Wouldn’t it be great if we took a page out of Disney’s book and everything finished with a happy ending? Unfortunately, real life doesn’t include fairy godmothers, genies, and an endless stream of happy endings. In the franchising world, disputes happen. When they can’t be resolved in-house, the two parties end up in litigation.

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in the midst of a marketing revolution. With the rise of social media, video, and whatever the next new platform brewing below the surface is, businesses can easily get overwhelmed when putting together a marketing plan. Yet, effective marketing becomes increasingly important in the face of stiff competition and crowded marketplaces.

So you’ve found a franchise you want to buy into and are eager to jumpstart the process. Then comes navigating all the paperwork. At this point, you’ll be introduced to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). If you’ve never studied law, this is likely the most legalese you’ve ever seen.

Let’s be frank for a moment. The Financial Performance Representations, item #19 in the FDD, carry serious weight in determining if you purchase a franchise. It addresses the burning question driving every prospective buyer, “How much will I make running this franchise?”