how to choose a franchise consultant
Last updated: August 25, 2026
Selection checks
| Ask | Why it matters | Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays you? | Commission on close means a walk-away pays them nothing | FDD Items 5 and 7 for that brand |
| Do brands pay different amounts? | Higher-paying brands may get more airtime | Ask for a direct yes or no, then read the FDD |
| Will you show brands that pay you nothing? | Many brands sell direct and never appear in a broker book | Contact interesting brands yourself |
| Will you discuss a walk-away? | A consultant who cannot describe a no-buy still has one job: close | Your attorney and Item 20 franchisees |
/consultant-guide/ 308s here. Related: do I need a franchise consultant, are franchise consultants worth it.
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 should buyers evaluate a franchise consultant's recommendations?
Treat introductions as one input. Review that brand's FDD Items 5, 7, 19, and 20, call current and former franchisees from the Item 20 list, and hire your own attorney and accountant.
What should buyers ask about franchise consultant compensation?
Ask who pays the consultant, whether brands pay different amounts, whether they present brands that pay no referral fee, and whether they receive extra incentives for specific brands.
Do franchise buyers pay consultants directly?
Usually no. The common model is franchisor-paid commission on close. A minority of advisors charge the buyer a fee instead. Ask which model applies.
Where did /consultant-guide/ go?
https://franchisebuyersdesk.com/consultant-guide/ is a 308 to this stored prompt. The H1 is how to choose a franchise consultant.