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The Truth Behind “Free” Franchise Consulting: How the FTC’s New Rule Impacts Franchise Brokers, FSOs, and Franchisors

The Truth Behind “Free” Franchise Consulting: How the FTC’s New Rule Impacts Franchise Brokers, FSOs, and Franchisors By Joe Caruso In a landmark move to protect consumers and raise the standard of honesty in marketing, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a final rule prohibiting deceptive practices in the use of endorsements, testimonials, and…

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An FTC Broken Windows & Minor Cheats Policing Approach Is the Sensible Path to Franchise Sales Compliance

By Joe Caruso The Problem: Minor Cheats Have Become the Norm In today’s hyper-competitive franchise recruitment environment, the lines of legality and ethical conduct are increasingly blurred. Minor cheats, especially in the form of unlawful Item 19 FPRs (Earnings Claims), have moved from occasional infractions to systemic practices. Franchise sellers, including franchisors, brokers, and Franchise…

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Responsible Franchising in the Age of Viral Earnings Claims

How Today’s Franchise Content Is Stretching FPRs and What Ethical Brands Must Do to Regain Control Franchise development has entered a new era. Financial data no longer stays inside Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Today, these numbers are being repackaged, reinterpreted, and redeployed across email campaigns, social media posts, sales decks, podcasts,…

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The Responsible Franchising Way to Make FPR Earnings Claims in Your Franchise Recruitment Marketing

By Joe Caruso Franchise development is more competitive than ever. With aggressive lead-generation goals, expanding pipelines, and mounting pressure to stand out, many franchisors, along with their sales teams, brokers, FSOs, PR firms, and marketing agencies, are deploying Financial Performance Representations (FPRs) across dozens of digital and in-person marketing channels. Used responsibly, FPRs are tools…

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Always Be Conversing: A LinkedIn Strategy for Reluctant Sellers and Real Pros

Whether you’re a franchise brand trying to recruit quality candidates or a supplier selling into franchise systems, LinkedIn has become an essential platform for visibility, credibility, and commercial connection. But most people miss the simplest and most effective strategy available: start conversations. That doesn’t mean pitching in the comments or broadcasting another press release.It means…

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The MUMBO Disconnect: Why Enterprise Operators Skip Investing in Your Franchise Brand

You built a successful franchise, but if multi-unit, multi-brand operators (MUMBOs) aren’t lining up, your marketing isn’t speaking their language. Here’s what’s missing. The Missed Opportunity in Modern Franchise Development In today’s franchise world, everyone is chasing the same high-value target:Multi-Unit, Multi-Brand Operators, also known as MUMBOs. These sophisticated investors bring capital, infrastructure, and growth…

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AI and Franchise Sales: Driving Smarter Decisions, Avoiding Costly Errors

How franchisors can leverage AI to enhance sales processes while mitigating risks The rise of AI and automation is reshaping industries worldwide, and franchising is no exception. From lead generation to candidate engagement, the potential for efficiency and scale is immense. However, the promise of AI often blurs the distinction between meaningful investments and tools…

The Price of Poor Preparation: Why U.S. Franchising & Brand Expansion Demands Market Readiness
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The Price of Poor Preparation: Why U.S. Franchising & Brand Expansion Demands Market Readiness

Unlocking Opportunities in the U.S. Market Expanding into the U.S. market is a transformative opportunity for franchisors, offering access to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies. However, entering this competitive landscape requires a thoughtful approach that balances vision, strategy, and execution. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for international and domestic franchisors…

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Selecting the Right Advisors: Best Practices for Aspiring and Established Franchisors

Franchising is a powerful model for growth, but building a successful franchise brand whether in the U.S. or internationally—requires more than just ambition. It demands guidance from seasoned professionals who know the ins and outs of franchising. Whether you’re an established franchisor looking to refine your system or an aspiring franchisor preparing to launch, finding…

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The Hidden Cost of Weak Standards: Why Franchisees Need Financial Cushioning

Franchising is a proven path to business ownership, offering a blueprint for success through a strong brand and operational support. But beneath the surface lies a critical challenge that many franchisors overlook: weak financial standards for prospective franchisees. Insufficient requirements for available cash and net worth can lead to cascading problems for franchisees and, ultimately,…

Why International Brands Fail in the U.S. Market: The Crucial Step They Skip
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Why International Brands Fail in the U.S. Market: The Crucial Step They Skip

Expanding into the U.S. market is a significant milestone for many international brands. With its vast consumer base and economic influence, the U.S. presents immense growth opportunities. Yet, many brands falter in their attempts to establish a foothold. Why? They often skip a critical step: achieving a “proof of concept.” Here’s why this oversight proves…

Expanding Your Franchise to the U.S.: A Step-by-Step Guide for U.S. and International Brands
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Expanding Your Franchise to the U.S.: A Step-by-Step Guide for U.S. and International Brands

Objective: Build a Durable Investment-Worthy Franchise Offering that Works in the U.S. Marketplace Whether your franchise concept originated in the U.S. or abroad, expanding into the U.S. market offers a significant growth opportunity. However, this requires meticulous preparation and strategic financial investment. With the support of an experienced franchise team, this step-by-step guide will walk…

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Selling Franchises: The Power of People, Process, Technology, and a Strong Franchise Value Proposition

Franchise sales are complex and time-consuming. It’s not just about finding someone to buy in; it’s about building a long-term durable relationship that people can be proud of. The key to success lies in aligning four crucial elements: people, process, technology, and a strong Franchise Value Proposition (FVP). Get these right, and you’ll close deals….

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Franchise Success: Choosing the Right Attorney to Expand Your Business, Become a Franchisor, and Have a Competitive Advantage

The path to franchising your business and becoming a successful franchisor requires more than just compliance—it demands strategic foresight and the right legal guidance to expand with confidence. Whether you’re a domestic company or an international business looking to enter the U.S. market, selecting the right attorney is essential. The right legal partner will not…

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