Advice when starting on freelancer website

The franchise agreement is essentially a legal document between the franchisor and you (the franchisee). It is a legal binding agreement. It explains in detail what the franchisor expects from you, as a franchisee, in the way you operate every facet of the business. There is no standard form of franchise agreement because the terms, conditions, and the methods of operations of various franchises vary widely depending on the type of business.

Now, more about what you will find in the pages of the franchise agreement. Here are 10 fundamental provisions outlined in some form or fashion in every franchise agreement:

• Location/territory. The franchise agreement will designate the territory in which you will operate and outline any exclusivity rights you may have.
• Operations. This section details how franchisees are expected to run their units.
• Training and ongoing support. Franchisors offer training and training programs for franchisees and their staff. Training may take place at corporate offices or out in the field. All ongoing administrative and technical support will also be outlined in the agreement.
• Duration. The document will detail the length of the duration of the franchise agreement.
• Franchise fee/investment. There will generally be an upfront initial franchise fee that grants the franchisee the right to use the franchisor's trademark and operating system. Those costs will be clearly outlined.
• Royalties/ongoing fees. Here you will find the details of the franchisor's royalty structure. Most franchisors require franchisees to pay an ongoing royalty, usually a percentage of total sales, which is often paid on a monthly basis.
• Trademark/patent/signage. This section will outline how a franchisee can use the franchisor's trademark, patent, logo and signage.
• Advertising/marketing. The franchisor will reveal its advertising commitment and what fees franchisees are required to pay towards those costs.