http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers-search/franchising.html Avvo.com - Franchising Legal Guides http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/pre-franchising-steps-for-how-to-franchise-a-business Pre-franchising steps not only makes the franchise transition easier; they also increase current operating efficiencies. This results in potentially significant savings in money as well as the time required to enter the franchise industry. Copyright 1982-2009, Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:57:26 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-evaluate-a-fdd-franchise-disclosure-document---cost-to-evaluate-a-fdd The key with any Franchise Disclosure Document is to realize a critical fact. When it comes to franchise contracts, you don’t get what you deserve or even what’s fair – you only get what you negotiate. Copyright 1990-2009, Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:15:08 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/franchise-operations-manuals--drafting-a-franchise-operations-manual-in-three-easy-steps Because a franchise operations manual is incorporated by reference in the franchise agreement (which is a franchise industry practice) it becomes a living legal document, requiring legal oversight by a franchise attorney. Copyright 2008-2009, Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:56:47 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-evaluate-franchise-attorneys-and-franchise-consultants---part-iii-of-iii Evaluating franchise attorneys and franchise consultants with objective criteria ensures the best use of resources and the highest quality end work product. Content copyright 1990-2009, Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:46:56 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-evaluate-franchise-attorneys-and-franchise-consultants---part-ii-of-iii Evaluating franchise attorneys and franchise consultants is very easy if objective factors are applied. Content copyright 1990-2009, Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:30:11 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/evaluating-franchise-attorneys-and-franchise-consultants Evaluating franchise attorneys and franchise consultants can seem a daunting task. But the firm an individual or company selects to assist its entry into franchising (or refining existing franchise efforts) will have profound, long-term consequences. Content copyright 1990-2009, Kevin B. Murphy Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:19:05 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/franchising-vs-licensing-a-business In considering the legal aspects, begin with the following premise that applies to both options. If you put someone into business this transaction will normally be a regulated activity subject to substantial penalties for noncompliance. Guide content copyright 1990-2009 Kevin B. Murphy, J.D., M.B.A. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:03:10 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-buy-a-franchise---evaluation-tips-from-a-franchise-expert---part-iii-of-iii- When buying a franchise, virtually all of your assets (savings, retirement accounts, home equity, etc.) as well as ten to twenty-year franchise contract and commercial lease obligations are on the line. Content in the Guide copyright 1990-2008, Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. – Mr. Franchise Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:35 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-buy-a-franchise---evaluation-tips-from-a-franchise-expert---part-ii-of-iii Buying a franchise investment decisions require due diligence, patience and objectivity, whether you're buying a new franchise or an existing franchise resale. Content in the Guide copyright 1990-2008, Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. – Mr. Franchise Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:47:54 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/buying-a-franchise---evaluation-tips-from-a-franchise-expert Buying a franchise represents a different approach to starting a business, a dream shared by millions. But just as franchising represents a chance to get rich, it's also equally a chance to get stung. Content in the Guide copyright 1990-2008, Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. – Mr. Franchise Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:31:24 PST