fbpx
Skip to content

What Does a Disclosure Document Tell Me as a Potential Franchisee?

Table of Contents

Under the Franchising Code of Conduct, franchisors must provide potential franchisees with certain documents at least 14 days before the franchising agreement is signed. These documents include:

  • A Disclosure Document
  • A copy of the Franchise Agreement
  • A copy of the Franchising Code of Conduct

To access the full version of the Franchising Code of Conduct, please see: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2010C00457

The purpose of the Disclosure Document is to give sufficient information to franchisees so they can make an informed decision about whether to enter into a Franchise Agreement. This includes estimating all the expenses a franchisee will incur.

The Franchising Code of Conduct sets out the essential elements that should be covered in any Disclosure Document. You should be aware of what needs to be disclosed in a Disclosure Document in order to protect your interests as a potential franchisee.

The required elements to be covered in a Disclosure Document differ depending on the expected annual turnover of the franchise business. Businesses with an expected annual turnover of $50,000 or more must cover a broader range of topics in their Disclosure Document than a business with an expected annual turnover of $50,000 or less.

The key elements of a Disclosure Document include:

  • Details of the franchisor and a description of the franchise business.
  • The business experience of each officer of the franchisor.
  • Details of any litigation against the franchisor.
  • Contact details for each of the existing franchisees.
  • Description of the franchise system’s intellectual property.
  • Details of the territory of the proposed franchise and exclusivity rights.
  • A comprehensive lists off all the operating and capital expenses which a franchisee is likely to incur.
  • Details of the franchisor’s requirements for the supply of goods or services to a franchisee.
  • Details of the requirements the franchisee must satisfy for the supply of goods and services to customers.
  • Details of any marketing funds.
  • What happens if there are unforseen significant capital expenditures.
  • Summary of the franchisor’s obligations under the Franchise Agreement.
  • Summary of the franchisee’s obligations under the Franchise Agreement.
  • What happens at the end of the Franchise Agreement.
  • Earnings information. The franchisor often does not give earnings information about their franchise on the basis that earnings may vary between franchises and they cannot estimate earnings for a particular franchise.
  • A statement from the franchisor that it is solvent and will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

Conclusion

The Franchising Code of Conduct requires a Disclosure Document to provide comprehensive information about a franchise system to protect you as a potential franchisee and to ensure you are making an informed decision. Investing in a franchise can be a major investment both financially and in relation to the amount of time you are committing to operate the franchise business. As one would expect to do with all other key investments, undertaking a thorough due diligence and being fully informed is extremely important. The Disclosure Document is your key resource in this regard and should not be underestimated or ignored. To speak with a franchise solicitor, contact LegalVision on 1300 544 755.

Register for our free webinars

How Founders Can Succeed in the Startup Ecosystem

Online
As a founder, learn how to navigate the startup ecosystem. Register for our free webinar today.
Register

Preventing Wage Underpayment In Your Business

Online
Avoid negative headlines and penalties by ensuring you correctly pay your employees. Register for our free webinar today.
Register

Construction Security of Payment Claims: Your Rights

Online
Learn how to make a claim under SOPA. Register for our free webinar today.
Register

Don’t Sign that Contract: What Businesses Should Review Before Signing

Online
Understand what red flags to look for before signing a commercial contract. Register for our free webinar today.
Register
See more webinars >
Lachlan McKnight

Lachlan McKnight

CEO

Lachlan is the CEO of LegalVision. He co-founded LegalVision in 2012 with the goal of providing high quality, cost effective legal services at scale to both SMEs and large corporates.

Qualifications: Lachlan has an MBA from INSEAD and is admitted to the Supreme Court of England and Wales and the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Read all articles by Lachlan

About LegalVision

LegalVision is an innovative commercial law firm that provides businesses with affordable, unlimited and ongoing legal assistance through our membership. We operate in Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Learn more

Read other articles by Lachlan

We’re an award-winning law firm

  • Award

    2023 Fast Firms - Australasian Lawyer

  • Award

    2022 Law Firm of the Year - Australasian Law Awards

  • Award

    2021 Law Firm of the Year - Australasian Law Awards

  • Award

    2020 Excellence in Technology & Innovation Finalist - Australasian Law Awards

  • Award

    2020 Employer of Choice Winner - Australasian Lawyer