2021 Year In Review: What Did We Learn About the Franchise Industry?
Dec 29, 2021 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |Each year we publish dozens of articles for current and prospective franchisees. This year was no different. In 2021, our articles covered topics ranging from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to buying a franchise at resale, and we published an in-depth three-part series on Understanding Your Franchise Agreement. Here is a look back at some of our franchisee law firm’s top articles from the year.
Top 5 Reasons NOT to Sign a Franchise Agreement Without an Attorney
Dec 24, 2021 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |When buying a franchise, there are lots of reasons to rely on professional legal advice. If you decide to move forward, you will be making a substantial long-term investment; and, while you will have control of your own destiny to an extent, your ability to succeed will depend heavily on your franchisor’s infrastructure, systems and support. A franchise attorney can help you make informed decisions, and your attorney can also help you avoid signing away rights that you can (and should) keep.
Should You Buy a “Hot” Franchise in 2022?
Dec 22, 2021 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |Entrepreneur Magazine recently released its list of The Hottest Franchise Categories of 2022. According to the article accompanying the list, “most of the categories we chose this year grew in reaction to new, pandemic-fueled needs. . . . But in 2022, we expect a lot of franchise growth to be driven by the need—or at least the desire—to get back to some semblance of ‘normal.’” In this article, franchise lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein shares his thoughts on Entrepreneur Magazine’s picks as well as some of his own insights on choosing a category to target as a prospective franchisee.
What are Post-Termination Obligations in Franchising?
Dec 17, 2021 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |Buying a franchise is a long-term commitment. As a franchisee, not only are you required to comply with the terms of your franchise agreement (and the operations manual) for the duration of your franchise, but you will likely be required to comply with various post-termination obligations as well. National franchisee lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein explains.
Is a Franchise Operations Manual Legally Binding?
Dec 15, 2021 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |As a franchisee, there are two main documents that tell you what you can and can’t do: the franchise agreement and the operations manual. You signed the franchise agreement when you purchased your franchise, so you know it’s binding. But, what about the operations manual? National franchisee attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein explains.
Understanding Your Franchise Agreement – Part 3
Nov 30, 2021 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |Understanding Your Franchise Agreement is our three-part series covering 15 key provisions of the franchise agreement for prospective franchisees. As a franchisee law firm, we have represented clients considering all types of franchises, and we have reviewed franchise agreements from franchisors in every segment of the industry. Parts 1 and 2 of the series covered opening, territory rights, term and renewal, fees, and operating standards. Here in Part 3, we cover transfer, termination, post-termination, dispute resolution and “miscellaneous” terms.
Understanding Your Franchise Agreement – Part 2
Nov 24, 2021 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |Understanding Your Franchise Agreement is our three-part series covering 15 key provisions of the franchise agreement for prospective franchisees. As a franchise law firm, we have represented clients considering all types of franchises, and we have reviewed franchise agreements from franchisors in every segment of the industry. Part 1 of the series covered five key provisions at the beginning of the franchise agreement. Here in Part 2, we cover franchise fees, operating standards and renewal.
Understanding Your Franchise Agreement – Part 1
Nov 19, 2021 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |Several years ago, we published a popular three-part guide titled, Understanding Your Franchisor’s FDD. As its name suggests, this guide provides an in-depth look at what franchisees need to know about their franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Now, we’re taking the same approach to the franchise agreement. In this three-part series, franchise lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein breaks down 15 key contract provisions that govern most franchise relationships.
Is There a Way Out if My Franchise Isn’t Profitable?
Nov 17, 2021 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |Buying a franchise is not a guarantee of success. Many franchisees barely earn enough to pay themselves a modest salary, and some never become profitable. Of course, the pandemic has forced many franchisees into the red as well. If your franchise isn’t profitable, is there a way out? Franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein explains.
Are You Considering a Home Services Franchise?
Nov 12, 2021 - Blog by Goldstein Law Firm |It seems that lots of people are buying home services franchises. According to the Franchise Times, franchisors in the home services sector saw a 5.6 percent increase in total sales in 2020, and many brands in the sector have seen strong growth figures in 2021. If you are thinking about buying a home services franchise, here are some key considerations from franchisee lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein.