The franchise field guide

Franchise guides — from discovery to exit

Foundational, plain-language knowledge grounded in international sources (IFA, the FTC Franchise Rule). Every guide links straight to the tools that turn it into action.

Explore
Due diligence · 7 min read

How to read FDD Item 19: decoding financial performance representations

Item 19 is the only section of a Franchise Disclosure Document that may state revenue or profit. Learn to read it critically so a flattering number can't mislead you.

Explore
Costs & fee structure · 6 min read

Franchise fees explained: initial fee, royalties and the marketing fund

Understand every franchise fee — initial fee, ongoing royalties, ad fund — before you sign, so you can model the cash you actually keep.

Operate
Operations & finance · 7 min read

Franchise unit economics: the numbers that make a unit profitable

Unit economics — the economics of a single location — decide whether a system can scale sustainably. Here are the core metrics to master.

Exit
Exit & valuation · 6 min read

How to value a franchise resale: SDE, EBITDA and the multiple

When it's time to exit, what is your unit worth? Understand how buyers value it using cash flow and an industry multiple.