FDD Review Call with the Franchisor

This is your chance to get crystal-clear answers from the franchise developer about the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Here’s how to ensure you’re well-prepared and protected:

Step 1: Prepare Your Questions

Send all your questions to the franchisor a few days in advance. This gives them time to prepare detailed answers and gather information if needed. You should have been writing questions down while you read the FDD so these questions are already prepared without you having to do any additional work.

Step 2: Insist on Complete Answers

Never settle for vague replies like, “I’m not sure.” Politely insist that they find the correct answer for you. They were given the questions in advance so they should have answers to everything, but it is possible they haven’t received a response from someone yet so jot down anything you need them to follow up on and send those items in an email after the call. Make it clear you won’t go to Discovery Day until you have these questions answered.

Step 3: Record the Conversation

Use a free call-recording tool like Fathom to capture the entire discussion. This ensures accuracy and lets you focus fully on the conversation, rather than on frantic note-taking.

• Why Record? It’s not about distrust—it’s about accuracy. A recorded call means you won’t miss crucial details.

Step 4: If Recording Isn’t Allowed

If the franchisor says "no" to recording:

• Take thorough notes during the call.

• Immediately email these notes back to the franchisor for confirmation.

This step protects you by creating a written record, ensuring everyone agrees on the details discussed.

Why Does This Matter?

Though it’s extremely rare, this documentation protects you if there's ever an issue regarding misrepresentation in the franchise discovery process. Think of it like insurance—you don't expect trouble, but you're protected just in case.

Stay proactive, prepared, and precise—your franchise success depends on it!

These articles are simple overviews of the franchise research process to know what to mentally prepare for as you begin the journey. If you want a guide that will give you the right questions to ask, at the right time, to the right person, you need to work with a Tracer Franchising broker. 

Click here to schedule a 30 minute intro call to begin your franchise research process. Our services are free since we are paid by the franchises. 

If you prefer to do the research solo, you can use the free Tracer Franchise Research app

All Steps in the Franchise Research Process

1. Franchise Education

2. Intro Call with Broker

3. Take the Matching Quiz and Follow up Interview

4. Franchise Presentation

5. Initial Call with Franchisors

6. Initial Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Research

7. Non-FDD Focused Calls

8. Start Funding Discussions

9. Financial Modeling

10. Speak to Franchisees (Validation)

11. FDD Deep Dive

12. FDD Review Call with Franchisor

13. Outside Research

14. Finalize Your Financial Model

15. Final Validation

16. Attorney and Accountant Review

17. Meet the Franchisor in Person (Discovery Day)

18. Making Your Decision- The Franchise Checklist