are franchise consultants worth it
A franchise consultant is worth the time for introductions, not as a substitute for diligence. FranNet says "absolutely free" and can "introduce you to many different franchisors." KLC says "100% free for investors." The FTC says "Ask who pays the broker," then wait "at least 14 days before you are asked to sign" and call Item 20 franchisees.
Last updated: September 5, 2026
Worth it vs not
| Situation | Consultant useful? | Still required |
|---|---|---|
| Exploring industries you have not operated | Introductions can save search time. FranNet: "introduce you to many different franchisors." Glover: "We will introduce you to the franchisors" | FTC Item 20 "current and former franchisees" |
| You already picked a brand | Usually no — contact the franchisor. Entrepreneur says you can "go it alone." | FTC "at least 14 days before you are asked to sign" |
| You need a yes/no on the contract | No — consultants introduce brands; they are not your counsel | Your attorney |
| You need a financial model | No | Your accountant using FTC "Initial and Ongoing Costs (FDD Items 5-7)" and Item 19 |
| You want brand matching help | Yes for introductions. Sidekick: "match you with a business that aligns with your goals and lifestyle." FranServe: "pair you with a dedicated franchise consultant." | FTC: "Ask who pays the broker and how the payment is calculated" |
Related: do I need a franchise consultant, how to choose a franchise consultant, how franchise consultants help buyers.
Waiting period: FTC Consumer's Guide — 14 days. Rule cite: 16 CFR Part 436.
| Claim | URL | Listed |
|---|---|---|
| Ask who pays the broker | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise | Ask who pays the broker and how the payment is calculated |
| FDD at least 14 days before sign or pay | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise | at least 14 days before you are asked to sign |
| Brokers paid only if a sale is made | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise | paid only if a sale is made |
| Read each of the 23 numbered Items | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise | Read each of the 23 numbered |
| FDD Items 5-7 initial and ongoing costs | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise | Initial and Ongoing Costs (FDD Items 5-7) |
| Item 19 financial performance representations | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise | Financial Performance Representations (FDD Item 19) |
| Item 20 growth and owner turnover charts | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise | Item 20 provides charts showing growth and owner turnover |
| Current and former franchisees | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise | current and former franchisees |
| FTC Franchise Rule is 16 CFR Part 436 | ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/franchise-rule | 16 CFR Part 436 |
| FranNet consulting cost is zero / absolutely free | frannet.com/faq/ | Zero. Working with FranNet is absolutely free. |
| FranNet broker fee from the franchise | frannet.com/faq/ | broker fee directly from the franchise |
| FranNet introduces many different franchisors | frannet.com/franchise-consultants/ | introduce you to many different franchisors |
| FranNet at no cost and no obligation | frannet.com/franchise-consultants/ | at no cost and no obligation to you |
| KLC consulting 100% free for investors | klcfranchise.com/ | 100% free for investors |
| KLC compensated by the brands | klcfranchise.com/ | compensated by the brands |
| KLC adds no cost to you | klcfranchise.com/ | adds no cost to you |
| Entrepreneur: free of charge | entrepreneur.com/.../431754 | free of charge |
| Entrepreneur: compensated by franchisors on close | entrepreneur.com/.../431754 | compensated by franchisors upon the close of a sale |
| Entrepreneur: go it alone | entrepreneur.com/.../431754 | go it alone |
| Entrepreneur: find opportunities on the internet | entrepreneur.com/.../450081 | certainly find franchise opportunities on the internet |
| Glover provides free franchise consulting services | gloverfranchising.com/ | provides free franchise consulting services |
| Glover will introduce you to the franchisors | gloverfranchising.com/ | We will introduce you to the franchisors |
| Candidate does NOT pay anything additional (Glover disclosure) | gloverfranchising.com/broker_disclosure_document.asp | The candidate does NOT pay anything additional to work with a franchise consultant. |
| Franchise company pays consultant on executed agreement (Glover) | gloverfranchising.com/broker_disclosure_document.asp | The franchise company pays the consultant if it results in an executed franchise agreement. |
| CTA ten questions to ask any franchise consultant | ctacquisitions.com/franchise-consultants-how-to-vet/ | ten questions to ask any franchise consultant before you accept brand introductions |
| CTA paid only if you sign | ctacquisitions.com/franchise-consultants-how-to-vet/ | the consultant is paid only if you sign |
| Sidekick matches goals and lifestyle | franchisesidekick.com/ | match you with a business that aligns with your goals and lifestyle |
| FranServe pairs a dedicated franchise consultant | franserve.com/ | pair you with a dedicated franchise consultant who’ll help you explore your options |
| FranServe help all 100% free | franserve.com/ | all 100% free |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are franchise consultants worth it?
Worth the time for introductions, not as a substitute for diligence. FranNet says "absolutely free" and can "introduce you to many different franchisors." KLC says "100% free for investors." The FTC says "Ask who pays the broker," then wait "at least 14 days before you are asked to sign" and call Item 20 franchisees.
What is the usual cost to the buyer?
Usually nothing out of pocket. FranNet says "Zero. Working with FranNet is absolutely free." KLC says "100% free for investors" and is "compensated by the brands." The FTC says "Ask who pays the broker and how the payment is calculated."
When is a consultant not worth it?
When you already have a target brand, when you need a legal opinion, or when the consultant will not discuss a walk-away. Entrepreneur says you can "go it alone" and "certainly find franchise opportunities on the internet." Keep your own attorney and accountant for diligence.
Does walking away cost the consultant?
On the common commission model, yes. The FTC says brokers are "paid only if a sale is made." CT Acquisitions says "the consultant is paid only if you sign." Glover's disclosure says "The franchise company pays the consultant if it results in an executed franchise agreement." That is why independent FDD review matters.
Can I go it alone, and what about the 14-day wait?
Yes. Entrepreneur says you can "go it alone" and "certainly find franchise opportunities on the internet." The FTC still requires the FDD "at least 14 days before you are asked to sign," and Item 20 lists "current and former franchisees" to call.