Section Three

Investigation Checklist

A typical franchise investigation takes 4-6 weeks. Use this checklist to stay on track and make sure you cover every important step along the way.

Process Completion Target Date

Complete

0 of 25 items completed

Week 1

Getting Started

0/6

Review top 3 franchise companiesReview company websites thoroughlyReview franchise information packagesHave initial conversation with franchise representativesReceive and begin reviewing FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document)Investigate financing options

Weeks 2 & 3

Deep Investigation

0/6

Conduct first detailed reviews of each companyStay on target with your investigation timelineUpdate this workbook with new informationReview key FDD sections (Items 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21)Discuss validation procedure with franchise representativeBegin validation calls with existing franchise owners

Weeks 3 & 4

Narrowing Down

0/9

Start Pros & Cons worksheets for each companyNarrow your choices to 1-2 companiesContinue validation callsFormulate income and expense projectionsReview the Franchise Agreement in detailFinish all validation callsList any remaining questionsFinalize financing arrangementsPrepare for Discovery Day

Weeks 5 & 6

Decision Time

0/4

Visit franchisor for Discovery DayGet all final questions answeredMake your decisionSign franchise agreement (if proceeding)

Your progress is automatically saved as you check items.