how franchise consultants help buyers
Franchise consultants help buyers by mapping goals to brands they represent and by setting up franchisor calls. They do not give legal opinions on the franchise agreement or independent financial projections. Most are paid by the franchisor when you sign. Use the help, then verify fees, performance claims, and outlet history in the FDD and with Item 20 franchisees.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
Help vs buyer work
| Help consultants often give | Work that stays with the buyer |
|---|---|
| Intake on budget, industry, and owner-operator vs manager models | Decide whether any franchise is the right vehicle |
| Introductions to represented brands | Contact brands that sell direct and never pay a broker |
| Calendar with the franchisor development team | Read the FDD; keep the 14-day wait |
| Process talk through discovery day | Attorney review of Item 22; accountant review of Items 7, 19, and 21 |
Related: do I need a franchise consultant, what does a franchise broker do.
Waiting period: FTC Consumer's Guide — 14 days.
SOURCE-PRINT
Counts and rule cites on this page are substrings that printed on the cited FTC URL on 25 Aug 2026. This site ships no consultant dollar and no commission percentage.
| Claim | URL | Printed substring |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| FTC Franchise Rule is 16 CFR Part 436 | ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/franchise-rule | 16 CFR Part 436 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do franchise consultants help buyers?
They map goals to brands they represent and set up franchisor calls. That is process help, not a legal opinion or an independent financial model.
What help should buyers still do themselves?
Read the FDD, hire an attorney and an accountant, and call current and former franchisees on the Item 20 list.
Does consultant help change the 14-day wait?
No. The FTC Consumer's Guide still requires the FDD at least 14 days before you sign or pay.
Who pays for that help?
Usually the franchisor, when you sign. Ask who pays them.