Does the All County Acknowledgment Addendum require franchisees to confirm they have reviewed the Disclosure Document?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As you know, you and we are entering into a Franchise Agreement for the operation of an ALL COUNTY® franchise. The purpose of this Acknowledgment Addendum is to determine whether any statements or promises were made to you that we have not authorized or that may be untrue, inaccurate or misleading, and to be certain that you understand the limitations on claims that may be made by you by reason of the offer and sale of the franchise and operation of your business. Please review each of the following questions carefully and provide honest responses to each question.
Please sign and date this Receipt (with the date you received the Franchise Disclosure Document) and if you received it electronically via email, also: Open the attached Franchise Disclosure Document to verify that you can download it; then immediately Reply to All, with a cc to the email address listed on the cover page of this Franchise Disclosure Document, stating that you received and downloaded this Franchise Disclosure Document.
This Disclosure Document summarizes certain provisions of the franchise agreement and other information in plain language. Read this disclosure document and all agreements carefully. If All County Property Franchise Management Corp. offers you a franchise, it must provide this Disclosure Document to you 14 calendar-days before you sign a binding agreement with, or make a payment to, the franchisor or an affiliate in connection with the proposed franchise sale.
New York law requires a franchisor to provide the Franchise Disclosure Document at the earlier of the first personal meeting or ten (10) business days before the execution of the franchise or other agreement or the payment of any consideration that relates to the franchise relationship. Michigan law requires that All County Property Franchise Management Corp. provides this franchise Disclosure Document at least 10 business days before the execution of any binding franchise or other agreement or the payment of any consideration, whichever occurs first.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Acknowledgment Addendum serves to verify that prospective franchisees have not received any unauthorized or misleading statements during the franchise sales process. It aims to ensure franchisees understand the limitations on claims they can make regarding the franchise offer and their business operations. The addendum requires franchisees to answer questions honestly, confirming they comprehend the terms and conditions of the franchise agreement.
The All County Franchise Disclosure Document also includes a receipt that franchisees must sign and date, acknowledging they received the FDD. If the document was received electronically, franchisees must verify they can download it and reply to all recipients of the email, including a CC to the email address on the cover page, confirming receipt and download of the FDD. This process ensures franchisees have access to and acknowledge receiving the necessary information.
In addition to the general acknowledgment and receipt, certain states like New York and Michigan have specific requirements regarding the timing of FDD delivery. These laws mandate that All County provides the FDD to prospective franchisees within a specific timeframe before they sign any binding agreements or make payments. This ensures franchisees have ample time to review the document and seek professional advice before committing to the franchise.