Starting in July 2008, the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC) will be replaced with the Franchise Disclosure Document. This is a legal document that must be provided by the franchisor to the prospective franchisee at least 14 calendar days before any agreement of sale is signed and finalized. This legal document is intended to provide prospective franchisees with enough information to help them make an educated decision about buying the franchise.

A franchise broker (also known as a franchise consultant) is an individual who acts as an intermediary between the franchisor and an individual interested in buying a franchise. In most cases a franchise broker is not directly employed by the franchisor and represents many different franchises. There is no fee incurred by the individual interested in buying a franchise. The franchise brokers are paid a commission by the franchisor.