Insights by bill beckham
— A 27-year finance exec, franchise owner, and founder of Franchise Clarity. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you invest…
Franchise Failures Are More Common Than You Think
Franchising is often positioned as a safer way to own a business—brand recognition, a proven model, training, and support all bundled into one package. Compared to starting from scratch, it feels like the odds are in your favor.
But here’s what rarely makes it into the sales pitch: franchise failures happen more often than most people think.
roi math: what item 19 really tells you (and what it doesn’t)
For many prospective franchisees, Item 19 is the most scrutinized part of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
On the surface, it looks like a shortcut to understanding how much money you might make. But here’s the reality: Item 19 is a starting point — not a conclusion. And reading it at face value can lead to costly assumptions.
Why the FDD Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is meant to protect buyers. It’s long. It’s legally required. It looks official.
But here’s the truth: The FDD is a starting point, not the full story.