Q&A

[Q] Can I download an example franchise agreement to familiarise myself with what it looks like?

 

[BIO]
Jonathan Chadd
Jonathan is the head of franchising team for Leathes Prior.

[A] It is certainly possible to download a sample franchise agreement from the internet. These are available from a variety of providers both with and without charge though many are of poor quality. Many franchise law firms have information about the content of typical franchise agreements on their websites. The bfa also provides important information for franchisees, both on its website and its franchisee's guide. Time spent on such research is seldom wasted. It will provide you with a broader understanding of franchising generally and some of the terms you would normally expect to see within a franchise agreement.

However, each franchised business is unique and there are significant differences between, for example, a retail franchise operating from high street premises and a ‘man in a van' franchise. Ultimately it is the agreement of the franchised business you are proposing to take up that will need to be carefully considered.

The cost of having an experienced franchise solicitor to review such an agreement for you and report on its content will ensure you do not sign up to an agreement that contains provisions, which you do not understand and/or which are unduly onerous, unfair or run contrary to the bfa's code of ethics.