What is a UFOC?
The UFOC is the most important document any prospective franchisor can read prior to
investing and provides potential purchasers with the important
information they need to make fully informed decisions about investing in a franchise.
The UFOC contains crucial information you need to gather in the entrepreneurial research stage - before you
commit to a franchise.
- How many franchises have been involuntarily liquidated and under what circumstances?
- What is the contact information for those who have sold their franchise or were forced to leave the franchise?
- Do the franchise company officers have a criminal record or have they declared bankruptcy?
- Has the franchise ever changed its identity?
- What happens to your business when your franchise agreement expires?
- Will you be able to keep your business or even stay in the industry at the conclusion of the agreement?
- Is the franchise company permitted to open a corporate store right down the street from your location?
The answers are in the UFOC.
Unwary investors, rushed into rash decisions by unscrupulous franchise salesmen and 'consultants' have paid huge financial and
personal penalties for their lack of preparation and knowledge.
Only by comparing the litigation, financial and franchisee relationship aspects of two or more franchises will you have any idea if your
making an enormous mistake or the correct investment.
Don't become emotionally, financially, or psychologically committed to a franchise untill you have the answers contained in the UFOC.
The UFOC contains 23 sections including:
- The Franchisor, its Predecessors and Affiliates
- Business Experience
- Litigation
- Bankruptcy
- Initial Franchise Fee
- Other Fees
- Initial Investment
- Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services
- Franchisee's Obligations
- Financing
- Franchisor's Obligations
- Territory
- Trademarks
- Patents, Copyrights and Proprietary Information
- Obligation to Participate in the Actual Operation of the Franchise Business
- Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell
- Renewal, Termination, Transfer and Dispute Resolution
- Public Figures
- Earnings Claims
- List of Outlets
- Financial Statements
- Contracts
- Receipt
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