Understanding Your New Franchise Contract Part 2

wing on from Part 1 we are going to discussto do so by the franchisor.
understanding section 2, your franchise or license•To maintain the widest possible insurance
agreement.coverage.
Franchise or License Agreement•To permit the franchisor's staff to enter the
1. The rights granted to the franchisee. Thepremises to inspect and see if the franchisor's
franchisee will be given the right as it applies tostandards are being maintained.
particular circumstances. As a franchisee there are•To purchase goods or products from the
certain rights that are extended to you.franchisor or his designated suppliers.
Your rights include:•To train your staff in the franchisor's
•Use of trademarks, trade names andmethods to ensure that they are neatly and
patents of the franchisor.appropriately clothed.
•Use of the brand image and the design and•Not to assign the franchise contract without
décor of the premises developed by thethe franchisor's consent.
franchisor.4. Trade restrictions. The restrictions imposed upon a
•Use of the franchisor's secret methods.franchisee may prohibit him or her from carrying on a
•Use of the franchisor's copyright materials.similar business except under franchise from the
•Use of recipes, formulae, specifications andfranchisor, taking staff away from other franchisees,
processes and methods of manufacture developedcarrying on a similar business in close proximity to
by the franchisor.other franchised businesses within that chain, and
•Conducting the franchised business upon orcontinuing, after termination of the franchise
from the agreed premises strictly in accordance withcontract, to use any of the franchisor's trade names,
the franchisor's methods and subject to thesecrets, and so forth.
franchisor's directions.5. Assignment/death of the franchisee. The
•Guidelines established by the franchisorfranchisee should ensure that in the event of death
regarding exclusive territorial rights.his/her personal representative or dependent will be
•Rights to obtain suppliers from nominatedable to keep the business going until one of them can
suppliers at special prices.qualify as a franchisee, and that arrangements can be
2. The obligation undertaken by the franchisor. Thismade to keep the business going until a suitable
item in the contract tells prospective franchiseesassignee can be found at a proper price.
what the franchisor will do for them both before and6. Termination provisions. The termination of a
after start-up. That is why this item frequently refersfranchise is an event heavily regulated by the
to specific contractual obligations detailed in thefranchise laws of 17 states. Franchise relationship laws
franchise agreement, which is attached to the UFOC.in many states specify the conditions under which a
3. The obligations imposed upon the franchisee.franchisor may terminate or refuse to renew the
Certain obligations are required of you by thefranchise, imposing a standard of "good cause,"
franchisor. These obligations include:"reasonable cause" or "just cause" as defined by
•To carry on the business franchised and nothose laws. Minimum advance notice usually has an
other business upon the approved and nominatedopportunity to cure the default and avoid
premises.terminations; notice ranges from five days to 90
•To observe certain minimum operating hours.days. Many states also specify circumstances under
•To pay a franchise fee.which the standard notice and cure requirements
•To follow the accounting system laid downneed not be met.
by the franchisor.In view of the close working relationship that must
•Not to advertise without prior approval ofexist between the franchisee and franchisor all
the advertisements by the franchisor.provisions must be stated clearly in the contract. In
•To use and display such point of salethis transaction, no small print should exist. Make sure,
advertising materials as the franchisor stipulates.if possible, the franchise contract contains provisions
•To maintain the premises in good, clean andthat are favorable for both you and the franchisor.
sanitary condition and to redecorate when required