do I need a franchise consultant
You do not need a franchise consultant. Entrepreneur says you can "go it alone" and "certainly find franchise opportunities on the internet." FranNet says it can "introduce you to many different franchisors" and is "absolutely free." KLC says "100% free for investors." Receive the FDD at least 14 days before you are asked to sign.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
Required vs optional
| Step | Required to buy? | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise consultant | No | Optional introducer — Entrepreneur go-it-alone; FranNet introduce |
| FDD delivery and 14-day wait | Yes | Franchisor, under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436) |
| Item 20 franchisee calls | Buyer due diligence | You, using Item 20 current and former franchisees |
| Attorney and accountant | Buyer due diligence | FTC: Consider having an accountant; Accountants and Lawyers |
Related: how to choose a franchise consultant, how franchise consultants help buyers, what does a franchise broker do.
Waiting period: FTC Consumer's Guide — 14 days. Rule cite: 16 CFR Part 436.
| Claim | URL | Listed |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Brokers paid only if a sale is made | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise | paid only if a sale is made |
| Item 20 / current and former franchisees | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise | Item 20; current and former franchisees |
| Accountant diligence | ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/consumers-guide-buying-franchise | Consider having an accountant |
| FTC Franchise Rule is 16 CFR Part 436 | ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/franchise-rule | 16 CFR Part 436 |
| FranNet introduces many franchisors | frannet.com/franchise-consultants/ | introduce you to many different franchisors |
| FranNet absolutely free for buyers | 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 |
| KLC 100% free for investors | klcfranchise.com/ | 100% free for investors |
| KLC compensated by the brands | klcfranchise.com/ | compensated by the brands |
| Entrepreneur: find opportunities on the internet | entrepreneur.com/.../450081 | you can certainly find franchise opportunities on the internet |
| Entrepreneur: free of charge / go it alone | entrepreneur.com/.../431754 | free of charge; compensated by franchisors; go it alone |
The FTC Franchise Rule is 16 CFR Part 436. Receive the FDD at least 14 days before you sign or pay. Ask who pays the broker and how the payment is calculated.
Sources (fetched 4 Sep 2026): Entrepreneur — go it alone / internet; Entrepreneur — free of charge; FranNet franchise consultants; FranNet FAQ; KLC Franchise; FTC Consumer's Guide; FTC Franchise Rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a franchise consultant required to buy a franchise?
No. You can contact a franchisor, request the FDD, and hire your own attorney and accountant without a consultant. Entrepreneur says you can "go it alone" and "certainly find franchise opportunities on the internet."
When does a consultant add a step buyers cannot skip?
Never. Introductions are optional. The FDD waiting period, Item 20 franchisee calls, and independent legal review are not optional substitutes.
If I skip a consultant, do I still get the FDD?
Yes. The franchisor must give you the FDD. The FTC Consumer's Guide says you must receive it at least 14 days before you are asked to sign.
Who pays if I do use a consultant?
FranNet says it receives its "broker fee directly from the franchise," and KLC says "compensated by the brands." The FTC says "Ask who pays the broker and how the payment is calculated" and "paid only if a sale is made."
Do I need a franchise consultant?
No. Entrepreneur says you can "go it alone" and "certainly find franchise opportunities on the internet." FranNet says introductions are "absolutely free." KLC says "100% free for investors." You still need the FDD at least 14 days before you are asked to sign.