Franchise Guides

Plain Franchise's guides are written by editors who have read FDDs in production for years, validated against FTC Franchise Rule guidance and SBA Franchise Registry data, and updated when material disclosure regulation changes. We do not accept payment from franchisors for guide placement, and we do not earn commissions on franchise sales. Every guide cites primary FDD items rather than secondary sources where the disclosure data is the authoritative answer. Guides are intended for prospective franchisees during the cooling-off period, journalists covering franchise topics, and small-business advisors evaluating opportunities for clients. Nothing on this site is investment, legal, or tax advice — every franchise commitment requires independent counsel from a qualified franchise attorney and a CPA familiar with the specific franchise structure and the operator's financial position.