The Franchise King® | Learn How To Become A Franchisee

The #1 Thing My Dad Taught Me About The FDD

FDD

Although this post is about the #1 thing my dad taught me about the FDD, I need to tell you what prompted me to share his important tip with you.

In short, every week or so I like to search the web for franchise-related articles and news. That’s because I’m always interested to see what others in franchising are doing. How they’re presenting franchise opportunities, what they’re writing about, and finally, what they’re trying to sell.

(This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy).

Last week, as I was scoping out everything franchise, I ran across a franchise website that focuses on the strangest thing.

Keep reading to find out what it is.

FDD’s

The website I discovered focuses on FDD’s-Franchise Disclosure Documents.

If you’re new to franchising, the FDD is a lengthy (and pretty darn boring) document you receive when you show interest in a specific franchise opportunity. It includes oodles of terrific information and data on the franchisor. (The FDD also includes your franchise contract) So, it’s a very important document. Especially if you get serious about investing in a franchise opportunity you think can be profitable.

But as you’ll see, it’s not the end-all.

The #1 Thing My Dad Taught Me About The FDD

My dad, Jerry Libava, was the Director of Franchise Development for Physicians Weight Loss Centers from 1984-1990. He helped the company grow, big-time; he helped open 300 franchise units.

He was also a franchise broker. (One of the early ones.) And he had a deep understanding of franchising.

Part of his job at Physician’s Weight Loss Centers was to go over the FDD with prospective franchisees. (Back then, the document was called the UFOC-Uniform Franchise Offering Circular.) He did it hundreds of times. Suffice to say he was an expert when it came to the (250-350 page) disclosure document.

That’s why I believed him when he taught me the following nugget:



Don't miss out!
Free Franchise Buying Checklist!
Every Franchise Buyer Needs This
Invalid email address



The FDD Is Not The Business.”

Let me show you what he meant.

A Franchise Business Is…

By the time you’re done reading this, the super-important thing my dad taught me about the FDD will make sense. Plus, you’ll benefit from it tremendously.

First off, I need to tell you that the FDD consists of approximately 350 pieces of paper containing very specific words and numbers that are typed in black ink. Pretty boring, right?

what my dad taught me about the FDD

(I just snapped this picture. It’s part of a real-life, 221 page FDD.)

Look at the words up there. Restrictions. Compliance. Inspections/audits. Good stuff. Pretty darn exciting. Not.

My point is this: The FDD is only a snapshot of certain aspects of the franchise business you’re interested in buying. It’s not the actual business.

In other words, you’re not buying* a FDD…a document. You’re buying a potential living, breathing business.

And because it’s a franchise business, you have the unique ability to learn all about (research) before you buy it.

Tip: Choosing and researching a franchise is something that’s fairly easy to do, as long as you tackle it one step at a time. Like this

Now check this out.

The FDD Isn’t That Important

Some franchise professionals talk about the FDD like it’s the most important part of choosing a franchise to buy. It’s not.

However-the FDD is important; it’s just not the most important thing.

And speaking of important…

Don’t Ever Buy A FDD

The website I told you I found not only focuses on the FDD, but the people that own the website sell FDD’s.

*That’s right: Did you know that you can actually buy FDD’s on the internet?

Who does that?

who buys fdd's?

(Hopefully not you!)

The reason you should never buy a FDD has to do with the process of buying a franchise. The right process.

It’s important for you to know that my process for choosing, researching and buying a money-making franchise does include reading the FDD. But only after you have a good understanding of the franchise your interested in, including if you feel you’re a good fit for what your role as a franchisee would be, you know all the costs and fees you’d incur, and you can afford it.

Only then are you ready to dive into the FDD.

Because doing so before you know a lot about the business, before you determine if you’re a good fit for it, is a total waste of time.

But Joel…

I know what you’re thinking.

The FDD contains earnings claims, and I need to know if I can make money...before I buy it

Hey, I don’t blame you for wanting to know if you can make enough money to make investing in the franchise worth it. I get it. But, not all franchisors provide earnings* claims.

*Earnings claims can be in the form of franchisee unit revenues, or even franchisee profits. It depends on the franchisor. But..

I don’t care if a franchisor reveals earnings claims or not, because those numbers are just averages anyway.”

That’s why I teach my students and clients to talk to and visit existing franchisees in order to get the REAL earnings claims.

The real numbers.

The money coming in and the money going out each and every day. And the profit margins of the business.



make money in franchising

On Money

Obviously, you need to make money.

But, becoming the owner of a franchise business has to be about more than the money.

It has to be about the freedom and control you have as an Owner.

And don’t forget some of the other benefits of owning a business, like the fact that you’ll be creating new jobs, and the many tax benefits you’ll have as a small business owner.

Finally, if everything lines up, if the numbers look good, if you’ve talked to enough franchisees, and you can easily see yourself owning it, you may have found something.

Something that can enable you to reach your dreams, goals and desires.

A successful franchise business.

Your franchise business.

How cool would that be?

Please Share This Article!
4Shares
Note: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. In addition, I've started to use AI to help me craft better article titles and headings.
joel libava

I'm The Franchise King®, Joel Libava. I help prospective franchise owners avoid bank account emptying mistakes. For over 20 years, I’ve been showing people how to make smart, informed decisions on franchises to buy, and I can help you, too!
P.S. I'm not a franchise consultant/broker.

Joel is the absolute best. Do NOT engage in any franchise until you have consulted with Joel. He will save you tons of money and grief. I am absolutely convinced that if I had found Joel before I signed on all the dotted lines and spent some money with him, I would have avoided my looming crash and burn."
- Andy Mark
Free Franchise Tools Franchise Compatibility Quiz Net Worth Calculator
VIP Franchise Newsletter

Recommended Reading
How Franchises Work
How Much Is A Franchise?
Pros And Cons Of A Franchise What Is The Franchise Fee? How To Buy A Franchise
Best Franchises To Own

Top 33 Business Opportunities Starbucks Franchise Facts
The Great Clips Franchise
Featured Franchises!
10 Best Franchise Websites
About Franchise Consultants
How To Read A FDD
Questions To Ask Franchisors
Questions To Ask Franchisees Franchise Discovery Day Franchise Reviews
A Unique Franchise Loan

Top 10 Franchise Buying Tips