off, it is a genuine reality and concern. But, given current labor shortages, there may be no other answer. The more automation built into business models today, the greater the likelihood of operating a business designed for today and beyond.
Likewise, the simplicity in business models needs to be optimized – the lower the employee count, the greater the attractiveness of the franchise for franchisee recruitment. Today, blending high tech with high touch services fosters personalized attention with as little as just a few employees. The combination of human interaction and tech forward innovation becomes a powerful benefit for many who want to save time, don’t want to do it themselves or seek expertise and comforting attention. Especially among service business franchises, the human element is key to customer loyalty and earning a margin for being there.
One aspect that many businesses have adopted is the concept of “self-service.” This takes the form of self-checkout at a grocery store or an ordering kiosk at a restaurant.
Another dying concept is that of picking up the phone. 88% of Millennials prefer texting over phone calls, and the same can be said for Gen-Z. Picking up the phone and engaging in a time-consuming conversation that could have been a simple text feels like a waste of energy for these groups. Nowadays, to accommodate these young individuals, there should always be an online option. Being able to make a haircut appointment on an app at the click of a button versus having to spend time speaking to another human is a sigh of relief. Scheduling and booking appointments, tickets and more online takes franchise industries is a huge step in the right direction.
When we look at customer satisfaction, consumers tend to be happiest when the task requires the least time and brainpower. The “labor light” model with fewer employees, do it yourself options, and single-click versus phone call options make the world run smoother, especially among younger generations who are the most savvy technology users.
Right now it is hard to get many things. We are consistently hearing about shortages within the narrow supply chain crowded with back orders. Supply shortages are up 638% in the first half of 2021. It is vital that businesses dependent on hard and soft goods, foods and delivery of operating supplies remain up to date and prepared to tackle these challenges.
The modern business will make adjustments to accommodate services and offerings depending on product availability and delays, without compromising quality and reliability. One example of this recently were the U.S. meat shortages. Supply chain issues are to blame. These shortages have led to shifts in consumer behavior, and leave consumers looking for alternatives. Other shortages include car-chip shortages, impacting the number of new cars produced, home furnishings and less essential items such as pool equipment.
In the very near future, drones may very well be dropping our stuff off, and we may leave our own homes less. People are continuing to work from home (with roughly 22 million Americans still in “WFH” mode), shop from home and do things without any human interaction. This is new behavior, and a big change from old fashion ways, but adaptation to new supply chain requirements is imperative. We are gripping onto any human interaction we can get, though now we are launching into a new normal filled with endless possibilities and personal capabilities using technology. Agile and flexible franchise concepts will flourish as they recognize that younger people from a new generation coming into consuming and commercial leadership have the right to do things the way they want.
Fred Morache is the COO and Managing Partner of Postal Connections/iSOLD It, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the franchising and pack and ship industries to his leadership role.
Commonly, the main group of individuals interested in buying franchises has been those on the “bridge to retirement,” as I like to call it.
The “bridge to retirement” refers to those who have had a successful career in their established industry, and are now looking for the opportunity to be their own boss and establish a new source of income. This franchise ownership will carry them into retirement and could be an excellent opportunity to provide their family with an existing business.
However, in recent years, a new group has emerged in the franchise ownership space: Millennials. Gen Y, or Millennials, are the generation made up of those today who are between the ages of 25 and 40. Many Millennial-aged professionals are choosing to take control of their personal and professional futures by grabbing hold of the opportunity to enter entrepreneurship. Only now, more and more are choosing to do it in franchising, mainly because of the level of support and the proven business model that comes with a franchise. It almost could be considered entrepreneurship with a parachute.
Business, especially franchising, must deal with the most powerful force known-to-man: Aging. The latest statistics reveal the obvious that “the two generations following the Baby Boomers are larger and growing faster than Boomers who are aging out,” according to the Pew Research Center.
As reported by FranchiseInsights.com: July 21, 2021 – For the first time in history, more Millennials are seeking franchise ownership than Baby Boomers. While Generation X, has shown the greatest share of franchise interest for some years, that share may have peaked in 2020 at 48.2%, based on year-to-date data in 2021 through June.
The Gen-Y or Millennial cohort (ages 25-40 in 2021) is growing rapidly in share, and now makes up the second largest generation of future franchise owners at 24.7%, edging out Baby Boomers at 23.4% of franchise inquiries.
So, what does all this mean? See the last discussion in Franchise Fred below. Millennials are interested in many things at home and work that have not been the priorities of the Baby Boomer (ages 57-75 in 2021) and the Gen X cohort (ages 41-56 in 2021). Technology, environment, personalized service and meaningful work come to mind as top priority among Millennials. Franchises that embrace these aspects of human endeavors and business interests will fine the greatest appeal.
Millennials now represent nearly 20% of new franchise owners, otherwise known as franchisees. Plus, that number is increasing in part because this age group brings a lot to the table. Their skillset often works hand-in-hand with owning and operating a franchise business.
Some of the talents commonly found in Millennials include:
Let’s explore some of the main reasons why Millennials are a great fit for franchising.
Technology and computers are as natural to this generation as walking. Millennials are the first generation to have been raised in a highly tech-advanced culture. The ease with which they absorb new technology makes them skilled for franchise business management, which is a challenge to older franchise prospects.
Millennials fully embrace digital life by not only purchasing technology but also consuming technology in their daily lives. To stay up to date with the latest trends and consumer behaviors, almost all businesses are now building platforms and digital tools, which boost their effectiveness. These tools, such as mobile applications, can embrace the franchise owner and customer needs and expectations.
In 2021, the integration of technology into businesses is a must. As an example, we have invested heavily in advancements for our franchise, Postal Connections/iSOLD It®, and now consider our concept to be at the leading edge of the business services franchise category. New service centers are equipped with digital menu boards for ease of customer service, websites configured to download files and online ordering and as well as eBay technology, such as Quicklist™ for iSOLD It services, is being implemented.
It’s a common misconception that this generation is lazy and unmotivated. Rather it’s quite the opposite. Millennials are just motivated differently than previous generations, and we have to take that into account as they pursue franchise investments. According to a 2018 study, Millennials want to spend their time doing work that has a positive impact on others.
Millennials seek purpose in their lives and their careers. Many are naturally inquisitive and eager to learn from others, making them great candidates for franchising. The best type of franchises for Millennials are those with strong missions that give back to their communities to tie into a greater purpose. At Postal Connections, we start when our candidate joins up as a franchisee with explaining what our operating values—service that is trustworthy, friendly, savvy and leading edge—means to business activities and treatment of customers.
Being tied to a desk and a specific schedule is often viewed as an ancient practice for Millennials. Online meetings, classes, and smartphones have made it easier to be efficient and flexible with scheduling. It has been found that companies that offer flexible scheduling are much more successful than those with the standard 9 to 5 schedule. When you can “be your boss” you can have the flexibility that you would like. Owning your own business and making time for family or other commitments when needed creates freedom and control. Franchises that offer business models with flexible operating standards, instead of regimented and mandatory requirements offer Millennials a place to apply entrepreneurial creativity to advance the business.
One of Postal Connections’ newest franchisees, a Millennial, Lee Kennedy in Bend, Oregon, has found a great path with opening his first Postal Connections franchise. He has chosen to operate the business with help from his family – a selection he made strategically as a way to incorporate those he loves into the business for now and future generations. His strong desire to learn and grow within his business and the community is proving to be an asset.
“I have been impressed by the Postal Connections franchise model since day one and have witnessed firsthand how a business service center with time-saving, personalized services will meet the needs of residents here in my Bend community,” said Lee Kennedy.
As Millennials begin to lead us from the office life and launch their careers to new entrepreneurial models through franchising, we can learn a lot from them. Careers are moving away from what we once knew, and begin to incorporate more technology, purpose and flexible scheduling of work, we look ahead to new, successful models of franchising. Franchises that accommodate savvy customer needing support working in with online commercial and customized service solutions. The future of franchising is expanding beyond the traditional “bridge to retirement” goals, but is a refreshing direction to launch careers as “budding entrepreneurs” for a new generation of individuals becoming their own boss.
Typically, when people make the decision to own their own brick and mortar business, they begin to envision themselves in a specific location. It’s natural to think about where your business would operate considering you’ll be the owner, you know the community, and it’s probably a venue or address you’ve always found well-suited for a business.
Franchising offers a strong opportunity for entrpreneurs to pursue those business ownership dreams right in the community where they’d like operate. In fact, in many cases, franchises offer sophisticated real estate site mapping services to provide accurate information about opitmal location placement. It will include drive-by traffic and many other details pertaning to the viability of the location.
Not all franchises can offer a new location in your neighborhood or dream location. Of course, many established franchises already have someone occupying a protected franchise territory which blocks new franchisees with the same brand from doing business inside the current franchisees designed territory. This is important to all parties concered and avoids dimenished revenue potential and failures. Frequently, established franchise brands first select a site and offer than offer this to a franchisee candidates.
However, many franchise candidates believe they already know where to place their units and they start scouting locations, contacting real estate brokers and begin to get “hard wired” into the fact that “this is the place.”
Yet, in most cases this puts the cart before the horse. Since every franchise has a different set of characteristics that have proven the model out, it’s important to first match up with the franchise model of your choice, then look for a location. A potential franchisor should be able to describe the type(s) of neighborhoods, traffic paterns, customer income levels, kids, etc. are needed to be successful. The franchisor should be able to expalin competitor issues and greatest potential where the“under-served” marketplace(s) are. Get this information when you start looking to save time and intelligence for where to go for a good location.
The franchise model that you choose to join is an invaluable guide in the site selection process. With that said, there are always a few things to keep in mind when considering locations to open your franchise:
A few years ago in Southern California, one of my pack, ship and postal store Franchisees chose what at first look seemed to be a perfect site. The space and rent level were OK. The location was at the corner with a high-level of traffic who would see the store sign and know what was being offered. And best of all, it was one door down from the hottest coffee shop concepts.
After signing the 5-year lease it was discovered early that the popularity of the coffee shop was a plague to nearby parking, easy access with drive lane lines and coffee customers who came and left without a 2nd stop to other mall merchants.
The lady Franchisee resolved at the end of here 5-year lease not to renew and move to a larger space 100 yards to an adjacent mall. She kept her customers from the first location and spike new revenue helped by accessible parking, easier access and egress and more space to offer new products and service.
Consider from the start whether high traffic counts into the center can be a boon or curse for the personality of your franchise business.
Shopping malls can be a great location for franchisees to open a site. A shopping mall-based business will bring traffic and customers on your first day of business. Remember these hints when you start the site-selection process:
Keep in mind these specific things your franchisor can help you determine when finding a new site:
Learn more about franchising opportunities with Postal Connections.
Are you still learning about franchising and do you remain curious if it is right for you? Lean into franchise investing a bit more with Postal Connections/iSold It’s top executive Fred Morache. For a fresh perspective and high-quality educational information on franchising, read the Franchise Fred blog. Check back regularly for new articles!
The last year-and-half has seen rapid changes to commerce and where we work and live. Beyond the much-reported ascendancy of ecommerce and working-at-home, there is strong evidence married couples are seeking new opportunities to be their own boss. They want to participate in the American dream to own their own business, opposed to working for others. Large numbers of married couples are turning to franchises.
Franchising has unique, positive benefits for married couples wanting to control of their careers while building a financial asset. Couples have unique advantages to join a franchise. They combine financial strength, talent, and family support frequently with participating children.
Research from FranchiseInsights.com by Franchise Ventures, a large collection of internet lead-source companies for franchisors, measures and analyzes online franchise candidates who come to them to investigate opportunities. From January to April 2021, it is revealed that “Nearly two-thirds of prospects [candidates] interested in buying a franchise are married….” “This is significantly higher than the national marriage rate of 55.7% for adults aged 24 and older.” 
Married couples exploring franchise opportunities, according to FranchiseInsights.com, account for 65.5% of inquiries and are significantly above the national marriage rate of 55.7% of adults 24 and older
Business is exciting. Not only the financial rewards but also the emotional gratification especially shared by a man and wife team. As an entry-level business model franchising is a good option since you start up with a proven business, something that works. For married couples, the franchise business formula is ready to go and ongoing training and support enables the couple to combine their financial strength and apply different talents while maintaining a household or continuing a separate career or simply keeping either person from becoming exhausted. Plus the old saying about franchising applies: Go into business for yourself, but not by yourself.
Investing in franchising by married couples has the career strength and creativity from two entrepreneurs with the multiplier of talent for operating the business. Below are three examples for how this has worked for others.
Elizabeth & Jim Bowe Franchisees (center), and Franchisors Andy Thompson (Right) and Fred Morache (left)
Couples focused on their shared No.1 goal in choosing a franchise investment. This is demonstrated in a couple’s priority to build a family business. The couple bought out of relative’s failing franchise and revived it into be a thriving, profitable venture. Combining their talents a commercial airline pilot and housewife-mother concentrated on building a family retail operation, turning the store into one of the national chain’s top performing sales units. They achieved a million sales operation in one store.
But priories grow, just as families do. Now the couple own three franchise stores in southeastern Pennsylvania and employ many local people while their family business served as the nexus for their children to learn how business works, successfully finish college and venturing out on their own.
An entrepreneurial couple’s shared goal was to diversify their agricultural, seasonal business in their Oregon smalltown. They invested in a mail, pack & ship service franchise opening “…where everybody knows your name.” Both husband & wife are savvy customer service and marketing experts sharing owner-operator duties in-store while the partner switches off to manage other outside priorities. The wife contributes her talent gained from advertising experience. The husband adds a sharp eye for new sales opportunities introducing new services and products that attracts customers.
Postal Connections franchisees Don & Sue Harteloo,
In their 18th year as Franchisees, the couple’s harmony and talents have consistently made their hometown franchise store a success while continuing a successful second unrelated mail-order business.
A married couple’s shared commitment started with building an asset bridge to retirement. They brought savvy and unbending enthusiasm to their franchise investment following a lay off due to a corporate failure. The couple’s partnership has been supported a two-track career strategy with the wife as an employee of a private educational system and the husband develops a new franchise business that is the asset that can be increased and cashed in when the times comes.
Located in Boise ID, the mail, pack & ship service center has had one of the fastest new store revenue climbs and continues in 2021 on a rapid pace with 6-month 2021 sales 75% higher than first half 2020. The wife continues to bring home stable employment and benefits; while the husband succeeds in being his own boss. He brings retail and sales experience to his operation; and keenly understands how personalized customer service is key to loyalty where a population relies on ecommerce yet starved for face-to-face service attention when needed.
Franchising Trends
With franchising growing every year for the past six years, the successful franchisees and franchisors, for that matter, stay on top of societal trends to keep business booming.
Demographic Changes
US population shifts impact today’s consumers and as well as the labor force. Owners must adapt to this shifting base to mine growth opportunities:
Millennials- This cohort, born roughly between 1981 and 2000 affect everything because of their sheer numbers which are greater than that of baby boomers. Raised on the internet and technology, this group loves to be catered to. They want the owner to know what they want before they even go shopping!
Baby Boomers- As they age, boomers need new and customized services including housing, fitness, aging parent assistance and financial and retirement planning. Other programs and services tailored to their aging experiences will be in high demand.
Minorities- A new majority consisting of Hispanics, Asians and African-Americans is being formed. The growth here presents new opportunities for franchises focused on serving these groups.
Growth Areas
Recession-proof businesses- Businesses like shipping and packaging, hair care, tax preparation, childcare, pet care, computer services and many more do well in any economy. House cleaning and mailing services businesses especially appeal to those who want to stop doing maintenance work in order to pursue more life-fulfilling activities.
Personal care- This includes fitness centers, spas, tanning centers, healthy fast good and tailored education programs designed to improve physical appearance and mental well-being.
Green businesses- With LEED-certification and other guidelines aimed at sustaining and improving the environment, opportunities have arisen in areas such as home improvement, energy savings and green home care.
Staying current with these trends helps the franchisee and franchisor stay relevant in the ever-shifting market.
Fred Morache is a franchising expert and a partner in Postal Connections of America and iSold It franchisors.
Leadership styles vary just as people do. Usually, the ways individuals lead are outgrowths of their personalities. Some are bombastic, some quiet and others are mix of many traits. However, there are ways to act as a leader that transcend all personality traits… the five Bs:
Be Yourself: In a time rife with phony smiles and chameleon-like changes because of the circumstances, stay authentic. Be true to yourself. It makes others feel like they know you and because of that, they want to help you be successful. And make sure you put the best part of yourself for your employees and customers to see.
Be an Immigrant: This means that when you arrive on new shores, you look at the landscape, including opportunities, with fresh eyes. Everything is not only new, but exciting! You cannot wait to sink your teeth into what you’re about to face. You may even see potential that others miss.
Be Calm: Screaming does not work. If your customers or employees spend time wondering about what mood you’re in, not much gets done. Stay calm, steadfast and focused on the tasks on hand.
Be Accountable: This may be the toughest of all because this includes acknowledging when you make a mistake and few like to do that, yet we all admit we make them! If an error has been made with an employee’s pay, a customer’s order or a supplier’s shipment, ‘fess up and fix it. People know mistakes are made. It’s how mistakes get handled that separates the true leaders from the posers.
Be Questioning: Business owners often fall into a: The process is good because that’s the way it’s always been done or if it’s not broke, don’t fix it mentality. Question everything! If something has been around for a while chances are it could use some scrutiny.
If you can maintain the spirit of the five Bs, not only will you have set the foundation of good leadership but your company will flourish.
Business myths are rife with stories about youthful entrepreneurs who concocted wild ideas while eating pizza in a tiny college dorm room, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars of VC capital and founded million dollar ventures. While this does happen, it is rare. The typical entrepreneur is a middle-aged professional who taps into a market need and uses his/her own savings to get into a venture like franchising, for example.
In fact, AARP’s (A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps people 50 and older improve the quality of their lives) has done studies on self-employment and the over 50 population. Their research indicates that almost half of the self-employed population is over 50. What’s more about 33% of those first became self-employed at or past the age of 50.
The over 50 years proved to be the best time to start their own business for these people. For many of them, buying a franchise was the best way to do that. It’s a trend that is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Why? Well, many franchisees are retirees or downsized corporate soldiers who always wanted to own their own enterprise. With rising life expectancies, at 50, there are most likely many years of fruitful labor remaining in their lives.
Also, do not underestimate the power of mid-life reflection. It’s a time when people seek meaning in their lives. Working in a career that is not providing fulfillment can often be a springboard to considering a franchising opportunity.
A franchise can be attractive to this age group because it’s a fast way to get into business with a proven product or service. Coupled with a good support system, it can make entry into small business ownership franchising a less risky proposition.
Understanding and wanting to fill a business need comes from experience and experience comes with age. Hopefully, a little wisdom does also. Because owning a franchise can be a beautiful experience in this rich stage of life. http://www.postalconnections.com/franchise-opportunities/
Today, you know your Postal Connections of America (PCA) store as a one-stop shop for many useful items and services for businesses and consumers. The stores offer anywhere pack and ship, printing, copying, shredding, mailbox rentals, office supplies, computer rentals, notary services and much more. In addition, to maintain the local flavor of the stores and because so many are community driven, several stores offer other items. These have included stocking greeting cards, gifts, local craft merchandise and selling media like games and DVDs.
The History of Postal Connections of America
Postal Connections of America started in 1995, 21 years in business in 2016, an enduring accomplishment by any standards. The company originally built and furnished postal, packing and shipping stores for independent operators. The very next year, 1996, PCA started franchising by providing franchisees a support system for daily operations, marketing and preferred vendors.
In 2000, a holding company bought the franchisor as an adjunct to a collection of businesses, operating Postal Connections as a subsidiary. In 2002, the current owners, C. “Andy” Thompson and Fred Morache, joined Postal Connections as experienced managers to develop the franchise business.
New Franchisors
Andy and Fred ended up buying the franchise in 2007 and made it a privately held company dedicated to expanding franchise stores across the US. Their concept was to update the version of the original postal, shipping and business services concept they helped create at Mail Boxes Etc. which was based on providing community-oriented products and services, stellar customer service and competitive pricing.
Franchisees are encouraged to add new services and hard-to-find products unique to the community. The Postal Connections staff and area franchisees dedicate themselves to assisting and guiding franchisees to grow their shops.
We love this business!
Note: All stores do not provide all services. Contact the store in your area to inquire about a particular product or service.
One big advantage that occurs within the potential franchisee’s due diligence timeframe is that the franchisor is required by law to provide what is called a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) during the pre-sales disclosure process. (Note: This used to be called a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular.)
This document is required to be submitted to potential franchisees by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Franchise Rule. This rule gets into the specifics of FDD disclosure obligations including when (at least 14 days prior to any contract signing) the franchisor has to provide the document.
The FDD contains the following valuable information:
This is not a comprehensive list but it provides the majority of what you will receive with the FDD. The FTC site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/franchise/faq1.shtm provides more information on the disclosure obligations of the franchisor.
